Literature Review

LITERATURE REVIEW

Usually, a literature review is based on the following parts:

• Introduction: This step is where a writer introduces the readers to his/her idea or topic. A key point here is to be Brief. Moreover, the writer must give some suggestions on the direction in which he/she intends to take in his/her essay. Also, a writer should indicate the aspects of the book he/she intends to deal with.
• Paragraphing: In this phase of paragraphing a writer should identify very clearly around six distinct points he/she aims to make and the specific parts of the text that he/she proposes to examine in some detail. When writing the review he/she should devote one or two paragraphs to each point.  One key point here is to try to make smooth links between paragraphs i.e. each paragraph should relate to one another.
• Evidence: When a writer makes a point he/she must prove it. So he/she must provide evidence to prove the notes and observations he/she makes about characters, relationships, themes, style, etc. When he/she makes a point he/she should refer to the text. One key point here is to better still, use a quote.
• Quotes: Remember to present quotes correctly. Remember to introduce the quote with a colon and use quotation marks.
• Selection: The important thing is to be selective in the way a writer uses the text. One key point here is to avoid the trap of just re-telling the story. Also, refer only to those parts of the book that help to answer the question.
• Answer the question: it seems easy but actually it is not as it’s so easy to forget the question and go off at a tangent. When you have finished a paragraph read it through and ask yourself “How does this contribute to answering the question?” or “Whether it is beneficial to include this or not?” If it does not, change it so that it does address the question directly.
• Conclusion: At the end, try to draw all the elements and components of the various points together.
• Style: Keep it formal.  One key point here is to try to avoid making it chatty.
• Be creative: Remember a writer ought not to have to agree with other people’s points of view about literature. If a writer’s ideas are original or different and are clearly developed by the use of evidence intelligently and argue persuasively, his/her point of view will be respected.  One key point here is to be creative.