英语论文网

What is the structure of a literature review? 文献综述的结构？
A literature review has an introduction, a body and a conclusion like most other writing you
do at university.
Introduction
In the introduction you should:
􀂃 define or identify the general topic, issue or area of concern
􀂃 point out overall trends in what has already been published
􀂃 establish your point of view for reviewing the literature
􀂃 indicate the organisation of the review.
Body
In the body you should:
􀂃 group research studies and other relevant literature according to a common theme
􀂃 summarise each item of the literature appropriately according to its significance
􀂃 compare and evaluate each item of the literature
􀂃 provide topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs and summary sentences at
the end of sections to help the reader understand what the main issues are.
Conclusion
In the conclusion you should:
􀂃 summarise the literature maintaining the focus presented in the introduction
􀂃 evaluate the current "state of the art", pointing out gaps in the literature,
inconsistencies and issues that are important for future study
􀂃 conclude by giving some insight into the relationship between your topic and a larger
area of study or area of professional practice.
What makes a good literature review?
A good literature review:
􀂃 clearly delimits the subject matter to be reviewed
􀂃 covers all important relevant literature
􀂃 is up-to-date
􀂃 provides an insightful analysis of the ideas and conclusions in the literature
􀂃 points out similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses in the literature
􀂃 identifies gaps in the literature for future research
􀂃 identifies the context for which the literature is important.