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Writing a Literature Review

Includes definitions, approaches to literature reviews, finding sources, organizing the literature review, and practical tips.

Practical advice

  1. There is no such thing as a perfect first draft.
  2. Set a deadline for completing the literature review -- then meet your deadline.
  3. Use the required format from the time you begin writing.
  4. Keep a working bibliography.
  5. Remember, good writing informs the reader about what you are going to say, says it, then summarizes what you have said.
  6. Attach a cover sheet to anything you print or copy -- put the bibliographic information on the cover sheet and include important information or notes about the general content, theories, findings, or instruments detailed in the item.