Literature Review Essay

Literature reviews are useful tools but they can be a little complex to write. Among planning the structure, looking for the right sources and collecting information, there are so many details to pay attention to. It gets hard to find a way to give the firsts steps. In this article, we tell you the best tips to write a great literature review.

What is a literature review?

A literature review is research that collects scholarly sources that can give an overview of a particular study subject. The intention is to list which are the most relevant studies and publications about the topic and display them with a structure. The objective of this paper is to show an organized bibliography that demonstrates the state of a topic in the academic world, a field of knowledge or subject of study.

Literature reviews are academic papers, and, as such, they should follow a particular structure, this is to keep a universal code in order to assure that any person can understand the information in them. To that end, every literature review must contain a general description of the publication, a summary of the main points, a space to explain the gaps in research and a final evaluation of the contribution the publication gave to the topic. A good literature review also includes information about different points in which diverse publications differ from one another.

The main utility that literature reviews have is that they are very handy when you need to inform yourself about a topic but don’t have the time to do thorough research. By reading a literature review, you can have the necessary information to gain a general knowledge of the subject, and it’s the best way to find relevant studies that will guide the rest of your research paper or academic investigation.

How to write a literature review?

It is not too easy to start writing a literature review. Since it’s an academic paper, it has a lot of rules and notions that must be taken into account that increase the complexity of the work. Also, you need to study every publication you intend to include. There are a lot of things but don’t panic because we are here to help. Let us give you the steps to write the best literature review possible:

  1. Define your objective: are you doing a profound study and will need the literature reviewas a resource? Or do you want to do it now and use it in the future? Maybe you want to study the topic and to write the review will make your learning more efficient. Decide and define what you need from the review.
  2. Structure the length. A literature review’s length will depend on the length of the paper, if your paper must have 5 pages, then the literature review should have between 2 and 3 pages. This also defines the number of publications you are going to review.
  3. Start your research: here’s where the hunting begins. Use books, internet, articles and any formal publication. Read as much as you can and take the authors’opinions regarding which studies are the most respectable and reliable. Takes notes while you are reading, they will be very useful later.
  4. Select the “ones”: once you have read enough, make a selection of the publications adequate for your review, organize them by priority and select useful quotes.
  5. Start writing: after you have all the research done, you just need to summarize what you have already read and organized it in an adequate structure for a literature review.

The structure of a literature review

The structure of a literature review should obey some academic writing parameters that will depend on the type of format you are giving to it. Here are the most commons.

  • The chronological format, in which publications are organized according to the order of the events it studied.
  • The methodological format, in which publications are organized according to the research methods that were used to perform it.
  • The thematic format that structures the publications according to the similarity of the informationthey provide and subjects that were studied.
Read More
We've found 11023 essays on Literature

Essay examples

Essay topics

information

Reflection in Philippine Literature

After 7 years I continued my studies, I am excited on the first day of school, because for me this new test in my life, My first subject is “Philippine Literature in English (Phil. lit. )”, there was a lady entered in our classroom, I …

LiteraturePhilippines
Words 987
Pages 4
Characteristics of Philippine Literature

Philippine literature is the literature associated with the Philippines and includes the legends of prehistory, and the colonial legacy of the Philippines. Most of the notable literature of the Philippines was written during the Spanish period and the first half of the 20th century in …

LiteraturePhilippines
Words 1031
Pages 4
Literature Review on Library Management System

Most of the research and writings on library management have focused on academic libraries and only recently has there been more interest in the administration of public libraries. The skill and style of public library managers – the directors, branch managers, and department and service …

LibraryLiteratureManagement
Words 1089
Pages 4
Haven’t found the relevant content? Hire a subject expert to help you with
Essays on Literature
$35.80 for a 2-page paper
Get custom paper
essays on topic icon
Biographical Criticism: To Build a Fire by Jack London

The short story “To Build a Fire” is not the typical man versus man struggle. It is more of a man versus nature, or in other perspective, a man versus himself struggle. It only has two characters, a man and a dog, both traversing a …

Build A FireFireLiterature
Words 80
Pages 1
The Evolution of Philippine Literature

Though relatively young compared to other world literatures, Philippine literature has come a long way in evolving from the early forms of folklore literature to the contemporary literature we know today. The changing times and the cultural influences brought about by both the foreign and …

LiteraturePhilippines
Words 792
Pages 3
Single Parenthood: Literature Review

This paper will look at the different research that has already been conducted on single parenthood. Possible research topics could be how single-parent families differ in their structure or financially, in contrast to households with two parents. Articles may also discuss the impact of single-parent …

FamilyLiteratureParentingPoverty
Words 1651
Pages 7
Local Literature

A significant amount of literature is available on inventory systems. A majority of the findings are derived from experiences in the US, Japan and Western Europe. Some inventory systems however, can be affected by variations in local conditions such as infrastructure, customs, duties, and regulations. …

InfrastructureLiteratureSingaporeTax
Words 424
Pages 2
The Man With the Scar Analysis

The story “The Man with the Scar” I would like to speak about is written by W. Somerset Maugham who is one of the most popular and widely read English writers. He wrote novels, short stories, plays and most of them had a great commercial …

LiteratureShort Story
Words 952
Pages 4
Literature Review on “An Echo in the Bone” by Denis Scott

In May 1974, the first performance of Dennis Scott’s “An Echo in the Bone” was staged by the Drama Society at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in Jamaica. The play deals with the destructive impact slavery has left on the history of …

LiteratureSlavery
Words 1068
Pages 4
Reflections in Westminster Abbey, by Joseph Addison

William Thackeray said of Joseph Addison that he “deserved as much love and esteem as can be justly claimed by any of our infirm and erring race. ” Thomas Macaulay described Addison’s periodical essays as “perhaps the finest in the English language. ” And Samuel …

CultureLiteratureNorthanger Abbey
Words 366
Pages 2
Literature Oregano

Oregano (Scientific name: Origanum vulgare) is also known as Wild Marjoram, Mountain Mint, Origanum, Wintersweet and Winter Marjoram. This erectly spreading plant has strong aromatic characteristics, with leaves and stems that are fleshy. The leaves of oregano are heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and which, grow …

InfectionLiteratureMedicine
Words 1742
Pages 7
The Grasshopper And The Bell Cricket Summary And Review

Literary techniques are often used by authors to enhance the effect of their work. “The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket” by Yasunari Kawabata uses strong symbolism to reinforce development of the theme. This story displays a theme of love and acceptance similar to that of …

Literature
Words 525
Pages 2
Lumber-Room Essay

lumber-room The story under analysis was written by Hector Munro, a British novelist and a short-story writer. After his parents’ death he was brought up by a grandmother and two aunts, one of them was a woman of ungovernable temper, of fierce likes and dislikes, …

LiteratureMetaphorWriter
Words 1298
Pages 5
Philippine Literature during American Period: Education and English Language as Catalysts

Philippine Literature during the American Period DR. LILIA QUINDOZA-SANTIAGO| | | Philippine literary production during the American Period in the Philippines was spurred by two significant developments in education and culture. One is the introduction of free public instruction for all children of school age …

LiteraturePhilippines
Words 9719
Pages 36
Marketing Mix – Literature Review and Company Example

Marketers develop strategies for each of these components to facilitate mutually satisfying exchanges with a target market. (Lamb et al, 2009). Each or all of the components are variable and may be fine tuned, depending on external and internal influences, to achieve the best blend …

CompanyLiteratureMarketing
Words 4662
Pages 17
Review of Related Literature and Studies

This Chapter presents the conceptual framework of the study that determines the relationship of Entrepreneurial Management and Operation of Small Business in General Santos City. Conceptual Framework Despite the financial slump experienced everywhere, the wheels of our local economy continue to turn as our development …

EntrepreneurshipInnovationLiterature
Words 4093
Pages 15
The Little Match Girl

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) is a Danish author, fairy tale writer, and poet noted for his children’s stories. Although during his lifetime he was acclaimed for having delighted children worldwide, his stories were always meant for adults as well. His poetry and stories have been …

Fairy TaleLiterature
Words 1037
Pages 4
Literature Review on Brand Awareness

Definition of ‘Brand Awareness’ The likelihood that consumers recognize the existence and availability of a company’s product or service. Creating brand awareness is one of the key steps in promoting a product Brand Awareness is the extent to which a brand is recognized by potential customers, and is correctly associated with …

AwarenessBrandLiterature
Words 1321
Pages 5
Review Related Literature

Review of Related Literature Introduction This review of related literature focuses on how to process used to automate a sales order fulfillment process. Such a system contains a list of order to be filled, and then prompts workers to pick the necessary items, and provides …

EpidemiologyLiterature
Words 572
Pages 3
Difference of Drama and Prose fiction

Often times, drama has been confused with prose fiction by several people. As a student of literature, I have seen so many people confuse the two together. Sometimes they say; “it’s all the same”. The question is this true? If not, what are the differences …

FictionLiterature
Words 80
Pages 1
The Influence of the Renaissance on English Literature

Introduction: It is difficult to date or define the Renaissance. Etymologically the term, which was first used in England only as late as the nineteenth century, means’ “re-birth”. Broadly speaking, the Renaissance implies that re-awakening of learning which came to Europe in the fourteenth and …

English LiteratureLiteratureRenaissance
Words 2567
Pages 10
Facility Management: A Literature Review

Facility Management: A Literature Review 1. Introduction Firms commonly manage resources such as human resources, financial, information and products that have been significant for the competitiveness, profitability and sustainability of the business. However, there is another resource or asset which has not been discussed and …

DesignLiteratureOutsourcing
Words 3230
Pages 12
Reunion by John Cheever

This essay is going to be an analysis and interpretation of the short story ‘’Reunion’’ by John Cheever. It will begin with a summary of the short story. Afterward the plot, the conflict and the setting will be analyzed. Then I’ll move on to the …

FictionLiteraturePoliticsShort Story
Words 92
Pages 1
Uneasy Homecoming

In the short story Uneasy Homecoming written by Will F Jenkings, Connie is the first character introduced in the story, and is the protagonist; the antagonist in the short story is Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Wilson’s son. After we are introduced to the characters we …

FictionLiterature
Words 393
Pages 2
Importance, Highlights of the 20th Century English Literature

The Importance of the 20th Century Literature The dawning of a new century marked a distinct change in the style and subjects of literature. Rural, agrarian lifestyles were fast becoming a thing of the past as industrialization made factory work the norm, and many people …

20th CenturyEnglish LiteratureLiterature
Words 483
Pages 2
Caribbean Literature

The evolution of Caribbean Literature started centuries before the Europeans graced these shores and continue to develop today. Quite noticeably, it developed in a manner that transcended all language barriers and cultures. Today the languages of the Caribbean are rooted in that of the colonial …

CaribbeanCubaLiteratureWriter
Words 1464
Pages 6
Literature Analysis of Poem Chicago by Carl Sandburg

“Chicago” by Carl Sandburg is a poem written to describe the everyday lives of Chicagoans. Sandburg uses poetic devices such as similes, personification, and imagery to emphasize parts of the poem, which helps him show his love and pride for the city of Chicago. Imagery …

CultureLiteraturePoetry
Words 549
Pages 2
Related Literature-Inventory System

Inventory control systems maintain information about activities within firms that ensure the delivery of products to customers. The subsystems that perform these functions include sales, manufacturing, warehousing, ordering, and receiving. In different firms the activities associated with each of these areas may not be strictly …

DatabaseLiteratureWarehouse
Words 1224
Pages 5
Review of Related Literature

This chapter includes the review of related literature and studies. This will give more information about the study. The Online Grading Inquiry System is a dynamic system designed to provide the grades, profile and information about Administrator, Faculty, and Students in a simple and sensitive …

LiteratureTeacher
Words 88
Pages 1
Pyramus and Thisbe

The tragic story of Pyramus and Thisbe was told by Ovid in metamorphes. The tale is about two young lovers, Pyramus and Thisbe. The couple falls in love as they grow up, but everyone is against their love including their parents. The outcome of their …

Literature
Words 1067
Pages 4
check icon

Find extra essay topics on Literature Review Essay by our writers.

Literature broadly is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, much of which has been transcribed.
Information


Theme

A literary theme is the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a novel, short story, or other literary work. The theme of a story can be conveyed using characters, setting, dialogue, plot, or a combination of all of these elements.


Voice

In literature, the voice expresses the narrator or author's emotions, attitude, tone and point of view through artful, well thought out use of word choice and diction. A piece of literature's voice is one of its most defining and important features and can completely change the way a story is read and received.


Structure

What is structure in literature? The definition of literary structure is that it is the organization of a story's various elements, including plot, characters, and themes. It forms a frame that helps a reader understand how a story's elements tie together.


Literature classics

  • Nineteen Eighty‑Four
  • Pride and Prejudice
  • The Great Gatsby
  • The Catcher in the Rye
  • Little Women

Literary short stories

  • Araby
  • The Tell‑Tale Heart
  • The Gift of the Magi
  • The Lottery
  • The Necklace

Frequently asked questions

How do you start a literature essay?
It will depend on the particular literature essay you are writing. However, there are some general tips that you can follow to help you get started.First, you will need to choose the piece of literature you wish to write about. Once you have decided on this, you should then read the piece several times, paying close attention to the characters, plot, and themes. As you read, take notes on anything that you find interesting or significant.Once you have a good understanding of the literature you are writing about, you can start to formulate your own ideas and interpretations. These will form the basis of your essay. To develop your ideas further, you may wish to read other essays or articles about the same piece of literature, or consult a specialist in the field.Once you have a clear idea of what you want to say in your essay, you can start to plan and structure it. A good literature essay will typically have an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, you should introduce the reader to the literature you are writing about and present your main thesis or argument. The body of the essay should then develop your ideas further, using evidence and examples from the literature to support your points. Finally, the conclusion should summarise your main arguments and leave the reader with something to think about.
What is a literature essay?
A literature essay is a type of essay that analyzes, interprets, and criticizes a work of literature. It can be a book, a play, a poem, or any other type of literary work. A literature essay must be written in a formal, academic style and should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
How do you write a good literature essay?
There are some general guidelines that can help you get started.First, make sure you understand the prompt or question that you are being asked to answer. What are the specific requirements of the essay? What are the key concepts or ideas that you need to focus on? Once you have a good understanding of the task at hand, you can start brainstorming ideas and developing a thesis statement.Your thesis statement should be a concise, arguable claim that you will support with evidence from the text. Once you have your thesis, you can start planning and drafting your essay.When writing your essay, be sure to include textual evidence to support your claims. Quote and analyze passages from the text to illustrate your points. In addition, be sure to address counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the text.Finally, proofread and edit your essay before submitting it. Make sure that your argument is clear and well-supported, and that your writing is free of grammar and punctuation errors.
What should a literature essay include?
A literature essay should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.In the introduction, you should provide background information on the author and the work you are discussing. You should also present your thesis statement, which is the main argument of your essay.In the body paragraphs, you should discuss the key themes and ideas in the work. You should use evidence from the text to support your points.In the conclusion, you should summarize your main points and restate your thesis. You may also discuss the broader implications of the work or the author's place in the literary canon.

Save time and let our verified experts help you.

Hire writer