How do I write a literature review step by step?

The short answer

A literature review maps existing research on your topic, identifies gaps, and organizes themes—not a list of summaries. Search systematically, synthesize, and show where your work fits.

Strategies that work

• Define scope: time range, disciplines, and key terms.
• Search databases with Boolean keywords; track searches in a log.
• Group sources by theme, method, or debate—not author by author only.
• Compare and contrast findings; note contradictions and gaps.
• End with how your project addresses an open question.

Mistakes to avoid

• Annotated bibliography disguised as a review.
• Ignoring recent or seminal works in the field.
• No critical evaluation of study quality.

Put it into practice this week

• Create a synthesis table: study, method, finding, limitation.
• Draft three thematic section headings before writing paragraphs.
• Write a gap paragraph linking to your research question.