The length of a literature review varies depending on its purpose and audience. In a thesis or dissertation, the review is usually
a full chapter (at least 20 pages)
, but for an assignment it may only be a few pages. There are several ways to organize and structure a literature review.
How long a literature review should be?
In the absence of specific instructions about the length of a literature review, a general rule of thumb is that it
should be proportionate to the length of your entire paper
. If your paper is 15 pages long 2-3 pages might suffice for the literature review.
How long is a stand alone literature review?
As a rule of thumb, reviews should be
around 8,000 words
, not including tables and references. If your review is longer than this, the chances are that it would be improved by being edited down.
How many articles should be in a literature review?
Example: A stand-alone literature review that has 10 pages of content (the body of the paper) should examine
at least 30 sources
. These are not hard and fast rules by any means.
How many words should a literature review have?
If you are writing a Master's dissertation, your literature review should probably be around
2-3,000 words
, again depending on a wide range of factors. Ask your supervisor! If you are writing an undergraduate dissertation, your literature review will probably be about 2,000 words – but the same principle applies: ask!
How should a literature review look?
Consider organization. Just like most academic papers, literature reviews also must contain at least three basic elements: an
introduction or background information section
; the body of the review containing the discussion of sources; and, finally, a conclusion and/or recommendations section to end the paper.
What is literature review sample?
- Narrow your topic and select papers accordingly.
- Search for literature.
- Read the selected articles thoroughly and evaluate them.
- Organize the selected papers by looking for patterns and by developing subtopics.
- Develop a thesis or purpose statement.
- Write the paper.
- Review your work.
How long should a literature review be for a 10000 word dissertation?
One of the most crucial sections in a dissertation, the literature review, contains 30% of the total word count of the Dissertation. This means that if you are writing a dissertation of 10,000 words, then the literature review must be
3000 words
. In this section, our dissertation writing help experts.
What should not be included in a literature review?
Do
not include extended quotations
, and use direct quotes sparingly, if at all. The literature review is a synthesis and analysis of research on your topic in your own words. Most ideas can be and should be paraphrased. Professors sometimes perceive undue reliance on quotations as intellectual laziness.
How do you begin a literature review?
How is a lit review organized?
Begin by establishing context, or background
, for the argument explored in the rest of the paper. Convey to your reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic. Next, narrow the focus: Discuss literature that aligns with the specific focus of your paper.
How long should it take to write a 3000 word literature review?
Writing 3,000 words will take
about 1.3 hours for
the average writer typing on a keyboard and 2.5 hours for handwriting. However, if the content needs to include in-depth research, links, citations, or graphics such as for a blog article or high school essay, the length can grow to 10 hours.
How long does it take to write a 3000 word literature review?
Writing 3,000 words will take
about 1.3 hours
for the average writer typing on a keyboard and 2.5 hours for handwriting. However, if the content needs to include in-depth research, links, citations, or graphics such as for a blog article or high school essay, the length can grow to 10 hours.
How many pages is 1000 words?
A 1,000 word count will create about
2 pages single-spaced
or 4 pages double-spaced when using normal margins (1′′) and 12 pt. Arial or Times New Roman font.
How do you end a literature review?
The conclusion should not be burdened with an unnecessary chain of details. It should be
as precise and easy to understand as possible
. You should mention important key points and finding. Make sure to put all points in a flow so the reader can understand your researches in one go.
What are the main components of a literature review?
- a description of the publication;
- a summary of the publication's main points;
- a discussion of gaps in research;
- an evaluation of the publication's contribution to the topic.
What are the goals of literature review?
The purpose of a literature review is to
gain an understanding of the existing research and debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that knowledge in the form of a written report
. Conducting a literature review helps you build your knowledge in your field.
