Literature Review
A literature review is an objective, concise, and critical summary of existing research. When writing, organise your content around key themes and use headings or topic sentences to signal the structure. Only include relevant studies and synthesise rather than simply listing them. Use summary sentences to help readers understand how each section connects to the overall topic.
Place background information where it is most helpful for readers. Do not just point to the existence of literature; discuss the methods or findings of the studies. Stay objective but avoid turning the review into an annotated bibliography. Show how studies relate to each other. Connect paragraphs and studies together. Do not only cite sources that support your position; include dissenting studies and explain why they differ. Do not overuse direct quotations.
Writing Introductions
The introduction and conclusion act like the two slices of bread in a sandwich. The introduction tells the reader what you are writing about, why it matters, and how you will approach it.
An introduction needs to attract the reader’s attention, provide research context, and clearly state the research aim or hypothesis. You can open with an interesting fact or question, but avoid vague generalisations. The thesis statement should be clear and usually appears as the last sentence of the introduction. Make sure your research can deliver what the introduction promises.
Writing tips: do not waste words, do not overpromise, and you can write the main body first before coming back to write the introduction.