How can you write a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience?

1 Choose a relevant and focused topic

The first step to writing a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience is to choose a topic that is relevant and focused. A relevant topic is one that addresses a current issue, problem, or question that your audience cares about or can relate to. A focused topic is one that is narrow enough to cover in depth, but not so narrow that it becomes too obscure or specific. A good way to narrow down your topic is to use a research question or a thesis statement that guides your literature review.

2 Use simple and precise language

The second step to writing a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience is to use simple and precise language. Simple language is language that avoids unnecessary jargon, technical terms, or acronyms that may confuse or alienate your readers. If you have to use them, make sure you explain them clearly and provide examples or illustrations. Precise language is language that conveys your meaning accurately and unambiguously, without vague or ambiguous words or phrases. To achieve precision, use active voice, specific nouns and verbs, and clear transitions and connectors.

4 Evaluate and synthesize the literature

The fourth step to writing a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience is to evaluate and synthesize the literature. Evaluating the literature means critically assessing the quality, relevance, and credibility of the sources you use, and identifying their strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and contradictions. Synthesizing the literature means integrating and comparing the different perspectives, arguments, and findings of the sources, and showing how they relate to your research question or thesis statement. By doing so, you demonstrate your own analysis and interpretation of the literature, rather than just summarizing or describing it.

5 Use visual aids and examples

The fifth step to writing a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience is to use visual aids and examples. Visual aids are graphical representations of data, concepts, or processes that can help your readers visualize and comprehend your information. Examples are concrete illustrations or cases that can help your readers understand and relate to your abstract or general ideas. Some common types of visual aids and examples are tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, images, scenarios, stories, or analogies. However, when using visual aids and examples, make sure they are relevant, clear, consistent, and well-labeled.

6 Revise and proofread your literature review

The sixth and final step to writing a literature review that is easily understood by a broad audience is to revise and proofread your literature review. Revising your literature review means checking and improving the content, structure, and style of your writing, and ensuring that it meets the requirements and expectations of your audience and purpose. Proofreading your literature review means checking and correcting the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting of your writing, and ensuring that it is free of errors and inconsistencies. By doing so, you enhance the readability, clarity, and credibility of your literature review.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?