How to Write a Literature Review: Conclusion Prompts

A literature review is a particular type of academically written paper that gives an overview about a published material. This published material can be any source like a book, a dissertation, thesis or a research paper. It is done as a first step while conducting a research on the particular subject. It is an honest, objective and precise critique of the literature under concern.

In order to write a conclusion of a literature review we must first understand the basic format and structure of the conclusion.

 

Conclusion

You might be in a hurry by the end of the paper and would want to finish it as soon as possible. However you must not compromise on the conclusion. It is the last and most critical part of your review. This is where the reader gets a final extract of your literature review. A conclusion must be very well thought out and composed to give the reader a reminder of the whole review as well as an effective ending. A good conclusion must be able to:

• Summarize
• Evaluate
• Conclude

The conclusion must be able to give a fine finishing to your paper. This is the final impression the reader will carry with him. It must be able to wrap up everything you have already mentioned. There is generally no typical format for a conclusion and can be written in any way the author considers the most suitable. However it is important to keep a few things in your mind while writing one.

• Blend –this does not mean that you repeat the things that you have already stated in the body. Create a blend that shows how effectively you have managed to explain the ideas, examples and references and how well they contribute in supporting your stance.
• State the areas that need further future research
• Focus on the introduction and now with a better developed understanding, identify the key points.
• State how your ideas will contribute in application of the theory.
• Never end on an ambiguous or unclear note. Be bold, clear and straight in the conclusion.
• You may raise questions and ask the reader to ponder deep into the topic. But do not sound as if you left any area unattended. Your conclusion should have a feel that is complete and concise.
• Read the conclusion twice or thrice before considering it final. Make sure there is no area where you might leave the reader wandering between two opinions.