Is my literature review ready?
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Search-strategy logs, a synthesis matrix, and structure templates from Literature Review Simplified. We’ll email you the download link.
What makes a literature review ready
A literature review isn’t a pile of summaries — it’s an argument about the state of a field that earns your study its place. Before you write, you want the building blocks in hand:
- A focused question and a documented search a reader could reproduce.
- Clear criteria and a systematic selection — so it’s a map of the field, not a convenience sample.
- A synthesis matrix that lets you see themes, tensions, and gaps across sources.
- A thematic structure — organised by argument, never author-by-author.
The single biggest upgrade for most drafts: stop writing “Author A found X; Author B found Y” and start writing “On X, the field splits — some find… while others… leaving Z unresolved.” This check is a structured self-assessment, not a substitute for your supervisor’s read.
Frequently asked questions
When is a review ready to write?
When you have a focused question, documented search, criteria, systematic selection, a synthesis matrix, themes and gaps, current + seminal sources, and a thematic outline.
What’s the most common mistake?
Summarizing source by source instead of synthesizing by theme. Organize by argument, not author.
How many sources do I need?
No fixed number — coverage matters more than a count: the seminal works plus the current state of the art, found via a documented search.
Is the score a guarantee?
No — it checks the building blocks. The quality of your synthesis still needs your judgement and your supervisor’s feedback.
Does it store anything?
No. The check runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved.