How to Write a Literature Review: A 6-Step Method for Canadian Grad Students

Write a literature review in 6 steps: (1) define your research question, (2) search 3-5 databases for relevant sources, (3) build a synthesis matrix mapping themes to sources, (4) draft thematic paragraphs - not author-by-author summaries, (5) identify the gap your research will fill, (6) edit for argumentative flow. A strong literature review reads as an argument that your research question is necessary.

Step 1 - Define the question: a literature review without a specific research question becomes an annotated bibliography. Write the question first.

Step 2 - Search systematically: use 3-5 databases (Scholars Portal, ProQuest, JSTOR, PubMed, Web of Science). Record search strings and dates - reviewers ask.

Step 3 - Build a synthesis matrix: a spreadsheet with themes as columns and sources as rows. Each cell answers "what does this source say about this theme?" Your paragraphs write themselves from the columns.

Step 4 - Draft thematically: each body paragraph develops one theme across multiple sources. Never write "Smith (2020) argues X. Jones (2021) argues Y." That is a list, not a review.

Step 5 - Name the gap: the literature review exists to justify your research question. Close every section by pointing toward what is missing.

Step 6 - Edit for argument: read the paragraph topic sentences in order. They should tell a coherent story about why your research matters.

Featured-snippet answer: write a literature review by defining your research question, building a synthesis matrix, drafting thematic paragraphs, and naming the gap your research will fill.