Academic Writing
Academic Writing #04: Synthesize the Literature
Synthesize the Literature
A literature review explains how earlier studies relate to your question. Group studies by approach, finding, or disagreement. Avoid a list that says only “A studied this; B studied that.”
Compare the conditions behind different results. Two studies may disagree because they used different materials or measurements. Include relevant conflicting evidence, not only papers supporting your idea.
Read sources before citing them. Write the idea in your own words and retain its citation. Replacing a few words is not sufficient paraphrasing. In many science articles, this review belongs inside the introduction; follow your journal’s format.
Try it
Invented notes: Study A tested steel indoors; Study B tested steel in saltwater. Both found corrosion. Write a synthesis without claiming identical rates.
Model answer
“Both studies reported corrosion in steel, but their different environments prevent a direct comparison of corrosion rates.” Add each real source’s citation when using actual studies.
Source / further reading · Examples are for practice.
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