Free literature review template. A ready-to-use thematic structure — introduction, themes, research gap and conclusion — with guidance on synthesising sources rather than just summarising them. Copy it and adapt for any subject.
The template
1. Introduction State the topic, the scope of your review, and its aim. Briefly explain how the review is organised (e.g. thematically).
2. Theme 1 — [name the theme] Summarise and synthesise what the key sources say. Compare and contrast findings; do not just describe one study after another.
3. Theme 2 — [name the theme] As above — group sources by idea, highlight agreements, debates and methodological differences.
4. Theme 3 — [name the theme] Continue the synthesis; show how the themes connect.
5. Research gap Identify what is missing, contested or under-researched — the space your own study will fill.
6. Conclusion Summarise the state of knowledge and restate the gap that justifies your research.
How to use this template
Organise by theme, not by source
The single biggest difference between a weak and a strong literature review is synthesis. Group sources around ideas or debates and write about the idea, drawing several sources together — never a list of “Author (year) found X. Author (year) found Y.”
Use a synthesis paragraph framework
A reliable paragraph shape: (1) state the point or sub-theme, (2) bring in two or three sources that speak to it, (3) compare them — where they agree, differ or contradict, (4) evaluate and link to your argument.
End with the gap
Your review must build towards the research gap that justifies your study. Make the gap explicit; it is the bridge from the literature to your own research question.
The most effective structure is thematic: an introduction, several themed sections that synthesise sources around ideas, a clear statement of the research gap, and a conclusion. Avoid a chronological list of studies.
Summarising describes one source at a time. Synthesising groups multiple sources around an idea and analyses how they relate — agreements, disagreements and gaps. Markers reward synthesis.
In a dissertation it is typically around 20–30% of the total word count. Use our dissertation word count calculator to get an exact figure for your limit.
Yes — the literature review should lead to the gap your study addresses. The gap is what justifies your research question and is often where the highest marks are won.
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