When writing a literature review, IT‘s important to use the right words and phrases to effectively convey your message and engage your readers. The words you choose can help you demonstrate your understanding of the topic, show the connections between different sources, and present a clear and coherent argument. In this article, we’ll explore 10 must-use words for a stellar literature review that will help you produce a high-quality and impactful piece of academic writing.
1. Synthesize
One of the key objectives of a literature review is to synthesize the existing research and knowledge on a particular topic. When you use the word “synthesize,” you are indicating that you have analyzed and combined different sources to produce a cohesive and comprehensive overview of the subject matter.
2. Critique
In a literature review, it’s essential to not just summarize the existing literature, but also to critically evaluate it. Using the word “critique” signals that you have carefully assessed the strengths and weaknesses of each source, allowing you to provide a balanced and informed analysis.
3. Illuminate
When discussing the insights and findings from the literature, it’s helpful to use the word “illuminate.” This word conveys the idea that you are shedding light on a particular aspect of the topic, making it clearer and easier to understand for your readers.
4. Contradict
A literature review often involves examining different viewpoints and perspectives on a subject. By using the word “contradict,” you can highlight the areas where sources disagree, allowing you to identify areas for further research and discussion.
5. Corroborate
When you find multiple sources that support a particular argument or idea, you can use the word “corroborate” to show that there is consistent evidence in the literature. This helps to strengthen your own argument and demonstrates the validity of your insights.
6. Discrepancy
In a literature review, it’s important to acknowledge any inconsistencies or variations in the research. The word “discrepancy” can be used to indicate where there are differences in the findings or interpretations of different studies, prompting further investigation and analysis.
7. Propose
When you are presenting your own ideas or suggestions based on the existing literature, using the word “propose” can help convey that you are putting forward a new concept or approach. It demonstrates your ability to build upon and extend the existing knowledge in the field.
8. Substantiate
It’s important to support your claims and arguments with evidence from the literature. The word “substantiate” emphasizes that you are providing solid and credible support for your assertions, strengthening the validity and reliability of your analysis.
9. Reconcile
In cases where there are conflicting findings or viewpoints in the literature, the word “reconcile” can be used to demonstrate how you have resolved these inconsistencies and integrated diverse perspectives into a coherent and unified understanding of the topic.
10. Implicate
When discussing the implications and significance of the literature for future research and practice, using the word “implicate” can help convey the broader impact and relevance of the findings. It shows that you are considering the wider implications of the research beyond the immediate scope of the literature review.
By incorporating these 10 must-use words into your literature review, you can enhance the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. These words will help you synthesize and analyze the existing research, critically evaluate the sources, and present a well-structured and persuasive argument. When used effectively, these words can elevate your literature review from a mere summary of the literature to a sophisticated and insightful analysis that contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse.
