2. Guide A literature review examines and critically evaluates the literature on a specific topic. This literature review will: • identify existing scholarly knowledge on a particular topic. • compare and contrast current research. • discuss the weaknesses and strengths of the existing knowledge. • evaluate the research and support your evaluation. The focus and purpose of the literature review needs to be clearly defined. A typical literature review will contain the sections outlined below. 2.1. Introduction Your literature review should begin with a brief introduction on the topic. The purpose of the literature review will be stated with an explanation of its significance. Briefly provide a context for the topic you will be reviewing, present the issue/topic to be discussed and give an overview of how the review will be organised. You need to have a clear and focused aim and scope for the review. 2.2. Body The body of the literature review will provide a critical review of the current literature in relation to your stated objective. Do not provide a one-by-one discussion of existing papers in your literature review. You are not merely describing the literature that you’ve read. Instead, you will be expected to compare and contrast existing work and offer critiques where appropriate. This can be achieved by organising your work according to the different themes you will present. You can organise this section: • chronologically (e.g., how bridge development evolved). • according to the theories being covered (e.g., stress, tension, etc.) • according to the various themes and issues begin discussed (e.g., types of bridges, types of materials used, span of bridges, etc.). • according to the importance of the work (most important to least important). Use headings to help guide the reader through your work. Make sure that this section highlights some useful and credible conclusions about the aim of the review. Include at least two figures (appropriately captioned) in the body of your report. 2.3. Conclusion Your conclusion should restate the reason for your review and summarise the main points that were made. 2.4. References You are required to use at least eight academic sources in writing your literature review. Make sure to include any references that you have cited in your report. Use Harvard referencing. You can find info here: Harvard Referencing – The ‘In-text’ System | UNSW Current Students.