Kryachkov 2!indd

1. Literature review as a whole.
1. Identify and compare their introductory sentence(s) in terms of length, thoroughness 
and information included. Do they contain an indication of the central theme of the 
review, its organizational pattern or another focus element? Which introduction is more 
effective? What can be improved?
2. Identify and compare their body parts. 
a) Which organization pattern do they follow: chronological, thematic or methodologi-
cal? Discuss when each of those can be appropriate. Which one do you think will be 
best for your proposal? 
b) What makes a literature review different from an annotated bibliography? Are the 
reviews organized around sources or ideas? How does this affect the review? 
c) Are the sources analyzed thoroughly or do the researchers bring up only the informa-
tion relevant to the thematic focus of the review? 
d) While reviewing the sources, which of the following tactics do the researchers use: 
identifying the areas of controversy/debate in the literature, spotting the deficien-
cies/gaps, discovering strengths/weaknesses, pointing out similarities/differences? 
3. 
Identify and compare their conclusions. Which do you consider to be the most successful? 
Why? Do you think conclusions may vary depending on the chosen organization pattern 
or tactics?
2. Language and style
1. Analyze the language and style of the reviews. Focus on the manner in which the 
sources are presented. Do the reviewers limit themselves to a factual recounting of the 
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Английский язык для магистратуры
W
riting a Research Proposal
information or use the language that suggests value judgment on their part? Which do 
you think is more appropriate in a review? Why?
2. Analyze how contesting views are presented (e.g., Lines 3, 9, 19, 21, 24, 26). Make a list of 
summarizing verbs used by the researchers, add some more of your own. What tense is 
used to report the findings? 
3. Analyze how sources are documented. Go online to see what citation style(s) can be used 
in your subject area.