By Dalat TESOL
Guiding new researchers in English language teaching and applied linguistics
📌 Introduction
One of the most common struggles for graduate students in TESOL is writing the literature review. It’s often misunderstood as just “summarizing past studies.” In reality, a strong literature review does much more:
- It shows you understand your field
- It identifies what is known and unknown
- It builds a logical case for your research questions
This article offers a step-by-step guide to help you move beyond description and write a focused, critical, and structured literature review.
📖 What Is a Literature Review?
A literature review is a section of your thesis, proposal, or paper that surveys, evaluates, and synthesizes relevant research on your topic. It should:
- Map the territory of existing work
- Critically evaluate what has been done
- Identify gaps, tensions, or contradictions
- Justify the need for your study
In TESOL, this might include reviewing:
- Studies on language learning strategies
- Pedagogical approaches (e.g., task-based, CLT, translanguaging)
- Technologies in ELT (e.g., AI tools, mobile apps)
- Learner variables (e.g., motivation, self-efficacy, WTC)
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Write Your Literature Review
1. Clarify the Focus of Your Study
Before writing, be sure you know:
- Your research questions
- Your theoretical framework (if applicable)
- Key concepts (e.g., EFL writing self-efficacy, AI use, translanguaging)
This helps you avoid collecting everything — and instead focus on what’s relevant.
2. Search Strategically
Use databases like:
- Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar
Use Boolean operators and combine terms:
“self-efficacy” AND “EFL writing” AND “Vietnam”
“generative AI” AND “TESOL” AND “critical thinking”
Aim for recent (last 5–10 years) studies and seminal works.
3. Group the Literature Thematically
Don’t list studies chronologically. Instead, organize by themes or conceptual categories. Here’s an example structure:
Example: Literature Review on AI in Academic Writing
- 2.1 The Rise of Generative AI in Language Education
- 2.2 Academic Writing Challenges in EFL Contexts
- 2.3 Theoretical Constructs: Self-Regulation and AI Literacy
- 2.4 Empirical Studies on AI-Supported Writing in EFL
- 2.5 Research Gaps and Study Contribution
Each theme acts as a mini-argument leading toward the rationale for your study.
4. Summarize AND Critically Engage
Don’t just say what others found. Ask:
- What were their methods?
- What are the strengths and limitations?
- How does the study connect to your research?
✅ Instead of this (descriptive):
Nguyen (2022) found that ChatGPT improved student writing quality.
✅ Write like this (analytical):
While Nguyen (2022) reported improved writing with ChatGPT use, the study focused on high-proficiency learners, raising questions about applicability in broader EFL contexts.
5. Synthesize, Don’t Just List
You need to compare, contrast, and cluster studies. Signal this with:
- “In contrast…”
- “Similarly,…”
- “This finding aligns with…”
- “However, little attention has been given to…”
Group studies together to show patterns and debates.
6. Identify the Gap Clearly
End your review by showing what’s missing or underexplored:
“Although studies have examined AI-supported writing in EFL contexts, few have explored students’ real-time decision-making processes during AI tool use, particularly in Southeast Asian settings.”
This gap leads naturally to your research questions.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
🚫 Just summarizing each article one by one
→ Use themes, not a paragraph per article.
🚫 No critique of the studies
→ Ask: Were their methods sound? Did they justify their claims?
🚫 Not linking literature to your study
→ Make clear how each section builds toward your rationale.
🚫 Over-relying on international studies with no local context
→ Include Vietnamese or regional research where possible.
🧾 Sample Sentence Starters
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| Reporting | “Smith (2020) argues that…” |
| Contrasting | “Unlike previous studies, this research considers…” |
| Synthesizing | “Several studies (Nguyen, 2021; Lee, 2022) support the view that…” |
| Critiquing | “However, the sample size was small and limited to one university…” |
| Transitioning | “Taken together, these studies highlight the need for…” |
✍️ Final Thoughts
The literature review isn’t just an academic requirement — it’s how you position yourself as a scholar. A well-written review:
- Shows your knowledge of the field
- Builds credibility
- Frames your study as timely and necessary
Don’t aim for perfection in your first draft. Start messy, organize thematically, and revise toward clarity and synthesis.
📣 Want feedback on your literature review outline or structure?
Email dalattesol@gmail.com or join our upcoming peer-review circle!
—
🌿 Dalat TESOL – Chia sẻ kiến thức giảng dạy, nghiên cứu khoa học và cơ hội xuất bản