This week, I started the literature review assignment for my research paper. Actually, I just started this 1500 word paper yesterday, of course, being the procrastinator that I am. On top of starting just two days before the rough draft was due, I only got as far as writing a solid forty words that I completely deleted and rewrote today.
Usually, I don't have trouble writing an assignment like this since it is mostly factual and supposed to maintain a neutral and unbiased tone. But for some reason, I could not gather any ideas of what I should write. I would have to say I do partially blame myself for not engaging enough with my sources beforehand. But I also was not sure what exactly this literature review should contain. Yes, I know it's a paper introducing my topic, summarizing and evaluating my sources. But how factual is my tone supposed to be? What goes into my introduction? How is this different from my research paper?
It was not until I turned to trusty google and looked up "literature review." After reading a webpage from UNC College of Arts and Science's Writing Center and an example provided by my professor, I gained a better understanding of what I should include in this Literature Review.
Hopefully, my rough draft of the assignment meets the requirements of a Literature review and receives some positive feedback despite my last minute writing manner. In the future, when the time comes for me to start my research paper, I will start my paper earlier. This way, I will have more time to think about what to write rather than sitting there scavenging for things to say when I am clearly having writer's block.
After all, they say writing is a process. A piece is never final and complete.
