How to Write CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW in 1 Month || Dissertation Proposal

by Drs. Nicholas and Jo Markette

Writing a dissertation's literature review chapter can seem daunting, but with proper planning, you can complete it in just one month. As one of my successful doctoral students, Suzie, discovered, the key lies in creating a detailed outline before diving into the writing process.

Chapter 2 typically consists of four main sections: introduction (2-5 pages), theoretical/conceptual framework (2-4 pages), review of literature (30-60 pages), and summary (2-3 pages). While these lengths may vary by institution, they provide a useful framework for planning your writing schedule.

The review of literature section is the most substantial part of the chapter. Here, doctoral students must demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge of their field and justify the need for their study. It's not merely a collection of study summaries but a synthesis of prior research that builds a compelling case for your work.

To make this manageable, I recommend breaking the chapter into "chunks" - smaller, achievable sections that you can complete one at a time. Allocate about 1-3 pages per day for writing, and include buffer days for unexpected delays. For instance, dedicate four days to the introduction, three days to the theoretical framework, and about 24 days to the review of literature section, broken down into smaller subsections.

As Suzie, who balances being a full-time faculty member, department co-chair, wife, and mother, learned: "The further I got [without an outline], the more I got lost... In hindsight, it ended up being a time saver." By chunking the chapter into smaller sections, you can track your progress and maintain motivation throughout the writing process.

Remember to check your institution's specific requirements and adjust your timeline accordingly. With careful planning and consistent effort, you can complete your literature review chapter in one month while producing quality work.

Watch the full video guide here:

Markette, N. & Markette., J. [Dr. Markette]. (2022, March). How to Write CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW in 1 Month || Dissertation Proposal. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/mCzy8oSDz_8