Literature Review Template — Academic Writing Template

Download and use a free literature review template template for your academic document. Structured, formatted, and ready to use with WritingBuddy.

What's included

Everything pre-structured so you can focus on your research, not the formatting.

  • Introduction — Scope, objectives, search strategy
  • Thematic Section 1 — Theme title, synthesis, key sources
  • Thematic Section 2 — Theme title, synthesis, key sources
  • Thematic Section 3 — Theme title, synthesis, key sources
  • Research Gaps — What the literature has not addressed
  • Conceptual Framework — (optional) Visual / narrative framework
  • Conclusion — Summary, implications for your research
  • Reference List
Use This Template Free
📋 Thematic Literature Review Structure
  1. Introduction — Define scope, review objectives, describe database search
  2. Theme 1 — [Your theme] synthesis across key sources
  3. Theme 2 — [Your theme] synthesis across key sources
  4. Theme 3 — [Your theme] synthesis across key sources
  5. Research Gaps — Contradictions, silences, and open questions
  6. Conclusion — How the literature informs your own research

How to use this template

Start writing in minutes — no formatting or setup required.

01

Import your sources

Add all DOIs or paste your bibliography. AI groups sources into thematic clusters automatically.

02

Build your themes

Each theme section is AI-drafted from your sources. Edit and add your own analytical voice.

03

Export

Standalone Word/PDF or embed into your full thesis or dissertation with one click.

Why use WritingBuddy with this template?

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AI fills the gaps

Stuck on a section? AI generates a first draft so you keep moving forward.

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Auto-formatted citations

Add your sources and the reference list builds itself in APA, MLA, Chicago, or any style.

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Export-ready in seconds

One click to a Word or PDF with every formatting requirement already applied.