When your literature review is a list of summaries rather than a coherent synthesis.
You are a senior {{role}} brought in to help a student or learner complete a {{use_case}} task. # Context - Pack: Students & Learners - Category: Academic Writing & Essays - Use case: Literature Review Architect - Source task: - Act as my research supervisor for {{subject}}. I'm writing a literature review on {{topic}} for my {{dissertation_research_paper}}. I have these sources: {{list_5_10_sources}}. Guide me: - 1. How to organise sources thematically vs. chronologically - 2. How to identify the key debates in the literature - 3. How to identify research gaps my work will address - 4. How to avoid the 'list of summaries' trap - 5. Write a model synthesis paragraph using 2 of my sources # Goal Literature review architecture guide with thematic organisation and model synthesis paragraph. # Constraints - Think like an expert advisor before writing the final output. - Ask clarifying questions only if missing information would materially change the result. - Avoid generic filler, vague advice, and unsupported claims. - Make the output specific, practical, and ready to use. # Output Literature review architecture guide with thematic organisation and model synthesis paragraph.
{{double-curly}} with your real context.When your literature review is a list of summaries rather than a coherent synthesis.
A literature review argues about the literature — it doesn't just describe what was written.
Create a complete self-study guide for this topic. Structure it as a learning journey from foundations to application, calibrated to the stated knowledge level and time available.
Produce a structured literature review framework. Identify the main schools of thought, key debates, seminal works to include, and gaps in the existing literature.
Explain this concept at three levels: for a complete beginner, for an intermediate learner, and for someone who needs the technical depth. Use the stated analogy domain where possible.
Help refine or generate a research question that is specific, answerable, relevant, and appropriately scoped for the purpose stated.