Create an outline of your topic points. Organize the paper into sections, such as an introduction and body paragraphs that include seminal works by scholars in your field. Divide into early, middle, current and future research, placing your work in the context of each.
Organize printed copies of articles in labeled files that correspond to your paragraphs. Categorizing the hundreds of articles you will use simplifies retrieval and ensures the material will get used as planned. Save digital copies of each article as backup and also file.
Annotate each article you intend to use. Summarize the article, describe the strengths and weakness of the research and record others' reactions to the work. Taking notes helps you remember the articles' content and your responses, notes that can go directly into the review.
Keep a working bibliography. Documenting as you go along simplifies inserting the source into your review. Show your list to your adviser regularly, as this helps her see the direction your research is taking, enabling her to point out shortcomings and to recommend additional resources.
Use the introduction to Inform readers how and where you conducted your research. State your research boundaries advises author Allan Glatthorn in his book "Publish or Perish: The Educator's Imperative," and note how your topic adds to the current body of research.
Divide body paragraphs. Discuss the predominant issues faced by early researchers, how and why the field has progressed and areas that remain the same. Include representative works by the fields' important theorists, including others' responses and areas of controversy.
Speculate on the future. Include articles in which notable scholars offer their opinions, as well as issues that might emerge from current research. Engage with the ideas of other scholars, along with mentioning shortcomings that either you or other researchers have uncovered.
Close by summarizing the material, explaining what the body of research means to your discipline and identifying any repercussions it might have on others. Synthesize the information and put it into context for readers to help them see the significance of your topic.