Step-by-Step Guide to Formatting in APA Style

1. Title Page: In APA style, your literature review should start with a title page, which includes the title of your paper, your name, and the institution’s name. Make sure to also include a running head and page numbers. The running head should be a shortened version of your title, aligned to the left margin, while the page number should be aligned to the right.
2. Abstract: APA often requires an abstract—a brief summary of your literature review that typically ranges between 150-250 words. This part should provide an overview of the key themes and findings of the literature. The abstract helps readers quickly grasp the content and purpose of your literature review.
3. Introduction: Start your literature review with an introduction that explains the topic you are reviewing and the scope of your work. Make sure to include a clear thesis or statement of purpose that outlines what the review will cover. The introduction should also explain the rationale behind your selection of the literature and why these particular sources are relevant to your research.
4. Body of the Literature Review: Structure the body in a logical way—either thematically, chronologically, or methodologically. Use headings and subheadings to organize your sources clearly. APA encourages the use of the author-date citation format, e.g., (Smith, 2021). Headings help break the content into manageable sections, allowing readers to easily follow the flow of information.
5. Conclusion: Summarize the major findings from the literature and point out any gaps that your research aims to fill. Make sure your conclusion ties back to your thesis. Highlight the importance of the gaps and explain how your research will contribute to the field.
6. References Page: The APA reference page should list all the sources cited in your literature review. Use a hanging indent for each reference and follow the author-date format strictly. The reference list should be alphabetized by the authors' last names and should include all the necessary information for locating the original source.

Step-by-Step Guide to Formatting in MLA Style

1. Title Page: MLA typically does not require a separate title page. Instead, include your name, instructor’s name, course, and date at the top left of the first page, with the title centered below. MLA encourages starting the document immediately, without unnecessary sections.
2. Introduction: Begin with an introduction that establishes your topic, provides context, and clearly states the purpose of your literature review. MLA style encourages focusing on the author’s role, so mention key contributors to the field early on. The introduction should also provide the reader with an understanding of the significance of the topic in the broader context of the field.
3. Body of the Literature Review: Organize the body using themes or topics that are prevalent in your sources. Unlike APA, MLA doesn’t use headings as often, but feel free to use them if they help improve readability. Use in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number, e.g., (Smith 45). When discussing different works, be sure to emphasize the authors' contributions to the field and how these works interrelate.
4. Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the key themes discussed in your review. Reiterate how these studies relate to your research and what contributions your study might make to the field. Reflect on the state of the research and how your work will extend or fill gaps in the existing literature.
5. Works Cited Page: In MLA, the works cited page lists all sources referenced in your review. Arrange the entries alphabetically by author’s last name. Make sure each entry includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the publisher, and the publication date. MLA requires each entry to follow a consistent format that helps readers identify and locate the sources used.