Scholarly Exposition in Literature Review: Tone, Voice, and Style A scholarly literature review allows you to demonstrate to your dissertation committee not only that you understand the body of literature that surrounds your research focus, but that you are also aware of the divergent perspectives within this body and that your research focus is worthy of doctoral-level inquiry. In fact, you may highlight current researchers who have called for continued research into this area. This synthesis of the research findings is organized, grouped, and identified by common categories/themes relative to the presented topic of study. Once you move from the matrix/table to the exposition within the literature review itself, it is important to establish a scholarly tone and style that will allow you to present each source as well as synthesize collective discussions of sources. Remember, a literature review is not merely a report or annotation of each source; rather, it is a presentation of key findings, divergent viewpoints, new knowledge, or recommendations for future research from each source. Academic voice and tone, especially for literature review, have a very particular tenor and quality. Think of it in the stark contrast it has with more casual writing you may use for social media or in an email to a family member or friend (Thomson & Kamler, 2016). A literature review involves your best scholarly, objective, and analytical discussion of the themes identified for the literature sourced, and the collective findings and discoveries discussed within each respective theme. References Thomson, P., & Kamler, B. (2016). Detox your writing: Strategies for doctoral researchers. New York, NY: Routledge. Assignment: Appraise your Scholarly Voice You will appraise voice, tone, and style specific to a sophisticated literature review for doctoral-level research. For this assignment, you will: 1. Identify a scholarly manuscript you have written within the last year. The easiest choice would be an essay you have written for a course, though you are welcome to use something else. 2. Appraise your scholarly writing readiness by marking your scores on the Voice, Tone, and Style rubric available in the additional attachment files that were uploaded. 3. Ensure that you complete the Justification column by providing evidence from your own manuscript which you selected. In other words, note why you scored your writing the way you did for each criterion. 4. Below the rubric, compose a brief reflection on the continued development of voice, tone, and style in your scholarly writing. Where are your strengths? Where are your opportunities for further development to elevate your scholarly writing in preparation for the dissertation research literature review you will conduct later in your program? Length: 1–2 pages References: No sources are required in the rubric or reflection, though any sources used should be cited and referenced. Your appraisal should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Website/Link
