Text & chat prompt
Outline a literature review
Outline a literature review: a free, copy-paste prompt for ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Paste the prompt and replace each [BRACKETED] field with your own details.
The prompt
Help me structure a literature review on [TOPIC]. Sources I have: [LIST OF PAPERS OR THEMES] Word limit: [WORDS] Suggest an outline organised by themes, questions to ask of each source, how to show gaps in the research and how to link the review to my own question. Add a checklist for the final draft.
Pro tip: Organise by themes or debates, not by author; that is what makes a review analytical.
How to use this prompt
- Open ChatGPT and start a new chat.
- Paste the prompt.
- Replace each [BRACKETED] field with your real details and paste in your own text where asked.
- Reply with follow-ups such as "make it shorter" or "make it sound more like me".
Prompt at a glance
- Category
- Text & chat
- Works with
- ChatGPT · Gemini · Claude
- Length
- 55 words
- Fields to fill in
- TOPIC, LIST OF PAPERS OR THEMES, WORDS
- Last updated
Frequently asked questions
Which AI tools work with this prompt?
It is written for ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Paste it into your preferred tool and adjust the wording if the result is off.
What do I need to fill in?
Replace these fields before you send it: TOPIC, LIST OF PAPERS OR THEMES, WORDS. Each field shows an example in the prompt.
Should I paste private information into the prompt?
Only what the task needs. Remove names, contact details and other sensitive data before pasting a resume or document into any AI tool.