These slides were prepared for students at Massey University, New Zealand taking course 254.102 in 2018.

1. 254.102
WRITING WORKSHOP 2
Assignment 2:
Literature Review
This presentation can be viewed online at:
http://tinyurl.com/254102assignment2workshop

2. CONTENTS
Part 1: Synopsis
Overall Structure
Conclusions
Assignment Question
Part 2: Application

3. ASSIGNMENT QUESTION

5. OVERALL STRUCTURE

6. For 1500 word essays, around 10 paragraphs will
probably work best.
Each of these paragraphs should have about three
to six or so sentences.
Two sections with headings are required, together
with an introduction and conclusion; so you might
end up with something like:
Intro (1 short paragraph)
Synopsis (2 - 3 paragraphs)
Application (5 - 6 paragraphs)
Conclusion (1 short paragraph)

7. INTRODUCTION

8. Keep it short – perhaps three or four sentences.
Things to cover:
Purpose of the review
Topic of the review
The focus of the two parts of the review

9. Autism spectrum disorder is a diverse condition with a wide
range of impairment. Sometimes referred to as a ‘hidden’
disability, autism can affect many aspects of a person’s
everyday life, including social behaviour and inclusion
(Ministries of Health and Education, 2008). Lal (2010) created
this study to look at the effect augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) intervention has on language
communication and social behaviour of children with autism.
The purpose of this essay is to cover Lal’s findings from the
study and to discuss the relevance to Speech and Language
Therapy practice.
Example introduction (based on a different article)
What are the strengths and weaknesses?

10. PART 1: SYNOPSIS

11. Summarise the key points of the article in two or
three paragraphs.
Things to cover:
Topic
Research question
Method
Key Findings
Limitations
Implications for practice and further research
Suggestions for structuring the synopsis

12. TIPS
Avoid looking at the abstract.
Make sure you summarise completely
in your own words.
Focus on ‘the bigger picture’, not on
the details.

13. The second aim of the study was to determine the effect
of AAC training on social behaviour in children with
autism. Lal found that all children improved their score
on the SBRS from pre to post test. Class teachers also
found similar results to Lal and noticed that the AAC
training enhanced social communicative behaviour. As the
difference between pre and post test scores were
different, this also led to rejection of the null hypothesis:
“AAC training will have no significant effect on the social
communicative behaviour of children with autism”.
Example paragraph from synopsis (of another article)
What are the strengths and weaknesses?

14. PART 2: APPLICATION

15. Identify three or four issues from the course readings which
you can connect with the article (for example, ethics).
Focus on one issue per paragraph – introduce the issue,
show how it relates to the article and make a comment.
Write one paragraph each on relevance for practice and for
insights that you have gained about professional practice in
your field.
Another paragraph could look at issues or questions which
the article does not address.
Suggestions for structuring the application

16. Lal’s study has enhanced my knowledge on the use of
AAC intervention being a positive learning tool with
clients during SLT sessions. I have learnt that AAC can
improve a child’s communication skills in several areas,
not only language. I found it interesting that Lal had the
children’s class teachers assist with observations. At
times SLT’s also work with a team of people, working in a
team can offer different views and opinions, as each
person has different knowledge and expertise.
Communication within the team can help contribute
towards a positive result, ensuring the client receives the
best possible service.
Example paragraph from application
What are the strengths and weaknesses?

17. CONCLUSIONS

18. Focus on the lessons learnt from this review:
Overall value of the study
Contribution to understanding of the issue
Implications for practice
How it relates to professional and ethical conduct
Suggestions for structuring the conclusion

19. The importance of Lal’s findings are the improvement of
the pre to post scores in LATCA and SBRS. These positive
results are valuable for a SLT within their practice as it
helps to know that AAC intervention can be significant
towards positive results from a client. Lal’s study also
highlights the importance for a SLT to implement equality
for each client with communication needs. In conclusion,
a SLT has a very important role, which can help benefit
clients quality of life, studies like Lal’s assist in SLT’s with
professional development, and knowing what works for
clients.
Example paragraph from conclusion
What are the strengths and weaknesses?

20. © 2018
This PowerPoint Presentation and the accompanying handouts
are copyrighted by Centre for Teaching and Learning,
Massey University and may not be used, except for personal
study, without written permission from the copyright owner.
Please note that examples are provided for illustration of
writing principles only and no reliance should be placed on
any of the ideas referred to in the texts.
Martin McMorrow, Centre for Teaching and Learning
ctlalb@massey.ac.nz
This presentation can be viewed online at:
http://tinyurl.com/254102assignment2workshop