A literature review is a comprehensive summary of existing research on a specific topic. It involves analyzing and synthesizing various sources, such as books, articles, and studies, to understand what has already been discovered. This process helps identify gaps in knowledge and provides a foundation for new research. In a literature review, researchers often discuss key themes, methodologies, and findings from previous works. For example, if studying climate change, a literature review would include studies on global warming, carbon emissions, and renewable energy. This helps to contextualize the new research within the broader academic conversation.