A literature review is a comprehensive summary of existing research on a specific topic. It involves analyzing and synthesizing various sources, such as books, journal articles, and reports, to identify trends, gaps, and key findings. This process helps researchers understand the current state of knowledge and provides a foundation for their own studies. In academic writing, literature reviews are often included in research papers, theses, or dissertations. They serve to contextualize the research question and demonstrate how the new study contributes to the field. By reviewing the work of others, researchers can build on previous findings and avoid duplicating efforts.