A literature review is a piece of academic writing that critically evaluates and synthesizes relevant materials, such as published articles, books, and documents, to a particular research topic. It demonstrates the author's understanding of the research that has been conducted and how their work relates to and builds upon previous studies. The purpose is to place the research in the context of ongoing work and to identify how it contributes to furthering knowledge in the field.

1. z
What is a Literature
Review?

2. A Literature Review is a piece of academic writing
that critically evaluates material relevant to the
research project in hand (such as a dissertation,
PhD or journal article). It demonstrates subject
knowledge and an understanding of the author’s
position in relation to other academic work.
What is a Literature Review?

3. What is a Literature Review?
A Literature Review often appears at the beginning
of a piece of academic writing, but not always.
A Literature Review may be incorporated into other
chapters, such as an Introduction.
You may not need to do a separate Literature
Review but evaluate the research of others
throughout your work.

4. Why Write a Literature Review?
It demonstrates to your
reader that you have a
good understanding of
the topic you are
discussing.
It demonstrates that
you know how to
critically evaluate other
academic work.
It demonstrates that
you understand how
your work relates to
other academic
research.