How to write annotations and format in APA.

1. COM 2200
AIC Shea Library
Fall 2018

2. Purpose 1: Helps your reader
• To tell your reader what your source is about and
how it applies to your paper.
Purpose 2: Helps you
• To remind yourself what the source is about and
how you plan to apply it to your research.
• To determine the suitability and relevance of your
sources.

3. “An annotated bibliography is a list of
citations to books, articles, & documents.
Each citation is followed by a brief (usually
about 150 words) descriptive & evaluative
paragraph, the annotation.” (Cornell
University Library)
 Essentially, citations with descriptions.

4. A paragraph describing, evaluating, and
reflecting on the resource.
There are three parts or sections of an
annotation.
• Summary
• Evaluation
• Reflection

5. Part 1: Summary of article
• Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize
the source.
• What are the main arguments?
• What is the point of this book or article? What
topics are covered? If someone asked what this
article/book is about, what would you say?
• The length of your annotations will determine how
detailed your summary is.
(https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/ind
ex.html)

6. Part 2: Evaluation of the article
• Assess: After summarizing a source, it may be
helpful to evaluate it.
• Is it a useful source?
• How does it compare with other sources in your
bibliography?
• Is the information reliable?
• Is this source biased or objective?
• What is the goal of this source?
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/index.ht
ml

7. Use a method, like the C.R.A.A.P test, to
evaluate your sources.
• Currency
• Relevancy
• Authority
• Accuracy
• Purpose

8. Part 3: Reflection
• How does it fit into your research?
• Was this source helpful to you?
• How does it help you shape your argument?
• How can you use this source in your research
project?
• Has it changed how you think about your topic?
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/index.htm
l

11. Author’s Last name followed by first initial
(Year) in parentheses
Title
Journal Title (in italics)
Volume (in italics), Issue number
Page numbers
DOI if available
Retrieved from URL if no DOI available.

12. Purdue OWL APA Formatting and Style
Guide
Noonan Writing Center YouTube Channel
APA Manual
A Pocket Style Manual

13. Noonan Writing Center (located in CAS)
Reference@aic.edu
Walk-in appointments with librarians, 8:30
a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mon-Friday.
Request an appointment by completing the
form.