This document provides information on how to write an annotated bibliography, including what an annotated bibliography is, why they are useful, how to format annotations, and examples. An annotated bibliography contains bibliographic citations of used sources as well as a brief paragraph description for each source that summarizes the main ideas and provides an evaluation. Writing annotations helps readers understand if sources are relevant and credible to the research while also helping the writer engage critically with each source and identify redundant information across sources.

1. Annotated Bibliography
Summarizing and Evaluating Your Sources
Richelle O’Neil, Prosper ISD

2.  A bibliography is a list of sources you
are using in your research. This is also
called works cited.
 An annotation is a summary and/or
evaluation.
 So, an annotated bibliography includes
a summary/evaluation of each source you
are using in your research.
What is it?

3.  Shows your reader that your sources are
informative, relevant, and credible.
 Writing an annotation makes you read each
source carefully and critically.
◦ This makes it easier for you to see if numerous
sources are saying the same thing.
◦ Can help you determine whether or not you want to
use a particular source in your research.
◦ It can also help you to formulate your thesis.
◦ Helps you to recall information from each source as
you are taking notes during research.
Why do I need one?

4. 1. Start with an MLA-formatted citation.
2. Add your annotation underneath the
citation.
◦ 1 paragraph
◦ No more than 150 words
How do I write one?

5.  Summarize the source
◦ 2-4 sentences
◦ If someone asked what this article/book is
about, what would you say?
◦ What are the main arguments?
◦ What is the point of this book or article?
◦ What topics are covered?
What’s included in the annotation?

6.  Evaluate the source
◦ 1-2 sentences
◦ Is the information reliable?
◦ Is this source biased or objective?
◦ What is the goal of this source?
What’s included in the annotation?

7.  Use the third person
◦ Do not use I, me, or my
 Use the literary present tense
◦ Examples:
 “This article discusses…”
 “This book gives a detailed view on…”
 “In this article, the author supports…”
 “This article describes…”
What should my annotation sound
like?

8. Lajoie, Gesele, Alyson McLellan, and Cindi Seddon. Bully B’ware. Web. 7 Mar. 2005
<http://www.bullybeware.com/>.
This site, developed by three experienced teachers and counselors in
Canada, includes a wealth of information on bullying for teachers and parents. In
addition to practical information on coping with bullying behavior, the site also gives
statistics from various studies on bullying. Also included are links to news stories
about bullies and brief descriptions of incidents around the world involving
dangerous bullies. This is a reliable, informative site that will be helpful to
parents, teachers, and researchers.
Here’s a few examples

9. Hurst, Marianne. “When It Comes to Bullying, There Are No Boundaries.” Education
Week 24.22 (2005): 8. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Apr. 2005.
The author notes that bullying is a problem in every school in the world, and goes
on to describe intervention programs worldwide that have helped reduce the number
of incidents in many countries. Scotland and Australia, for example, have set up
government-supported organizations and websites, while the Israel Ministry of
Education has developed extensive teacher training. The article does not draw any
conclusions about the best solutions to the problem. Intended mainly for teachers
and administrators seeking a broad perspective on this issue, the article does not
provide any practical advice for parents or for teachers looking for classroom
intervention practices.

10.  Your citation must be MLA-formatted
 Your annotation appears directly
underneath the citation and is double-
spaced
 Your annotation must be indented so it
matches the second line of your citation
Formatting Reminders

11. BeatMaker12. "How To Write An Annotated Bibliography." SlideShare. N.p., 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 29 Jan.
2013. <http://www.slideshare.net/BeatMaker12/>.
Bisignani, Dana, and Allen Brizee. "Annotated Bibliographies." Purdue OWL. Purdue University, 6 July
2011. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. <http://owl.english.purdue.edu>.
Heraper, Sue. "How to Write an Annotated Bibliography." SlideShare. N.p., 30 Apr. 2012. Web. 29 Jan.
2013. <http://www.slideshare.net/sueheraper/>.
Resources