As you perform research and collect evidence, you will need a system to keep track of your research. That is the purpose of the Annotated Bibliography (A.B.). Also see p. 283 in the textbook for more information on Annotated Bibliographies and a sample of exactly what your A.B. should look like.
The A. B. is a list of sources on a particular topic. Each A. B. entry has two parts:
1) The MLA Citation 2) The Summary
1. The MLA Citation is in MLA format (same format that will be used for the Works Cited page of your essay). Our textbook covers MLA works cited format in Ch. 14. If you find your source in a Library Database, then the citation is written for you and can be found with the article or by clicking a link that says “Cite Now” or similar wording. You have to make sure that you are using MLA format and NOT APA. All you have to do is copy and paste citations from the databases. You also have to make sure the italics transfer when you copy and paste, and you must double space the citations. I check ALL sources! Do not just guess–look up how to cite a source!
2. The Summary: You will sum up the main points of each source in two to five sentences. The summary shows that you have mastered the material enough to put it in your own words. DO NOT quote from the source–you are putting the summary in your own words. DO NOT copy and paste anything into the summary including from abstracts that were already written on the source. DO NOT plagiarize–try to pass off someone else’s writing as your own.
Additional Directions:
Give your A.B. a centered title with your Topic, Selected Annotated Bibliography, and your name (see example p. 283)
You will have six (6) entries/sources. Even though your Research Essay only requires a minimum of three sources, you should look for the best sources (not the first). An A.B. usually has at least double the requirement.
All of your sources will be about your chosen topic–your tentative thesis.
The A.B. should be alphabetical according to the first word in each citation.
Here is a ‘how-to’ video on hanging indents:Hanging Indent (Links to an external site.)
Double space the entire document. Your document should look just like the sample A.B. in the textbook on p. 283 (with a total of 6 entries).
Proofread your final document!
