Argue to Persuade.
In this course you will use the documentation style developed by the Modern
Languages Association or MLA. Explanation of MLA documentation and
examples are given in your grammar handbook.
After each book or article or other source that you cite according to MLA
documentation style, you will then write your annotation. Annotations may vary in
length from one to several paragraphs depending on what you need to say about
each source. Be detailed enough so that what you write will be a help in recalling
and locating helpful information. Remember, the annotations are meant to aid
you in writing your essay. You may need to refer to a source again later in the
semester, and a clear and detailed characterization of a source may save you
time and prevent frustration.
Each annotated bibliography must include at least five sources and must be at
least 500 words (excluding the bibliographic citations themselves). There is no
limit on length, but all your annotations should be concise, informative, and
correct. Longer papers that multiply errors simply provide more justification for a
poor grade. Microsoft Word will tell you how many words there are in a
document.
Do not rely solely on a Google search of the World Wide Web for your
information and PLEASE DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA (!!). Go to your nearest
campus library and ask the reference librarian to show you how to search the
periodical data bases. Two sources that you should be sure to look at are
Opposing Viewpoints and Facts on File. Using these will save you a lot of time.
