An annotated bibliography is a list of sources on a specific topic that includes a summary of each source as well as a critical appraisal of the source. As you research your topic, you will develop an annotated bibliography of relevant sources. Your final annotated bibliography should include annotations for at least 8 sources that represent multiple perspectives on your issue
The list is compiled in alphabetical order using the appropriate citation format—in this case, Modern Language Association (MLA) style. Consult your handbook for directions for completing a bibliography in MLA style. (The difference between a bibliography and a list of works cited is that the bibliography lists all sources on a topic while the works cited list includes only those sources actually cited in your paper.)
The annotation you complete for each source should include
1) a properly formatted MLA citation
2) a summary that demonstrates that you have read the source and understand the content (4-6 sentences),
3) a personal response to the text (2-3 sentences), and
4) a note about how you will use the information in your research (1-2 sentences).
The annotation should demonstrate that you have read the source critically.
Begin by gathering at least 8 sources. A minimum of 4 of the sources must be from the library databases. Then use your critical evaluation skills to choose the sources that will provide you with the fullest understanding of your topic. Keep in mind that your sources must be current, relevant, and credible as well as offer multiple perspectives on your issue. You must also provide concise, clear, thorough summaries, responses, and evaluations of your sources. For additional advice about compiling an annotated bibliography, see the information provided by the Cornell University Library. (Links to an external site.)
Researching your issue thoroughly is crucial to becoming an expert on your topic. Having a thorough understanding of your sources not only improves your comprehension of the issue, but also prepares you for the Perspective Analysis Essay by exposing you to multiple perspectives and viewpoints. In addition, the assignment is designed so that by the time you begin the Analytical Research Paper you already have a viable source of information to complete the assignment.
Annotations should be thoughtful, thorough, and relevant to your topic.
Summary:
Summaries should demonstrate a clear understanding of the text. The information provided should be stated in your own words (do not quote or paraphrase from the text or abstract) and should provide an extensive and thorough explanation of the text that touches on the main points of the work.
Example:
The article discusses the study of juveniles incarcerated receiving parent-adolescent visitations during the first two months of incarceration. This study finds that juveniles who receive visits from parents don’t have much difference in immediate depression symptoms, however over time, those who receive visits have a faster decline in depression symptoms. Additionally, the more visits the juvenile had, the faster the depression symptoms went away. This study provides evidence that familial relationships can soften the blow of being locked up and can help the juvenile adjust to a different environment, even if the relationship is not strong.
Response:
Responses should be thoughtful and specific. Provide a personal response to the text that illustrates you have thought critically about what you have read.
Example:
This article gave me additional insight into community corrections for juveniles. It reinforced my thinking that incarceration is not the only option to rehabilitate juvenile offenders. It’s interesting that Texas has implemented this new system in response to the get tough approach and other states across the country because their programs show success. I wouldn’t have known this program existed if it weren’t for this paper.
Usability:
The explanation of usability should also be thoughtful and specific. Responses such as “I will use this essay to prove my point” are vague and generalized.
Example:
I can use this article to identify where incarceration hurts juveniles when returning to the job market. I can also use this to support that incarceration doesn’t teach juveniles any positive education or treatment so they can change. This entire article can back the position that get-tough does not help the juveniles change their ways.
Only annotations for credible sources will receive credit. Wikipedia, for example, is not a credible source. The most reliable source for your research is the library and the library’s databases. These databases are academic in nature, peer reviewed, and almost always credible.
Evaluation Criteria for the Annotated Bibliography:
Final Draft:
Find and annotate at least 8 sources that represent multiple perspectives on your issue.
Sources must be current, relevant, and credible. (At least 2 sources must be from the past 6 months)
Provide concise, clear, thorough summaries, responses, and evaluations of your sources.
Sentences are complete, clear, and relatively error free.
Citations must be complete, clear, and relatively error free according to 8th edition MLA guidelines.
Formatting meets assignment guidelines: MLA Format, typed, double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins on all sides, hanging indentations, and so on.
Each annotation must include the following:
1) A properly formatted MLA citation
2) A summary that demonstrates that you have read the source and understand the content. (4-6 sentences)
2) A response to the text. (2-3 sentences)
3) A note about how you will use the information in your research. (1-2 sentences)
