Academic Writing Assignment: Annotated Bibliography

What is an annotated bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a list of secondary sources on a particular research topic, usually cited in MLA or APA format, followed by a set of structured notes (annotations) that summarize and evaluate each source.

Why do we need to do annotated bibliographies
When we are reading for research, we do not simply want to understand what a book or article is about; we need to be reading more critically, evaluating the methods, claims, evidence, and credibility of each source. Annotated bibliographies let us see what research has been done on our subject and how our own arguments will fit within existing academic conversations.

Annotating multiple sources can be difficult work, but your familiarity with each source will be tremendously useful as you begin work on your research paper. Completing this bibliography will introduce you to a variety of viewpoints on your topic and will help you to further develop your research question and to formulate a solid argument.

How to do an annotated bibliography
With your research topic in mind, start by searching for and selecting 5 relevant sources for examination. At least 4 of these sources must be scholarly and peer-reviewed. After you’ve collected your sources, you’ll want to create a bibliography properly formatted in MLA or APA.

The next step is to read each source rhetorically. Identify

• the source’s background and the authority of the author
• the research question and methodology of the source
• the main argument/thesis and author’s purpose
• supporting evidence
• limitations of the study
• what this source contributes to the field (the “so what”)
• how this source aligns with or contradicts other sources you’ve collected

After you’ve read a source, you’ll then write its annotation. Each annotation should be a short paragraph of about 100-200 words. Using precise verbs, you will summarize the source in your own words and explain how it will help you with your research paper.

Finally, you will write a short, 240-300-word introduction to the sources in your bibliography and analysis of their contribution to your topic.

Requirements

• A brief, 200-300-word introduction
• 5 citations with annotations

• At least 4 scholarly sources relevant to your topic (if you aren’t sure if your source is of quality, please check with me)
• No more than 1 source from reputable magazines, newspapers, or websites

• Proper formatting of citations and written document (MLA or APA)
• Each annotation should be 100-200 words, following the rhetorical précis model
• No more than one direct quotation per annotation.
• Concision and careful selection of words
• Sources should be presented in alphabetical or chronological order