CKHS Library: Information Literacy
Annotated Bibliography
A bibliography or Works Cited is a list of the sources (books, magazines, newspapers, Web sites, etc) a student
has looked at and used to research a topic. This list usually just includes the bibliographic information about the
sources (author, title, publisher, copyright, etc).
An annotation is a summary description and evaluation of a piece of research.
An Annotated Bibliography is, therefore, a list of the sources used in research,
with their bibliographic information, and a summary and evaluation for each
source listed. (See the examples below.)
Why an Annotated Bibliography?
Writing annotations forces the researcher to read each source more carefully and more critically instead of just collecting
information from a source. Writing annotations helps you, the researcher, gain a broad perspective about what is being
written and said about your topic. Developing your own point of view will help you develop a thesis that is interesting and
arguable. A good argument with supporting evidence makes a good research paper.
Your annotation should briefly answer these questions about the source:
What is the content of this source?
How applicable do I find the contents of this source to my research question / thesis?
How can I use this information for my project?
But before you write your annotation, consider the following questions about your source:
Is the author an expert on the topic?
Does this source offer unique, credible and current information on this topic?
What is the purpose / intention / audience of this source?
Is the information unbiased?
The following are examples of the form used for an Annotated Bibliography:
Even though it’s not shown on the examples below, be sure to double space your annotations.
Atwell, Nancie. A Child’s Odyssey: Child and Adolescent Development. 3rd ed. Belmont: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning,
2000. Print. Atwell explains that young children develop a self-concept based on physical characteristics and
external factors. By 8 years-old, children begin to make comparisons between themselves and others. If they see
themselves negatively, they may adopt a defeatist attitude. On the other hand, when children experience
successes, they develop what is called a sense of industry. A Child’s Odyssey has been a useful source. I’m using
the chapter called “How I See Myself,” which offers information on child development. From this source, I have
also found a bibliography of sources, some of which I can use for my research on learning and self-motivation.
“Infant Developmental Psychology.” All Psychology Careers/The Psychology Career and Education Center.
Web. 18 Apr. 2011. This website covers infant developmental psychology from conception to age two. This site
explains the rapid growth during this time and the consequences if a child is neglected during what is said to be
the most important stage of a person’s life. The newest techniques and technologies to use with infants are
explained. This particular section will be the most beneficial to my paper because I had not found it detailed so
well in other sources and it was a requirement of the paper. I will also use the information given about careers
with a degree in developmental psychology since I am considering being a child psychologist.
HOW TO WRITE AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY FORMAT
An Annotated Bibliography is arranged alphabetically by the last name of the author who wrote the
material (i.e. author of the book, author of the magazine article, or the encyclopedia article.) (Do not number
your Annotated Bibliography citations.) If no author is given, alphabetize by the first important word of the
title. (Disregard A, An, The)
Type your class header information at the left margin, which usually includes your name, class name,
teacher’s name, assignment title, and due date.
Center the words Annotated Bibliography after your header information.
Double space. (Select Format, select Paragraph, under Line Spacing select Double)
Left and right margins should be one inch. (Be sure to change the Right and Left Margins that normally
default at 1.25 inches.)
If citation entry is longer than one line, double space between lines and indent additional lines one-half inch
or one tab. (Select Format, select Paragraph, under Special, select Hanging; see example Works Cited)
Continue the Annotated Bibliography citation entry with a summary of the source using the guided questions
at the beginning of this instruction document.
Language for Talking about Texts and Arguments
It is sometimes challenging to find the vocabulary in which to summarize and discuss a text. Here is a list
of some verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:
account for
analyze
argue
assess
assert
assume
claim
clarify
compare
conclude
criticize
defend
define
demonstrate
describe
depict
determine
distinguish
evaluate
emphasize
examine
exemplify
exhibit
explain
frame
identify
illustrate
imply
The evidence indicates that . . .
The author identifies three reasons for . . .
Above information from:
Modern Language Association (M.L.A.) Handbook
OWL, Online Writing Lab, Purdue University
Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. 6th Ed. Harper Collins Pub., 1990.
indicate
investigate
judge
justify
narrate
persuade
propose
question
recognize
reflect
refer to
report
review
suggest
The article assesses the effect of . . .
The article questions the view that . . .