ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Annotated bibliography – much like a works cited page, a bibliography, from the Greek words “biblion” for
book, and “grahia” for writing, is a list of source material used in an essay or other publication; an annotated
bibliography looks just like a works cited page, with the addition of a summary of each source in the list.
Following is an example of ONE annotation (you will write four total for this assignment):
Clark, Charles S. “Charter Schools: Will they improve or hurt public education?” CQ Researcher 12.44
(2002): n. pag. CQ Researcher Online. Web. 10 May 2010.
Charles Clark, a senior editor at the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges,
explains the recent uprising of Charter Schools in the United States and their effect on current public
education. He describes the innovative approach that these schools have taken in their academic
approach while being free from public regulations and checks and balances. Because both schools are
evaluated by the same standardized testing, the evidence is shaky as to whether charter schools harness
an effective change. In addition, the author utilizes many outside sources such as articles and reports to
explore the topic. For those interested in starting, teaching at, or attending a Charter School, this article
would be helpful in their decision-making process. Though his clear opinion is not expressed, he gives
informative examples of both sides to the debate.
ASSIGNMENT DIRECTIONS
1. Open a new Microsoft Word file and save it as your class period, last name, and the assignment title
(e.g., 2 THOMPSON ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY).
2. Consider a global problem you would like to tackle for your upcoming Problem-Solution Presentation
(due 11/17/15), and use prewriting techniques to explore it further. Note that, while you can select
whatever world issue most interests you, your solution should meet the needs of the present
generation while taking care of future generations, as well. Once you have decided on a topic, explore
the Internet for sources. You do not have to submit any portion of this step for review.
Write an annotated bibliography that includes an annotation (see example above) for each of four online
articles: one source from the Opposing Viewpoints database, one news website with a proven track
record, and one websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov, plus one additional source.
3. . Note that this will mean you need to submit a total of FOUR annotations for this assignment.
Each annotation must feature the following information:
 Proper MLA Works Cited formatting as shown in the example above (12-point Times New Roman
font, double-spaced, hanging entry indents)
 The author’s authority of the topic (educational degrees, writing experience, etc.)
 A brief summary of the article
 A description of the intended audience (this is not necessarily you/teens)

Your brief opinion of the way the piece is written (writing style, organizational structure, biases,
helpfulness of the information presented, etc.) – be careful to NOT give your opinion about the
problem at hand (you can be against animal testing but find a helpful, well-written article on why
animal testing should be allowed).
4.
At the TOP of your document, complete your Self-Reflection:
 List each of the Scoring Guidelines categories outlined below.
 Analyze your work and identify your level of mastery (Effective, Adequate, Inadequate, or Little
Success).
 Justify why you think your work demonstrates said level.
 Explain how you feel about your overall performance on this assignment.
 See Page 1 of this document for an example of an adequate self-reflection.
5. Save your assignment document as a PDF or Microsoft Word file and post it to Turnitin.com for review.
You can do this by clicking on the Annotated Bibliography assignment link provided in Turnitin. Then
upload your work. Note: Make sure you upload your work in a PDF or Microsoft Word file. If you copy and
paste your work, all formatting will be erased and you could lose points. You do NOT need to send your
work via email or bring it to class. Only work submitted via Turnitin will be accepted for credit.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY SCORING GUIDELINES
Following are explanations for each score within each category to be scored on this assignment.
Sources Score
EFFECTIVE – 40/40 points: Provides four valid sources of information from academic databases and/or
trustworthy websites, including at least one source from the Opposing Viewpoints database, one news
website with a proven track record, and one websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov, plus one additional
source.
ADEQUATE – 36/40 points: Provides only three valid sources of information from academic databases
and/or trustworthy websites per assignment directions: one source from the Opposing Viewpoints
database, one news website with a proven track record, and one websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov,
plus one additional source.
INADEQUATE – 30/40 points: Provides only two valid sources of information from academic databases
and/or trustworthy websites per assignment directions: one source from the Opposing Viewpoints
database, one news website with a proven track record, and one websites ending in .org, .edu, or .gov,
plus one additional source.
LITTLE SUCCESS – 24/40 points: Provides only one valid source of information from an academic
database and/or trustworthy websites per assignment directions: one source from the Opposing
Viewpoints database, one news website with a proven track record, and one websites ending in .org,
.edu, or .gov, plus one additional source.
Annotation Score
EFFECTIVE – 40/40 points: Each annotation is complete and correct, providing proper MLA formatting
for each source entry, as well as a comprehensive summary, the author’s authority of the topic,
opinion about the writing, and identification of the intended audience.
ADEQUATE – 36/40 points: An annotation has been provided for each source. However, the
annotations/summaries need some minor revision in one or more of the following areas: summaries,
author authority, intended audience descriptions, opinions about the writing.
INADEQUATE – 30/40 points: An annotation has been provided for each source. However, the
annotations/summaries need some fairly major revision in one or more of the following areas:
summaries, author authority, intended audience descriptions, opinions about the writing.
LITTLE SUCCESS – 24/40 points: An annotation has not been provided for each source and/or the
annotations/summaries provided are extremely underdeveloped as they do not include each of the
following: summaries, author authority, intended audience descriptions, opinions about the writing.
Mechanics Score
EFFECTIVE – 20/20 points: In addition to using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling throughout,
the discussion employs varied and sophisticated sentence structures.
ADEQUATE – 18/20 points: Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are usually correct, with few errors;
however, remember that even minor and infrequent errors can be distracting for a reader.
INADEQUATE – 15/20 points: The writing approaches expectations because, while it is
comprehendible, it contains several errors that should have been corrected before posting, some
minor and others more serious.
LITTLE SUCCESS – 12/20 points: The writing falls below expectations because the number of serious
errors makes it difficult to follow the discussion.