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COM101/111: Introduction to Research & APA Citation

annotated bibliographies header

What is an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations (bibliography) to sources related to a specific topic. For each source citation, one includes a short description (annotation) that summaries the main ideas of the source and evaluates its usefulness.
 

The two main parts of the annotated bibliography are:

  1. Reference list citation: This is the full citation for the source. See the library's APA Citation Guide  examples for citing different sources.
  2. Annotation: This is a short summary and/or evaluation of the source (usually 1 to 2 paragraphs) that follows the citation. Remember to check assignment instructions if you are required to include a summary and evaluation of your source in the annotation.

Types of annotations

Summary annotation: The summary describes the source and it's main ideas. Some of the information that could be included are: the central topic/idea presented in the source, the evidence and examples provided by the author, why the source was created, and who wrote the source.

Evaluative annotation: This includes a summary as listed above but also critically assesses the source for accuracy, relevance, and quality. Is it well-researched? Does it contribute useful information to support your own arguments/ideas? Consider its strengths and weaknesses. Evaluative annotations can help you learn about your topic, develop a thesis statement, decide if a specific source will be useful for your assignment, and determine if there is enough valid information available to complete your project.

Example of an Annotated Bibliography Entry

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Annotated Bibliography Template & Writing Annotations