Dissertation Sky

icon +1-613-555-0117
ORDER NOW

date_icon 14 Oct 2021

Mark Smith

How to write an annotated bibliography

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography provides us with a brief account of the research available on a given topic. To be precise it is a list of sources conducted through research it includes evaluations of every source and the precise descriptions of it.

The annotation contains a small summary of the content ahead. Annotations contain short analyses or evaluations. You could be asked to summarise, evaluate, mirror, and analyze the content of the source depending on the assignment at hand.

Annotations are used in research papers and dissertations. Students usually find it tough with dissertations so take alternative routes to complete their tasks. They opt for Dissertation Help online to assist them with all parts of dissertations including the annotated bibliography

An annotated bibliography can be a component of a larger project or maybe it can also be a stand-alone assignment. Although an annotation can be as short as a sentence, the standard annotated bibliography usually includes a citation after a small paragraph.

For Example

Please note: the advice in this guide is general. We strongly recommend that you also follow your assignment instructions and seek clarification from your lecturer/tutor if needed.

Purpose of an annotated bibliography

Upon setting an assignment annotated bibliography aids you with the material available on the topics at hand. An annotated bibliography

depends upon the assignment you are asked to do. Usually, in an annotated bibliography you have to perform a detailed literature review of the particular subject at hand. The prime purpose of this is to have an in-depth analysis of the demonstration of quality and depth for the reading that you have done. Due to these demonstrations, it is easier to get a good grasp of the source and determine its credibility. Through this, we can understand the scope for the sources available such as books, magazines, journals, websites, and magazine articles. In the process of reading, you can highlight the sources that may interest the readers and researchers following these researches. This makes it a more interesting read for the readers as they gain an interest in the field and can explore sources for further conducted researches. The organization of sources is key for further researches.

Where does an annotated bibliography go in a research paper?

Firstly you have to title your page as “Annotated Bibliography” or “Annotated List of Works Cited” In this section, you have to place an annotation right after the reference that is given. It is should not exceed a single paragraph. In each reference, you have to organize the sources alphabetically.

The annotated bibliography enables your teachers to have a look at the sources you will use in your research paper. This will portray that you are prepared and have planned by conducting the research and show the intent that you were planning to write a complete research paper. The annotation summarizes and analyses the sources used for the research.

Questions you can consider

In an annotated bibliography you need to consider the texts you have chosen for your annotated bibliography carefully. You have to keep the following questions in your mind to help you get a clear image of the choices for you.

  1. What topic/problem am I investigating?
  2. What question(s) am I exploring? Identify the aim of your literature research.
  3. What kind of material am I looking at and why? Am I looking for journal articles, reports, policies, or primary historical data?
  4. Am I being judicious in my selection of texts? Does each text relate to my research topic and assignment requirements?
  5. What are the essential texts on my topic? Am I finding them? Are the sources valuable or often referred to in other texts?

Which Writing Style should I use for the annotations?

Annotations are required to be precise. Excessive writing is not required in the annotation. You have to keep in mind that you are writing a summary and not an essay. It is essential annotations should not exceed the length of a paragraph unless you have permitted them in your assignment guidelines. As this is not an extended piece of writing and only important and relevant details should be mentioned. Moreover, any information appearing in the title of the journal or the text can be omitted from the annotation. Also, keep in mind that background materials and references of the previous work of the author are not included apart from a couple exceptions. As you are addressing a single text at a time. There should not be any need to cross-reference or use in-text citations to support your annotations. Lastly, if it is not stated otherwise, you should not write in full sentences using pure academic vocabulary.

What does an annotated bibliography look like?

An annotated bibliography starts with the bibliographic details of a source (the citation) followed by a small annotation.

As with a normal reference list or bibliography, an annotated bibliography is usually in a particular order as mostly it is arranged alphabetically according to the surname or the last name of the author. Ideally, an annotated bibliography summary should consist of approximately 100-200 words as per citations. You can cross-check with your teachers/ tutors as they can vary between assessments and faculties. Moreover, it is also beneficial to check with your lecturer about the small elements each annotation should include.

Formats of Annotated Bibliography

The format of an annotated bibliography can vary through multiple different formats. So if you are assigned the task of annotated bibliography it is your job to inquire regarding what formats can be used for example:

Annotated Bibliography APA Format: Double Spaced, APA citations and 0.5 indentations.

Annotated Bibliography MLA Format: Double Spaced, MLA citations

Annotated Bibliography Chicago Style: Include the title, annotation and, include citations

Annotated Bibliography Harvard Style: Include title, annotations, of and full bibliographic Citations,

Contents of how to write an Annotated bibliography step by step

An annotation may contain all or part of the following elements depending on the word limit and the content of the sources you are examining.

1) Firstly we have to provide the reader with the full bibliographic citation as it is an essential part of a bibliography. (Harvard style). You can change the format according to your requirements.

2) It is important to have a keen knowledge of the background of the author as in the bibliography we have to indicate the background for the author.

3) The research conducted will be used here as we have to provide an indication of the content or the scope of the text at hand.

4) In an annotated bibliography you have to give a thorough outline of the main argument that you are arguing for.

5) You are writing your bibliography for a specific intended audience so your goal must be to satisfy the audience.

6) The writer needs to identify the research methods if they apply to the writer.

7) After your research in this bibliography, you should highlight and identify the conclusion provided by the author.

8) You have to discuss the somewhat detailed reliability of the text used in the bibliography.

9) Highlight any kind of special feature of the text that you find helpful and unique for example charts and graphs etc.

10) You have to discuss the usefulness and relevance of the text used in the research.

11) Point out in what way the text relates to themes or concepts in your course.

12) You have to state the strengths and the limitations of the text provided

13) Lastly, you have to present your view or the rection you have to the text.

Students more often than not face the trouble with annotations. We hope that we have resolved that issue for you by providing you with a thorough guide on how to write an annotation. So now you can “do my dissertation” you would not need assistance otherwise.

Articles​

Sign Up Now

TO GET 30% DISCOUNT



    –

    1

    +



    Blogs

    Conceptual Framework Guide: Meaning, Structure, and Examples

    Are you seeking dissertation help, specifically in the realm of MBA dissertation assistance? If so, you’ve likely come across the term

    Read More
    Blogs

    How To Choose A Dissertation Topic: Complete Guide With Steps

    Choosing a dissertation topic is one of the most crucial decisions you will make in your academic journey. Your dissertation is substantial original

    Read More
    Blogs

    Top 10 Qualities of a Good Teacher: Every Teacher Should Have

    Teaching is a noble profession that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of society. Good teachers can leave a lasting impact on their

    Read More