Annotated Bibliography (Mla) Template printable pdf download

Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of cited sources about a particular topic, in which each citation is

followed by a brief annotation, or discussion of the source. The annotation usually consists of just

one paragraph, but your instructor may require more. An annotated bibliography is useful for

documenting your research in a specific area, exploring varying viewpoints, and summarizing

main points from different sources. Format requirements of an annotated bibliography vary

greatly from one documentation style to another; please refer to a style manual for specific format

requirements (ex: MLA, APA, CBE, Chicago, etc.). There are two parts to every entry in an annotated

bibliography: the citation and the annotation.

The Citation:

The citation includes the bibliographic information of the source. The documentation style required

for this information depends upon your particular academic field and will usually be assigned by

your professor (some common styles include MLA, APA, CBE, and Chicago). Follow the

instructions for the assignment, and the guidelines in the appropriate documentation handbook.

Citations are organized alphabetically.

Sample Journal Citation in MLA format:

Gilbert, Pam. “From Voice to Text: Reconsidering Writing and Reading in the English Classroom.”

English Education 23.4 (1991): 195-211. Print.

The Annotation:

The annotation is a brief paragraph following the citation. Purpose of the Annotation: The

annotation of a source can serve several different purposes; your professor may require your

annotations to do some of the following:

condense the content of the source (write a brief summary of the information)

evaluate the credibility of the source (analyze for authority, accuracy, currency, objectivity)

assess the usefulness or relevant application of the source

discuss the writer’s background (examine expertise or layman knowledgeability)

analyze the intended audience (education, age, experience, needs, bias)

describe your reaction (credible source? value of source? analytical/emotional reaction?

The length of an annotation depends upon the assignment. Shorter annotations will most likely

cover only main points and themes; longer annotations may require a more in-depth

description, discussion, or evaluation of the source. Consult the specific requirements for your

assignment as your professor may dictate a word count or length for each annotation.

See the opposite side of this handout for sample annotated bibliography entries . . .

Revised Fall 2011

BCC-UCF Writing Center

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Annotated Bibliography (Mla) Template