How To Write An Annotated Bibliography

It might seem like an easy question. Do you know how to write a bibliography, don’t you? Ah, but we are talking about an annotated bibliography here. It is not the same as a written bibliography. Unlike a standard bibliography in which sources are alphabetized, annotated bibliography writing is far more complicated.

In order to find an answer to the question, you will need to choose the references from which you essay’s information has been taken. The annotated bibliography entries differ depending on which source was used: a journal, TV news program, book, etc.

An annotated bibliography contains an outline of the reference info of the source being used, such as the author’s name, when the work was published, the title of the work, the name of the publishing company, and the place where it was published.

To write a proper annotated bibliography correctly, remember that the main reason for the citations is to help the reader find the sources that were used for the essay.

Writing an Annotated Bibliography: Composition

What makes a standard annotation distinct from and annotated bibliography writing is in the details. The annotated bibliography also includes a paragraph of around 3 to 6 sentences and roughly 150 words.

How to begin creating an annotated bibliography:

  • Evaluate the number of materials to be studied and included on the list;
  • Retrieval and research of sources;
  • Assess each source used and record thoughts and crucial ideas;
  • Give full citation data using the correct format, e.g. MLA, APA, Turabian, Harvard, or Chicago;
  • Write an annotation for each reference.

An annotation can be written with a full sentence or using verb phrase, taking into account the preference of the instructor.

At this point, you should be familiar with what info you want to include in an annotated bibliography. It should contain the following:

  • Primary reason for the work;
  • Descriptions of both the content and format;
  • Which type of the audience is it meant to reach and author’s qualifications;
  • Whatever flaws might exist, determined by your assessment;
  • How you feel about the work.

 Writing an Annotated Bibliography: Advice

  • Do not list a single source multiple times;
  • Scrutinize and critique and do not merely add descriptions;
  • Choose the needed format for citations and keep to it completely (i.e., MLA-style bibliography, APA style bibliography);
  • Use paraphrasing instead of quotations;
  • Focus on the most important parts of the source;
  • Be attentive in writing down the name of the author(s), year and location of the work, and publisher information.

Is this clear?

Yes! But do you still want to take the time to do it? Of course not!

An Annotated bibliography requires patience and tediousinvolvement. Furthermore, it does not prove that the student understands what the work is about. Thus in the end, the student will spend as much time on the paper as he or she does on the annotated bibliography itself!

Why not leave annotated bibliography writing to the experts at Online-Writing-Service.com? They have had decades of experience doing this!

Instead of answering the original question, let us write an annotated bibliography for you! You will agree that it is worth the investment!