How to Do an Annotated Bibliography

How to do an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources in MLA style with a description of the content of the source following the MLA citation.

Citation: Correct MLA format needs to be used. The annotated bibliography will be graded on adherence to MLA format. Citations need to appear in alphabetical order as they would in a Works Cited.

Annotation: The annotation should follow directly after the citation; do not begin the annotation on the next line or skip a line. The content of the annotation must identify whether it is a primary or secondary source, summarize the source, and indicate how the source supports or refutes your thesis statement. If the source is long, focus on the content that will be most helpful in you’re your research. You may include very small amounts of quoted material but be sure to minimize it to a few words and to provide a page number for the quote (unless it is a website). The entire annotation is typically 150 words (give or take!). The annotated bibliography will be graded on your ability to show that you understand the content of the source and your ability to explain how the source will be useful to you.

Format of Annotated Bibliography: An MLA heading, along with other general MLA guidelines, must be incorporated. Be sure to double-space everything, use Times New Roman 12-point font, and center the title of the page, which is Annotated Bibliography. There are no extra spaces between entries.

Example: The example on the other side would be found in alphabetical order within the Annotated Bibliography.

Rubric for Annotated Bibliography

• All sources are identified as primary/secondary sources.
• All sources are summarized in a precise manner.
• All sources are thoroughly analyzed so that reader is clearly aware of how each source supports/refutes the thesis.
• Correct MLA format is followed.
• Correct spelling.

• Little need for editing.
• Turned in on time.

• All sources are identified as primary/secondary sources.
• All sources are summarized.
• Sources are analyzed and reader is aware of how each source connects to the thesis.
• MLA format is followed.
• Spelling is usually correct, may be some typos.

• Need for minor editing.

• Most sources are identified as primary/secondary sources.
• Most sources are summarized.
• Sources need deeper analysis.
• MLA format is attempted.
• Spelling is usually correct, may be some typos.

• Need for minor editing.

• Sources are not identified as primary/secondary sources.
• Sources are not summarized.
• Sources are not analyzed.
• MLA format is not attempted.
• Spelling errors are prevalent and glaring.

• Need for extensive editing.

Annotated Bibliography Sample Entry

Johnson, D. & Johnson, J.E. Mao and Gandhi:Alternate Paths to National Independence and Social Change. Los Angeles: National Center for History in the Schools, 1999.

This secondary source compares the mindsets and strategies of Mao Zedong and Mohandas Gandhi, two prominent leaders of the twentieth century who are notable for their contrasting philosophies of nationalism, economic development, social justice, and the use of violence in modern political life. Mao’s saying that “political power grows out of the barrel of a gun” cements his belief in the custom of military might and force as the most beneficial way to achieve social change, while Gandhi held rigidly to the practices of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (non-violent political resistance) as ways to affect change in society. Strangely enough, Mao, the proponent of physical force, died in his sleep at age 85 and Gandhi, the supporter of peace, was shot by a disgruntled assassin at age 79. Johnson & Johnson expound upon the life of Mao who, as China’s preeminent Communist leader, used his charisma, organizational skills, military mindset, and stalwart beliefs in order to transform that nation’s Communists from backwoods soldiers to the leaders of modern China, thus, supporting my thesis that Mao was an extraordinarily effective revolutionary. This serves as solid supporting evidence to my other sources.

Tips to remember:

In MLA style, each entry begins at the left margin; subsequent lines indent ½ inch (or five spaces).

The annotation begins on a new line, after the MLA source citation, and again, is indented ½ inch (or five spaces).

The purpose of this is to interpret and evaluate your source with regard to your thesis, thus, the summary is followed by an evaluation of the source.

Double-spacing is used throughout with no extra spaces between entries and their annotations.

Annotations are roughly 150 words.

As stated on your Speech assignment sheet, your Annotated Bibliography is due at the beginning of class on Monday, May 23.