Note: Since this is one of eight major assignments in this course, all students will submit it at least once.
INTRODUCTION
Annotated Bibliographies are citations of research sources that are accompanied by a summary, an assessment, and a reflection on each source. They allow researchers to organize their sources and get a firm grip on the beneficial information they provide and how that information helps them. They are also a great way to share research information, and by writing one, you will become better skilled at using others’ annotated bibliographies.
INSTRUCTIONS
This assignment is a step towards your Researched Argument Essay, so it is an ongoing assignment that you will be working with for the rest of the semester. (NOTE: you will use the SAME sources for both your Annotated Bibliography AND your Researched Argument — and likewise your Synthesis Essay and Proposal).
You must form a list of at least five research sources (remember that your Researched Argument will require seven to twelve sources), cite them in MLA format, and organize them alphabetically.
Underneath each of your sources, you need to write 50+ words where you summarize (briefly explain the source and what information it provides), assess (evaluate the quality of the source and explain its; explain to what extent you agree/disagree with certain aspects of the source), and reflect upon (show how the source will help you with your research questions) the source.
Check the OWL Purdue site for:
REQUIREMENTS
Five or more citations and annotations. They should come from online databases.
- Titled “Annotated Bibliography”
- Proper formatting following MLA guidelines, including hanging indents (Ctrl+T) and alphabetizing the citations (by the lead author’s last name)
- The citation of the source in MLA format
- 50+ words in each annotation (not including the citation)
- ADD A PARAGRAPH BREAK between each citation and your annotations.
- A summary of the source: Who, what, where, why, when?
- An assessment of the source: Is it reliable and relevant within the field?
- A reflection of the source: How is it relevant to your work?
PURPOSES
- Determine the value and relevance of your research sources.
- Determine the credibility of your sources.
- Practice proper MLA citations.
- Practice writing toward a specific audience.
- Practice writing to convey information clearly in an appropriate, straightforward manner.
YOU WILL BE GRADED ON
- Quality of research sources
- Quality of your summarization, assessment, and reflection in your annotations
- Correctly cited citations
- Proper use of grammar, mechanics, and writing style/tone—particularly focused on clearly conveying sources’ information
- Proper, consistent use of MLA format
GUIDE
Your annotations need to include these three sections and may follow this model:
- Summarize: [Last name of author] uses [type of information: statistics, personal stories, scientific studies, etc.] to [explain/prove/critique __________].Example: Cook uses new interdisciplinary research to explain how to best move forward with AI.
- Assess: I [agreed/disagreed] with ___________ because __________. The quality/bias of the article is __________.Example: I agreed with the conclusions of the research study because the source is a federal government agency and because the findings led to changes in how the nation handled the COVID pandemic, which generally seemed to help. There appears to be no bias, other than a sense of haste, given the circumstances.
- Reflect: This source [will help me to __________ / provides needed information about __________ / helps explain/prove __________].Example: This source will help me explain some of the political motivations behind the EU legal disputes with American tech firms.
Student Example
