Top 5 Annotated Bibliography Examples You Can Follow

You're staring at a blinking cursor, wondering how to even begin an annotated bibliography. 

It feels impossible, doesn't it? But don't worry, you're not alone. Most students feel overwhelmed when they have to do annotations for the first time.

Don't worry, we've got your back. Here are some annotated bibliography examples that will help you get started. Plus, we've included tips on how to write annotations so you can knock this assignment out of the park.

So without further ado, let's get started.

What Is An Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a list of references with brief descriptions or summaries of the texts. When you create an annotated bibliography, you evaluate your sources in order to provide a better understanding of their relevancy to the topic.

This helps you to create a stronger argument while writing your research paper.

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What Does an Annotated Bibliography Look Like? 

An annotated bibliography is typically organized by the author’s last name, or by subject if category. Each entry includes two parts: 

• A citation 
  
• An annotation.

The citation usually follows the format of either an MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) format. The annotation follows the citation and is usually about two to four paragraphs in length. It should include a summary of the source’s main points.

How To Write An Annotated Bibliography? Examples

When writing an annotation for a source, there are four steps to consider: 

1. Summarize the text 
2. Analyze the text’s content and style 
3. Explain why you think this text is relevant to your research topic
4. Reflect on how the source could be used in your research paper

Let's take a  look at an annotated bibliography example that you can use as a guide.

This annotation summarizes the text and analyzes its content and style. It also explains why it's relevant to the research topic, and reflects on how it could be used in the paper. 

The introduction should include the research topic, the types of sources included, and how you found the sources. The focus of this assignment is on the sources, not the introduction, so keep this part brief. 

Here is an example: 

Annotated Bibliography Example APA

APA stands for American Psychological Association. APA formatting is one of the most commonly used forms of citation in academic writing. It is often used in fields such as psychology, education, linguistics, and social sciences. 

Formatting Tips for Your Annotated Bibliography APA 

Here are some key formatting tips to keep in mind when writing your annotated bibliography in APA style: 

• Alphabetize entries by author's last name 
  
• Indent each entry after the first line by 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) using a hanging indent 
  
• Include an annotation for each source that provides a summary of its content and relevance to your research topic 
  
• Follow guidelines for citing each type of source according to APA style (i.e., books, journal articles, websites). 
  

Annotated Bibliography Example APA 7

Samples are a great way to get an idea of how your annotated bibliography should look. Here are two PDF examples of a citation and annotation in APA 7 format: 

Annotated Bibliography Example MLA

MLA stands for the Modern Language Association. It is used by scholars and students in many fields such as literature, cultural studies, linguistics, and more. 

Basic Formatting Tips 

When using MLA style there are several key steps that must be taken to ensure accuracy. Here are some basic tips for getting started: 

• Make sure all sources are properly cited in-text with author name(s) and page number(s). 
  
• Create a separate ‘Works Cited’ page at the end of your paper listing all sources alphabetically by author last name (or title if no author). 
  
• Use parenthetical citations whenever possible. For example: (Smith 12). 
  
• Follow specific guidelines for formatting different types of sources such as books, websites, videos etc. 
  
• Use double spacing throughout your entire paper including your ‘Works Cited’ page.

Annotated Bibliography Example MLA 9

Need to see what an MLA 9 bibliography entry looks like? Check out this comprehensive example of a citation and annotation in PDF form!

If you're looking to learn more about MLA format, watch this enlightening video now!

Annotated Bibliography Example Chicago

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a style guide used by scholars, editors, and publishers for writing about a variety of topics. The CMS provides guidelines for citing sources in both print and digital formats.

Basic Formatting Tips:

When creating an annotated bibliography using the Chicago style, there are some formatting tips you should keep in mind: 

• The citation should start with the author's last name followed by a comma and their first name.     
  
• The title should be italicized.         
  
• The annotation should follow after a double space. 
  
• Start with a short summary sentence including the main idea of each source cited.  
  
• Each annotation should be no more than 150 words long.   
  
• Citations should be listed alphabetically by author’s last name at the end of your paper. 

See the PDF example of a Chicago Style format citation below to get an idea of how it should look.

Annotated Bibliography Example Harvard

Harvard referencing is a style often used in academic writing, particularly in the social sciences.

Harvard Style Formatting 

Here are some basic formatting tips to help you get started with your Harvard-style annotated bibliography: 

• Cite all sources using author-date format. 
  
• Alphabetize entries by author last name or title if no author is given. 
  
• Double-space all lines in each entry and indent the first line of each entry by 0.5 inches (1 cm). 
  
• Include page numbers when available for direct quotations from books or other print sources. 
  
• Provide full publication information for each source listed at the end of your paper in a “References” section. 
  
• If you are writing an undergraduate paper, limit your references to three pages. If it's a graduate paper, make sure that your references don’t exceed five pages.
  

Annotated Bibliography Example Turabian

The Turabian format is a style of academic writing based on Kate L. Turabian’s Manual. It is used for Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations.

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Turabian Style Basic Formatting Tips:

Here are some essential formatting tips to keep in mind when writing your bibliography using the Turabian style: 

• Use Times New Roman font size 12 for your paper text  
  
• Double-space all lines throughout your paper  
  
• Include page numbers at the top right corner for each page  
  
• Create a separate title page with the title centered horizontally   
  
• Use 1-inch margins on all sides  
  
• For notes use superscript numerals outside punctuation marks    
  
• Place the bibliography at the end of your paper  
  
• All entries should be alphabetically ordered according to the author's last name  
  
• Begin each entry flush with the left margin; indent all subsequent lines by 0.5 inches   
  
• Do not include URLs when citing online sources 
  

Different Types of Annotated Bibliography Examples

Creating annotations doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all ordeal. There are plenty of ways to tailor your approach depending on what you intend for them. Consider the options: descriptive, summary, or evaluation - or even better yet, why not combine them? 

As you form your ideas, make sure that they meet the parameters outlined by your instructor! Here is a breakdown of the various types of annotations.

Indicative Annotated Bibliography

An indicative annotation provides a brief overview of the book or article and what it covers. It just gives readers an idea about the content, structure, and relevance of the work. 

Here’s a written example:

Informative Annotated Bibliography

An informative annotation goes beyond simply giving a general overview of the source material. This type lays out important facts and details that are significant to the text. 

Let’s take a look at the example:

Evaluative Annotated Bibliography

An evaluative annotation will evaluate the source material and explain how it meets or fails to meet certain criteria. It should also explain any potential strengths and weaknesses of the text in relation to its intended purpose. 

Below is the evaluation annotated bibliography example for you. Take a look:

Combination Annotated Bibliography

A combination annotated bibliography is a combination of all types. It draws connections between different sources and explains how each contributes to the overall discussion. 

This type of annotation is great for research projects that require the synthesis of multiple sources. Check out the example below:

For the researcher, student, or writer - annotated bibliographies are an invaluable asset. We've put together a handy guide covering types of annotations and examples. 

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