How to Write an Annotated

BibliographyFYSM 1101

Location is EverythingFebruary 25, 2015

What is an annotated bibliography?

• It is a list of reference materials such as books, journal articles and websites (bibliography)• For each item in the list, there is a short, critical

review (annotation)• When creating the list, you need to provide the

author, title and publication details of each item (citation)

What are Annotations ?

• Annotations summarize and critique the material in your list• They are typically 150 – 200 words in length• They are arranged in alphabetical order according

to Author

What is their purpose ?

• Commentary on a particular topic • Critical analysis and relevance• Introduces a newcomer to the issues on a topic• An exercise to familiarize students to a topic• Helps student to formulate a thesis statement or

argument

What do Annotations include ?• Authority (or credibility) of the author• A summary of the focus of article (central

argument)• Statement of the main points • Basis of analysis • Comparison of the research with other research

you may have read• Strengths and weakness of the article• Why or how the article relates to your research

An Annotation ….

• … is ‘not’ just a synopsis.• … is ‘not’ an abstract that is plagiarized from an

online database.• You must read each article carefully.• You must write your own annotations.

Sample Annotation

• Begin with citation• 196 words in length• Highlighted sentences represent authority,

summary, analysis and usefulness

MacKerron, George and Mourato, Susana. “Happiness is greater in natural environments.” Global Environmental Change, 23 (2013), 992-1000.

Need help ?

• Check the Course Web page• Email or call me for an appointment

Susan Tudin520-2600 ext. 2018

susan.tudin@carleton.ca