How to Write an Annotated Bibliography: A Step-by-Step Guide
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources where each entry is followed by a short paragraph, the annotation, that summarises and evaluates the source. Instructors assign it to make sure you have actually engaged with your research rather than simply collecting titles. Done well, it also becomes a powerful planning tool for the paper you write next.
What goes into an annotation
A strong annotation usually answers three questions in a few sentences:
- Summary: What is the source about, and what is its main argument or finding?
- Evaluation: Is the source credible, current and relevant? Who is the author, and is there any bias?
- Reflection: How will this source help your specific project?
Step by step
Start by formatting the citation itself exactly as you would in a normal reference list, using the correct style. Then write the annotation directly beneath it, usually indented. Most annotations are between 100 and 200 words, though your instructor may specify a length.
Smith, J. (2021). Learning in the digital age. Academic Press.
This book examines how online tools reshape student learning. Smith, an education researcher, draws on a decade of classroom studies, which lends the argument credibility. The chapter on attention is especially relevant to my paper on study habits.
APA and MLA differences
The annotation content is the same in both styles; only the citation above it changes. In APA the reference uses author and date formatting, while in MLA it follows the author and title structure of a Works Cited entry. Order all entries alphabetically by the author’s last name, just as you would in a standard reference list.
A practical tip
Write each annotation immediately after reading the source, while your impressions are fresh. If you wait until the end, you will have forgotten the details and end up rereading everything. You can format each citation quickly with our citation tools and focus your energy on the writing itself.