1. What an annotated bibliography is for
Instructors assign annotated bibliographies to check your research early and to help you think about how each source fits your topic. Each entry has two parts:
- The full citation, formatted in the required style.
- An annotation, usually 100 to 200 words, that summarizes, evaluates, or reflects on the source.
2. Choose and read your sources
- Start with your library databases and prefer peer-reviewed articles, scholarly books, and official data. See How to Use Journal Articles.
- Read the abstract, introduction, and conclusion first, then the methods and results for empirical studies.
- Take notes in your own words as you read: the main argument, the evidence, and the limits.
3. Know the three kinds of annotation
| Type | What it does | Typical questions |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | Describes the source’s purpose, method, and main findings. | What is the source about? What did the author find? |
| Evaluation | Judges the source’s quality and usefulness. | Is the author an expert? Is the evidence strong? What are the limits? |
| Reflection | Explains how the source fits your project. | How will you use it? Does it support or challenge your thesis? |
Many assignments ask for all three in one paragraph. Check your instructions for which parts and how many words are required.
4. Format entries in APA or MLA
Format the citation exactly as you would in a reference list or Works Cited page, then indent the annotation as a block under it. Alphabetize entries by the first author’s last name.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the article in sentence case. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), page–page. https://doi.org/xxxx
Author Last, First, and First Last. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. #–#.
5. Write the annotation
A simple order works for most entries:
- One or two sentences on the author’s purpose and method.
- One or two sentences on the main findings or argument.
- One or two sentences evaluating strengths and limits.
- One sentence on how you will use the source.
The authors surveyed first-year students at four public universities to examine how late-night phone use relates to sleep and grades. They found that students who used phones after midnight slept less and reported lower GPAs. The large sample is a strength, but the data are self-reported, so the study shows association rather than cause. I will use it as background evidence for my section on student habits and pair it with an experimental study.
Write every annotation yourself, in your own words. Do not copy the abstract.
6. Final checklist
- Every source meets the assignment’s requirements for number and type.
- Citations follow one style consistently and are alphabetized.
- Each annotation includes the parts your instructor requested and stays within the word limit.
- Annotations are in your own words, with quotation marks and page numbers for any direct quotation.
- Proofread for spelling, formatting, and hanging indents.
Frequently asked questions
How long should each annotation be?
Usually 100 to 200 words, but follow your instructor’s word count. Short descriptive annotations may be only two or three sentences.
Is an annotated bibliography the same as a literature review?
No. An annotated bibliography discusses each source separately; a literature review synthesizes sources by theme and shows how they relate.
Can I copy the abstract as my annotation?
No. The abstract is the author’s summary. Your annotation must be your own summary and evaluation, written in your own words.
Do I need to include a thesis or introduction?
Some instructors ask for a short introduction stating your topic or research question. Check the assignment instructions.