UNDERSTANDING ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES. An annotated bibliography is an alphabetical list of the sources and documents you have used in developing a research project, with each item in the list summarized and, very often, evaluated.

Instructors usually ask you to attach an annotated bibliography to the final version of a project so that they can determine at a glance how well you’ve researched your subject. But some may ask you to submit an annotated bibliography earlier in the writing process — sometimes even as part of the topic proposal — to be sure you’re staying on track, poring over good materials, and getting the most out of them. (plan a project)

need to write a summary?

Begin with an accurate record of research materials. Items recorded in the alphabetical list should follow the guidelines of some documentation system, typically MLA or APA. In a paper using MLA documentation, the list is labeled “Works Cited” and includes only books, articles, and other source materials actually mentioned in the project; it is labeled “Works Consulted” if you also want to include works you’ve read but not actually cited. In a project using APA style, the list is called “References.” (cite in APA)

Describe or summarize the content of each item in the bibliography. These summaries should be very brief, often just one or two sentences. Begin with a concise description of the work if it isn’t self-evident (a review of; an interview with; a CIA report on). Then, in your own words, describe its contents, scope, audience, perspective, or other features relevant to your project. Your language should be descriptive and impartial. Be sure to follow any special guidelines offered by your instructor. For more about summarizing, see Chapter 42, “Summarizing Sources.” (understand citation styles)

Assess the significance or quality of the work. Immediately following the summary, offer a brief appraisal of the item, responding to its authority, thoroughness, length, relevance, usefulness, age (e.g., up-to-date/dated), reputation in field (if known), and so on. Your remarks should be professional and academic: You aren’t writing a movie review.

Explain the role the work plays in your research. When an annotated bibliography is part of a topic proposal, size up the materials you have found so far and describe how you expect to use them in your project. Highlight the works that provide creative or fresh ideas, authoritative coverage, up-to-date research, diverse perspectives, or ample bibliographies.