Annotated Bibliography Essay
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Resources for learning
Writing an annotated bibliography
What is an annotated bibliography? Writing the critique
Getting started Preparing your final copy
Writing the summary Example of an annotated bibliography
What is an annotated bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list or collection of sources in which each item is summarised and commented on.
It has two functions:
• It provides people in a particular field with access to significant and current information about relevant sources
• It also provides you with the opportunity to become familiar with a particular topic or area of study.
Getting Started
• Check any specific instructions that your lecturer has given you for …show more content…
The number of sources you select will depend on the requirements of your assignment. You may be required to select a certain number of sources or write to a certain word limit.
• Skim the sources to gain an overview of the main issues, debates and points of view relating to the topic (For effective reading strategies see the Learning Guide: Getting the most from your academic reading). Then read for more detail, starting with the easiest and most general sources.
• Record full bibliographic details, including author’s name, title of publication, publisher’s name, year and place of publication, and if appropriate, page numbers. Use a consistent referencing style, such as Harvard or APA. (Refer to the Learning Guide: 10. Referencing.)
• Write the annotation as a short summary of the contents of each text followed by a brief critique. The summary and critique are usually about the same …show more content…
• How does this item 'fit in' with other works on the topic?
• Would I recommend it to someone interested in the course? Why? Why not?
The answers to these questions will form the basis of your critique.
Preparing your final copy of the annotated bibliography
• Revise your drafts of the annotations. Firstly, reconsider the summary and the critique for each item in relation to the others and make any changes. Secondly, proof read and edit your work. For example, you may have thought that the first article you read contained some unusual or original ideas. After reading a number of other texts, you realise that this article 'fits in' with the other research in the field.
• Arrange your collection in the order specified or the order you decide on. Unless told otherwise, arrange the sources in alphabetical order according to the authors’ family names.
• In some annotated bibliographies, you may be required to provide an introductory or concluding paragraph that identifies important themes or issues, details which texts were particularly useful and those that you wouldn’t recommend to someone interested in the course.
Example of an annotated
Resources for learning
Writing an annotated bibliography
What is an annotated bibliography? Writing the critique
Getting started Preparing your final copy
Writing the summary Example of an annotated bibliography
What is an annotated bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list or collection of sources in which each item is summarised and commented on.
It has two functions:
• It provides people in a particular field with access to significant and current information about relevant sources
• It also provides you with the opportunity to become familiar with a particular topic or area of study.
Getting Started
• Check any specific instructions that your lecturer has given you for …show more content…
The number of sources you select will depend on the requirements of your assignment. You may be required to select a certain number of sources or write to a certain word limit.
• Skim the sources to gain an overview of the main issues, debates and points of view relating to the topic (For effective reading strategies see the Learning Guide: Getting the most from your academic reading). Then read for more detail, starting with the easiest and most general sources.
• Record full bibliographic details, including author’s name, title of publication, publisher’s name, year and place of publication, and if appropriate, page numbers. Use a consistent referencing style, such as Harvard or APA. (Refer to the Learning Guide: 10. Referencing.)
• Write the annotation as a short summary of the contents of each text followed by a brief critique. The summary and critique are usually about the same …show more content…
• How does this item 'fit in' with other works on the topic?
• Would I recommend it to someone interested in the course? Why? Why not?
The answers to these questions will form the basis of your critique.
Preparing your final copy of the annotated bibliography
• Revise your drafts of the annotations. Firstly, reconsider the summary and the critique for each item in relation to the others and make any changes. Secondly, proof read and edit your work. For example, you may have thought that the first article you read contained some unusual or original ideas. After reading a number of other texts, you realise that this article 'fits in' with the other research in the field.
• Arrange your collection in the order specified or the order you decide on. Unless told otherwise, arrange the sources in alphabetical order according to the authors’ family names.
• In some annotated bibliographies, you may be required to provide an introductory or concluding paragraph that identifies important themes or issues, details which texts were particularly useful and those that you wouldn’t recommend to someone interested in the course.
Example of an annotated