How to Write an Annotated Bibliography
This Resource Page will help you:
- learn the steps to write an annotated bibliography.
Introduction
While an annotated bibliography can be a standalone assignment, at its core it is a foundational research tool. It is not surprising then that the process of writing your annotated bibliography is rooted in critical and active reading. If you are unclear as to what an annotated bibliography is, we recommend that you read our Resource Page on What is an annotated bibliography?
The general steps to write an annotated bibliography are depicted in the roadmap below.
Step 1: Select a Topic
To effectively assess the relevance of the literature you are reading, you must begin by choosing and focusing your assignment or research topic.
To learn more about selecting your topic, see:
Step 2: Search for Literature
Once you have a good understanding on what your topic of interest will be, it is important to strategically look for relevant literature. This will involve using a range of search strategies and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The outcome of this step can help confirm if the scope of your topic is appropriate and if any adjustments are necessary.
To learn more about how to find literature, see:
Step 3: Format Bibliographic Information
After you have selected your literature, you need to format the bibliographic information of each source. This requires having familiarity on your field’s citation style. Within OISE, we commonly use APA.
The following is an example of bibliographic information in APA. Please note that it corresponds to the citation format you use in reference lists at the end of your papers:
Blair, C. & Diamond, A. (2008). Biological processes in prevention and intervention: The promotion of self-regulation as a means of preventing school failure. Development and Psychopathology,. 20, 899-911. Doi:10.1017/S095457948000436
To learn more about APA format, check our resource page on Citations and APA Style.
Step 4: Read Literature Critically
If you have read the RP What is an annotated bibliography, you know that an annotated bibliography includes bibliographic information accompanied by an annotation for each source you selected. While the requirements of what to include in an annotation may vary based on your assignment instructions, an annotation generally includes the following elements:
- A summary of the text (e.g., content, scope, main points, intended audience, research methodology, findings)
- Identified strengths and limitations
- Author(s)’s conclusions
- Your reflections on the relevance or usefulness of the text for your purposes
- Other reflections that may be of relevance to you or as outlined in your assignment instructions
When reading and evaluating a source, active and critical reading is necessary to not only identify the main elements of a text, but also assessing your selected literature for other purposes in your course or research process (e.g., discussions about reading contents, final papers).
Below is a list of questions to help in your understanding and assessment of your selected literature and in preparing your annotations. However, please note that the relevance of these questions to your work will be dependent on your assignment instructions, goals, and the type of literature you are reading (e.g., academic journal article v. a policy document).
These often appear in the introduction and conclusion sections of an academic article.
Look for key terms and repetition of ideas, and follow them through the text to see how they are developed.
The theoretical framework refers to the theoretical foundation on which the research you’re reading about is built. You should consider how is theory used to present arguments, interpret evidence, or data, and how it relates to your own work.
Is it qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods? What data collection instruments were used? What is the setting of the study?
Consider how findings are interpreted in the context of the thesis statement or research question(s).
Consider the type of data being offered as evidence in light of the methodology, if it answers the research question(s) and if it supports or contradicts the thesis statement.
Why? How do you anticipate engaging with them?
How does your work relate to these gaps or areas?
Consider how the text`s content relates to your topic and knowledge.
Our tip: To help keep track of your observations and reflections, we recommend notetaking as you read. Check this resource page to learn effective notetaking strategies.
Once you have actively and critically read the literature you collected, you are ready to write your annotations.
Step 5: Write Annotations
After actively reading your sources, we recommend referring to your notes to summarize and paraphrase your sources in your annotations. Summarizing and paraphrasing are key tools in academic writing and allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the content.
Summarizing allows you to communicate core ideas, key details, and significant arguments or findings of your source in a way that is both concise and digestible.
Paraphrasing involves expressing ideas, concepts, and arguments of your source in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.
Example of an Annotated Bibliography
See an example below of a critical annotation.
These are two examples of annotated bibliographies with slightly different structures.