Essay: Annotated Bibliography

The annotated bibliography is designed to serve as a bridge between research and writing. It provides a place to (1) compile sources, (2) cite them properly, (3) summarize them for future reference, and (4) briefly analyze their integrity.

You are required, but not limited, to evaluate FIVE sources. I am also requiring that TWO of your sources be scholarly (books and journal articles that are published and peer-reviewed). The other sources can be either popular (magazines, newspapers, blogs, videos, interviews, etc.) or scholarly.

In general, annotated bibliographies are constructed to identify (1) the author’s main argument, (2) the credibility of the source, and (3) how it will be used in your essay. Our annotated bibliographies will require two paragraphs broken into general ideas. One paragraph will be devoted to summary while the other one will analyze the source. To help clearly define the construct of each paragraph, we will be taking a closer look at what goes into each. Essentially, much of this annotated bibliography will consist of two, brief paragraphs rhetorically analyzing your sources.

1. The Summary Paragraph

As you might have guessed, this paragraph is dedicated to creating a concise summary of the source. You need to identify its audience, purpose(s), and evidence. You should include, but are not limited to, what the source is talking about, its main argument, a classification of the source (is it a source that talks about the topic in general or does it focus on more detailed aspects of it?), etc. Read the article. Do not summarize the abstract. An abstract is already a summary.

2. The Analysis Paragraph

This paragraph is dedicated to the analysis of the source. This is where your rhetorical knowledge will be used. Here you will need to analyze the source. You should include analysis of ethos, pathos and logos and how these are used and how they influence the source’s argument. Please also explain how you will use the source in your essay and refer to what aspects helped you make your decision.

The Annotated Bibliography is required to be in MLA Style.

Proper citations should preface the two supporting paragraphs, and citations should be listed alphabetically.

No direct quotations should be used. This should be a summary and analysis, which means in your own words.