How to Write an Annotated Bibliography (MLA, APA) | Chegg, by Chegg on YouTube. 4 min 54 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 54 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check your assignment brief for the required citation style, the number of sources and the length of each annotation. Note whether you need summary only or summary plus evaluation.
Read each source and note the author, title, publisher, year and page numbers. Record these details now so the citation is easy to build later.
Analyse the source: identify the author's main argument, the evidence used and the intended audience. Write two or three bullet points in your own words.
Judge the source's reliability and relevance to your topic. Note any bias, gaps or limits, and how it fits your research question.
Write the annotation in one paragraph: summarise the source, then assess it and state how you will use it. Keep it to the length your brief asks for.
Format the full citation in MLA or APA style, then place the annotation directly below it. Indent the annotation to match your style guide.
List entries alphabetically by the author's last name, or by title when there is no author. Keep one consistent style across every entry.
Check spacing, hanging indents and punctuation against your style guide. Run a final proofread for spelling and citation errors.
Tips and common mistakes
Write the annotation in your own words and avoid copying the abstract.
Keep the same annotation length and structure for every entry so the list looks consistent.
Double-check page numbers and publication years, as these are the most common citation mistakes.
Use a citation manager if you have many sources, but still read each one before writing the annotation.
Questions
What is the difference between an MLA and APA annotated bibliography?
The citation format and the order of details differ, such as the date placement and how authors are listed. The annotation itself is usually a short paragraph in both styles, but check your style guide for indentation and length.
How long should each annotation be?
Many courses ask for about 100 to 150 words per annotation, but follow your assignment brief. Some tutors want a short summary only, while others want summary, evaluation and relevance.
Do I need an annotation for every source?
Yes, every entry in the list gets its own citation and annotation. Only include sources you have actually read and will use in your work.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
