LibGuides: Annotated Bibliography: Writing the Annotations

Write the Annotations

For each item you selected, write down a concise summary of what it contains, and how it will inform someone. If appropriate, add evaluative comments telling what is or is not covered, any strengths or weaknesses you notice, and where it might fit into an overview of your topic. Note the author's experience and qualifications in their field, or lack of it.

Ask yourself these questions to write an annotation:

What is a short summary about the item (1-2 sentences)?
What are they saying?
Why was this written?
Who are they writing to (scholars, general public, etc.)?
What is or is not included in the item?
What strengths or weaknesses do you notice?
How is it relevant to your topic?
What are the author's experience and qualifications in their field, or lack of it?
Are there obvious biases presented?

Writing Annotations via the University of Toronto
For more advanced and graduate level annotated bibliographies, which cover more territory and are evaluative and analytical, take a look at this online guide from the University of Toronto. It distinguishes various kinds and levels of annotation, and gives guidance for critical analysis involving theoretical and research aspects of the individual items, and some sample words to spark your analytical writing.