Annotated Bibliographies

An Annotated bibliography is, basically,

A list of references to journals, articles, books or other documents. In annotated bibliography, work cited along with a precise descriptive paragraph. This paragraph is known as annotation. It involves the evaluation of the reference to ensure relevance, quality material and accuracy to the readers.

Differentiating Between Annotation and Abstract

It is important to note that there is a difference between annotation and abstract. Some people mix up both the concepts. Abstract is found in the beginning of an essay or research paper. It is descriptive approach and a form of summary.

On the other hand, annotation might be descriptive or evaluative. Descriptive annotation summarizes the content whereas evaluative annotation offers critical comments and exposes author’s viewpoint. It defines the clarity of expression.

Annotated bibliographies examples can easily be studied with the help of a well researched academic paper.

Purpose of an Annotation

The aim of annotated bibliographies and work cited is to ensure the readers that the work cited has relevance with the topic of research and the line of inquiry.

What should be the Key Focus of Annotated Bibliographies?

• Generally speaking annotations should be precise and well focused on the line of inquiry or the thesis statement.
• Main focus of the writing should be emphasized along with the relevance and credibility of the reference with the research topic.
• Moreover, conclusions and observations should be enclosed as reached by the author after careful scrutiny of the subject.

How to Format Annotated Bibliographies?

There are several formats extensively available in academic writing. Your annotated bibliography depends on your writing style. Whatever the format your instructor asks you to write in; you should remain stick to one style throughout the paper. Most widely used referencing styles include APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago and Vancouver Style which is used for health related academic writings and research papers.

Below are two examples for the readers for samples annotated bibliographies in APA style which is American Psychological Association referencing guide. This annotated bibliography is selected for an academic writing related to child growth and development. So, here we go with these examples for better understanding.

Sample Annotated Bibliographies in APA Style

Example: 1- Meggitt, C. (2000). Child Development: An Illustrated Guide. UK: Heinemann.

This book encloses the information about various aspects of child growth and development. The author further provides information about various theories of child development. Developmental patterns are carefully analyzed keeping in mind children with different needs.

Example: 2- Davies, D. (2011). Child Development: A Practitioner’s Guide. New York: The Guilford Press.

This book explains various perspectives related to child development like maturational perspective, transactional model of growth and development, development paths and interventions. The author further highlights brain developmental patterns in early childhood stage.

With the help of above mentioned annotated bibliography examples, you can easily go with annotated bibliographies for your upcoming writings and projects.