An annotated bibliography is a list of sources you used for your topic, each followed by a brief note (the annotation).
In MLA it appears as a Works Cited; in APA it appears as References.
Each entry includes the full citation (author, title, publisher, date, etc.) and a short annotation that summarizes, evaluates, and/or reflects on the source.
What an annotation can do (your instructor will specify which):
Summarize — What are the main claims, methods, and conclusions? What does the source cover?
Assess — Is it credible and useful? How does it compare with other sources? Any bias or limitations?
Reflect/Apply — How will you use it in your project? Does it shape or challenge your thinking?
Tip: Not every assignment requires all three; follow your instructor’s directions.
Helps you see the conversation around your topic—key issues, points of disagreement, and gaps.
Pushes you to read critically instead of just collecting links.
Clarifies and refines your research focus (and, when relevant, your working thesis).
Sets you up to use sources effectively and ethically in your paper or presentation.
Full citation.
Summary (1–3 sentences): What it’s about and the main takeaway.
Evaluation (1–2 sentences): Credibility, strengths/limits, relevance.
Reflection/Use (1–2 sentences): How you’ll use it in your project.
Typical length: 100–200 words per source (unless your instructor specifies otherwise).
In an annotated bibliography, cite each source exactly as you would in a regular Works Cited list, then add the annotation after the citation.
Annotations describe and/or evaluate sources, but they should not:
Rehash minor details
Quote the author directly
Cite evidence or recount every step of the argument
Instead, an effective annotation shows that you’ve read and understood the work, grasped its aims, and can clearly summarize or evaluate its significance.