8 Mla Annotated Bibliography Examples For Better Grades

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely accepted formatting standard for academic writing, particularly in the humanities. One of the critical components of MLA formatting is the annotated bibliography, which provides a detailed description of each source used in research. Here, we will explore 8 MLA annotated bibliography examples to help you achieve better grades in your academic pursuits.

Understanding MLA Annotated Bibliography

An MLA annotated bibliography is a list of sources that includes a brief summary or evaluation of each source. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide an overview of the sources used in research, demonstrating the author’s understanding of the topic and the credibility of the sources. In MLA style, the annotated bibliography is typically formatted with a hanging indent, and the annotation is usually around 150-200 words per source.

Example 1: Book with One Author

A book with one author is a common source used in research. For example, if we were to annotate a book by John Smith, the entry would look like this:

Smith, John. The History of Literature. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of literature, covering major movements and authors. The author’s use of primary sources and historical context makes the book a valuable resource for researchers. The writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Example 2: Article with Multiple Authors

An article with multiple authors is another common source used in research. For example, if we were to annotate an article by Jane Doe, John Smith, and Bob Johnson, the entry would look like this:

Doe, Jane, John Smith, and Bob Johnson. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Educational Technology 10.2 (2015): 12-20. Print.

This article examines the impact of technology on education, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks. The authors use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The article is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a useful resource for researchers.

Example 3: Website with No Author

A website with no author is a common source used in research, particularly for topics related to current events or popular culture. For example, if we were to annotate a website by the National Park Service, the entry would look like this:

National Park Service. Yellowstone National Park. National Park Service, 2020, www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm. Accessed 10 Feb. 2022.

This website provides a wealth of information about Yellowstone National Park, including its history, geology, and wildlife. The site is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a useful resource for researchers. However, the lack of authorship and publication date makes it less credible than other sources.

Example 4: Journal Article with DOI

A journal article with a DOI (digital object identifier) is a common source used in research, particularly in the sciences. For example, if we were to annotate an article by Jane Doe, the entry would look like this:

Doe, Jane. “The Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity.” Journal of Environmental Science 25.1 (2018): 1-10. doi: 10.1000/jes.2018.01.001.

This article examines the effects of climate change on biodiversity, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. The author uses a quantitative approach, analyzing data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The article is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a useful resource for researchers.

Example 5: Book with Editor

A book with an editor is a common source used in research, particularly in the humanities. For example, if we were to annotate a book edited by John Smith, the entry would look like this:

Smith, John, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Literary Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015. Print.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of literary theory, covering major movements and authors. The editor’s use of primary sources and historical context makes the book a valuable resource for researchers. The writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Example 6: Conference Proceedings

Conference proceedings are a common source used in research, particularly in the sciences. For example, if we were to annotate a conference proceeding by Jane Doe, the entry would look like this:

Doe, Jane. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Proceedings of the 2019 International Conference on Educational Technology, 2019, pp. 1-10.

This conference proceeding examines the impact of technology on education, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks. The author uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The proceeding is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a useful resource for researchers.

Example 7: Thesis or Dissertation

A thesis or dissertation is a common source used in research, particularly in graduate studies. For example, if we were to annotate a thesis by John Smith, the entry would look like this:

Smith, John. The History of Literature: A Critical Analysis. Master’s thesis, University of California, 2018. Print.

This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the history of literature, covering major movements and authors. The author’s use of primary sources and historical context makes the thesis a valuable resource for researchers. The writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Example 8: Government Report

A government report is a common source used in research, particularly in the social sciences. For example, if we were to annotate a report by the U.S. Department of Education, the entry would look like this:

U.S. Department of Education. 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress. U.S. Department of Education, 2020. Print.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress, highlighting trends and patterns in student achievement. The report is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a useful resource for researchers. However, the lack of authorship and publication date makes it less credible than other sources.