Annotated Bibliography Mla Example
An annotated bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources used in a research project, where each source is accompanied by a brief summary and evaluation. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, and it provides specific guidelines for formatting an annotated bibliography.
MLA Annotated Bibliography Guidelines
The MLA style requires that the annotated bibliography be formatted with a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman, and double-spaced. The bibliography should be alphabetized by the author’s last name, and the annotations should be concise, usually around 150 words.
Annotated Bibliography Entry Structure
An MLA annotated bibliography entry typically consists of two parts: the citation and the annotation. The citation is formatted according to MLA guidelines, and the annotation is a brief summary and evaluation of the source.
Component | Description |
---|---|
Citation | Formatted according to MLA guidelines, including author's name, title of the source, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable) |
Annotation | Brief summary and evaluation of the source, including relevance to the research topic, methodology, and conclusions |
For example, an annotated bibliography entry for a book might look like this:
Johnson, Mary. The History of Women's Rights. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the women's rights movement in the United States, from the 19th century to the present day. The author, a historian and women's rights activist, uses a chronological approach to explore the key events and figures that have shaped the movement. The book is well-researched and engagingly written, making it a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike.
Annotated Bibliography Example
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography in MLA style:
Works Cited:
Johnson, Mary. The History of Women's Rights. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the women's rights movement in the United States, from the 19th century to the present day. The author, a historian and women's rights activist, uses a chronological approach to explore the key events and figures that have shaped the movement. The book is well-researched and engagingly written, making it a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike.
Smith, John. The Impact of Social Media on Society. London: Routledge, 2015. Print.
This book explores the impact of social media on modern society, including its effects on communication, relationships, and identity. The author, a sociologist, uses a combination of theoretical and empirical approaches to examine the ways in which social media is shaping our culture and our lives. The book is a useful contribution to the field of sociology and provides insights into the ways in which social media is influencing our world.
Best Practices for Writing an Annotated Bibliography
When writing an annotated bibliography, there are several best practices to keep in mind:
- Clearly and concisely summarize each source
- Evaluate the credibility and reliability of each source
- Assess the relevance of each source to the research topic
- Use proper MLA formatting and citation guidelines
- Provide a brief analysis of the source's methodology and conclusions
Common Challenges and Solutions
One common challenge when writing an annotated bibliography is providing a clear and concise summary of each source. To overcome this challenge, it is essential to carefully read and understand each source, and to identify the main arguments and findings.
Challenge | Solution |
---|---|
Providing a clear and concise summary | Carefully read and understand each source, and identify the main arguments and findings |
Evaluating the credibility and reliability of each source | Assess the author's credentials, the publication date, and the methodology used |
Assessing the relevance of each source to the research topic | Clearly define the research topic and evaluate each source in relation to it |
What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?
+The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide a comprehensive list of sources used in a research project, along with a brief summary and evaluation of each source.
How do I format an annotated bibliography in MLA style?
+An MLA annotated bibliography should be formatted with a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman, and double-spaced. The bibliography should be alphabetized by the author’s last name, and the annotations should be concise, usually around 150 words.
What should I include in an annotated bibliography entry?
+An annotated bibliography entry should include a citation formatted according to MLA guidelines, along with a brief summary and evaluation of the source. The annotation should provide an overview of the source’s contents, methodology, and conclusions, as well as an assessment of its credibility and relevance to the research topic.