From my step by step guide, you will learn write an annotated bibliography. If you follow these step by step instructions, you can't go wrong.
Instructions
1. In order to write a proper annotated bibliography, please have your source(s) in hand so that you can follow this easily.
The first step would be to cite your source, please format your source in APA, MLA, or Chicago style first.
In my example, I will cite in APA style so you can see what it should look like:
Cite your reference
Center For Immigration Studies. (2002, August 6). CIS Panel on Mexican Immigration After 9/11. Retrieved March 6, 2007, from Center For Immigration Studies: http://www.cis.org/articles/2002/mexcoverage.html
2. Summarize the source:
Write 2-4 sentences that will summarize your source in a concise manner, include essential concepts that are relevant to the research topic.
Here is an example of a summary that I wrote very concisely.
This article discusses immigration issues between Mexico and the United States. Prior to September 11, 2001, President Bush and President Vicente Fox were negotiating a deal that would benefit migrant workers. President Vincente Fox was also in the process of getting President Bush to raise the immigration quota significantly; after the events of 9/11 unfolded President Bush decided that it would be inappropriate to consider any agreements.
Please notice that this is meant to be very basic, outlining the basic concepts of how this source will benefit your research topic.
3. In the final step we will talk about how this source will be used in the research paper. 1-2 sentences should be sufficient, this should outline the content within the source that you will use. This should not be a critique of the source, when writing keep your tone very positive.
Identify How this source will benefit your research paper
This article would be a helpful resource for my research paper because it demonstrates the impact that 9/11 had on issues related to homeland security and foreign relations.
It is perfectly fine to write something that is more detailed about how you will utilize the resource, the rule is to never make this section longer than the summary. This is designed to give your audience an idea of how you obtained your information, and made the decision to use this material.
