How to Write an Effective Annotated Bibliography

writer guide

In an annotated bibliography the writer gives a brief list of reference in the end of his transcript that lay down all the sources used in the work in a sequential order.

Every writer must learn how to write an annotated bibliography as it doesn’t only give the work strong credibility but also gives a brief explanation to the readers as to why those sources are relevant to the work. Through the bibliography the readers are able to understand the reason why a certain quotation is used in a particular paragraph.

These days bibliography is becoming an essential component in composing essays, term papers, thesis, dissertations or research papers. Almost every book and scholarly journal also contains a bibliography section providing credit to all the quotations or references used in it.

In order learn this particular type of bibliography the writer must possess excellent skills in writing and organization. However, not every writer has proper command over these particular skills. This is the main reason that makes annotated bibliography writing even more challenging.

How to start crafting a bibliography section?

Before you worry about bibliography you first have to complete your transcript regardless of whether it is a dissertation, thesis or research paper. After completing the work, the last section that you will need to include in your work is an annotated bibliography.

Majority of students or writers find it very daunting the first time they have to put a reference list in their transcript. However, it is not as daunting as it may seem to some. Just follow the below listed important pointers and learn how to write an effective bibliography.

- The reference generally provides the readers a short summary of the content or a brief review. Depending on the specifications of your college or university, your professor might ask you to rephrase, summarize or assess the source.

- As we know that annotated bibliographies give the readers a brief review of the referenced source. In order to emerge with effective annotations your review of the source must be short and to the point.

- The annotation must be able to give the readers the central idea of the source.

- Use a line to separate every listed source or quotation. The format of writing an annotated bibliography should be as follows:

  • Last name and initials of the author
  • Time of publication of the material
  • Title or label of the work (book) – either underlined or italic
  • Version of the book, if any
  • Name of the publisher
  • Publication

- There are numerous styles of writing a reference list or an annotated bibliography. The bibliography format illustrated earlier is just a standard one. However, you should confirm the format or writing style of your bibliography with your supervisor.

- Proofreading is also an integral part of writing any sort of material. Therefore, proofread the bibliography and make sure that the references you presented in the end of your work are relevant and genuine. Make sure that you mention the sources accurately.


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