What to Annotate in an Article: A Guide

When it comes to creating an annotated bibliography, many students struggle with what exactly they should be annotating. In this article, we will explore the key elements that you should include when summarizing and evaluating sources.

First and foremost, a concise annotation is essential. This means distilling down the central theme and scope of the book or article into a few sentences. Additionally, it's crucial to choose sources that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic. This ensures that you are getting a well-rounded view of the subject matter.

When annotating, be sure to evaluate the author's point of view, authority, and clarity of expression. Is the author an expert in their field? Do they present their ideas clearly and concisely? These are all important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of a source.

Creating an annotated bibliography requires a range of intellectual skills, including concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research. To begin, locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic.

The purpose of an annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited. This can be achieved by providing a brief summary of the source's content, as well as evaluating its strengths and weaknesses.

In addition to summarizing and evaluating individual sources, it's also important to consider the broader context in which they were written. For example, are there any biases or assumptions that underlie the author's argument? Are there any gaps or limitations in the research?

By following these guidelines, you can create an annotated bibliography that is both informative and evaluative. Whether you're a student writing a research paper or a professional conducting literature reviews, understanding what to annotate in an article is essential for producing high-quality work.

What to annotate in an article