Successful University Writing

A bibliography is a list of texts or other resources that relate to a particular topic or theme. It is usually formatted in a particular referencing style, such as APA7th, MLA or Chicago.  An annotated bibliography, as the name suggests, adds an annotation or comment after each resource. Usually the comment looks to describe the resource and will usually offer an evaluation in terms of relevance, quality or usefulness.

The Annotation

The length and detail of the annotation will vary, depending on the specific requirements of the task. Shorter annotations will generally focus on the content of the resource, whereas longer annotations will address the resource more critically, and may include: 

• an overview of the topics or themes;
• a description of the types of materials included
• commentary about the reliability of information presented, or an assessment of its authority;
• evaluation of research methods included in the text; or
• evaluation of relevance of the resource for the intended audience.

Language

Annotated bibliographies should use formal academic language and be written in full sentences. Grellier and Goerke (2006) suggest some words and phrases to describe the content of a text.

This text:

• argues that..
• examines...
• explores...
• discusses...
• considers...
• covers the issue of...
• focuses on...
• treats the topic of...
• concentrates on...
• is an introduction to...
• begins with...
• concludes with..