An annotated bibliography is a list of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) that you have used in your research, with a brief summary and evaluation of each source. Creating an annotated bibliography can be a helpful way to organize and evaluate the sources you have used in your research, as well as to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your research to your readers.
In this essay, we will discuss the steps for creating an annotated bibliography in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style.
Step 1: Choose your sources
The first step in creating an annotated bibliography is to choose the sources you will include. These can be books, articles, websites, or any other type of source that you have used in your research. As you select your sources, make sure to choose sources that are relevant to your research topic and that will provide valuable information to your readers.
Step 2: Create a citation for each source
Once you have selected your sources, you will need to create a citation for each one. In MLA style, the citation consists of the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information (such as the publisher and publication date), and any relevant page numbers. You can use the MLA Handbook or a citation generator to help you create your citations.
Step 3: Write the annotation for each source
The annotation is the brief summary and evaluation of each source. It should provide a summary of the main points or arguments of the source, as well as your own evaluation of the source's relevance and reliability.
To write the annotation, start by summarizing the main points or arguments of the source in your own words. Then, provide your own evaluation of the source. This can include your assessment of the source's reliability, the perspective it offers, and its relevance to your research. Finally, you may also want to include any suggestions for further reading or any other thoughts you have about the source.
Step 4: Organize and format your bibliography
Once you have created the citations and annotations for all of your sources, you will need to organize and format your bibliography. In MLA style, the bibliography should be alphabetized by the author's last name. Each citation should be followed by its corresponding annotation, which should be indented.
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography in MLA style:
Bibliography
Baker, James. The Politics of Climate Change. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.
In this book, Baker explores the political debates surrounding climate change and offers a detailed analysis of the various policy options that have been proposed. He argues that while there is widespread agreement on the science of climate change, there is still significant disagreement on how to address the issue. This book provides a valuable overview of the political debates surrounding climate change and is a useful resource for anyone interested in the topic.
Smith, Mary. "The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture." Scientific American, vol. 312, no. 6, 2016, pp. 32-38.
This article discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture and the potential consequences for food security. The author argues that while climate change will have significant impacts on agriculture, there are also opportunities to adapt and mitigate these impacts through the adoption of new technologies and practices. This article is well-researched and provides a useful overview of the challenges and opportunities related to climate change and agriculture.
Conclusion
Creating an annotated bibliography in MLA style can be a helpful way to organize and evaluate your research sources, as well as to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your research to your readers. By following the steps outlined in this essay, you
