Library Guides: Annotated Bibliographies: Writing the introduction (2024)

7.WRITE AN INTRODUCTION
Typically a short overview of the research focus, the introduction needs to define the topic, the scope of the bibliography, and if it is meant to cover the whole range of opinion or just one viewpoint or aspect.Check yourSubject Outlineor verify with your lecturer forwhat else needs to be included in the introduction.

Note: In a very short exercise ("Write an annotated bibliography with at least three different works."), giving it an informative title might take the place of writing an introduction.

For longer bibliographies, especially ones that attempt to give a full overview of a topic, having an introduction is essential. Very specific topics need to be defined clearly, or the reader might be misled.

Describe the scope of your bibliography, i.e., whether it covers what you judge to be the best, or the most recent, or a broad sample of the available material on your topic.

Again, does it cover the whole range of opinion, or just one viewpoint or aspect of the topic?

Example: Postmodern Interpretations of Hamlet

Does it cover a particular time period, or does it reach back for the "classic" articles, even if they are decades old?

Examples:

Black Republicans' Opinions on Barack Obama's Candidacy

Negative Criticism of Keynesian Economics during the Reagan Administration

The Lutheran Response to the Holocaust, 1951-1975

Library Guides: Annotated Bibliographies: Writing the introduction (2024)

FAQs

How to write the introduction of an annotated bibliography? ›

WRITE AN INTRODUCTION

Typically a short overview of the research focus, the introduction needs to define the topic, the scope of the bibliography, and if it is meant to cover the whole range of opinion or just one viewpoint or aspect.

How long is the introduction in annotated bibliography? ›

While an annotation can be as short as one sentence, the average entry in an annotated bibliography consists of a work's citation information followed by a short paragraph of three to six sentences, roughly 150 words in length.

Do annotated bibliographies have introductions and conclusions? ›

Rather than just including your resources in an annotated bibliography, it is important that you also include an introduction and a conclusion for the assignment, as well. The introduction of an annotated bibliography will provide some context for the collection of resources you are including in the document.

What are the 3 parts of an annotated bibliography? ›

The three different parts of an annotated bibliography include the title, annotation, and citation. The title and citation format will vary based on the style you use. The annotation can include a summary, evaluation, or reflection.

What is a bibliography introduction? ›

A bibliography is a list of all of the sources you have used in the process of researching your work. In general, a bibliography should include: the authors' names. the titles of the works. the names and locations of the companies that published your copies of the sources.

What comes first in an annotated bibliography? ›

A works cited page (in MLA) or a reference page (in APA) is simply the first part of an annotated bibliography. It is the part where the source is fully cited in the proper format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).

What are the four parts of an annotated bibliography entry? ›

The annotated bibliography is written in paragraph form and composed of 4 parts: the citation, the summary of the content, an evaluation of the source, and a reflection on its use.

What is the format for an annotated bibliography? ›

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

How hard is an annotated bibliography? ›

Annotated bibliographies are not difficult; just remember it's an organized list of the sources you've used, each of which is followed by a brief note—the annotation.

Can you use the first person in an annotated bibliography? ›

Nov 14, 2016 10237. In general, an annotated bibliography should be in third person and not in first person.

How many sources should you have in your annotated bibliography? ›

As you conduct your research for your research writing project, compile an annotated bibliography with 15-20 entries. Each entry in your annotated bibliography should contain a citation, a brief summary of the cited material.

Is an annotated bibliography like a summary? ›

An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an annotated bibliography includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources. Depending on your project or the assignment, your annotations may do one or more of the following. Summarize: Some annotations merely summarize the source.

What is the easiest way to write an annotated bibliography? ›

Annotated Bibliography: a step by step guide
  1. Select a Topic. Pick something you can handle well within your time and space limitations. ...
  2. Get a Good Overview. Use several good reference sources to become familiar with your topic. ...
  3. Review your Assignment! ...
  4. Select What to Include. ...
  5. Write the Annotations. ...
  6. Put It All Together.
Apr 20, 2024

What does a good annotated bibliography include? ›

An annotation may include the following information:
  • A brief summary of the source.
  • The source's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Its conclusions.
  • Why the source is relevant in your field of study.
  • Its relationships to other studies in the field.
  • An evaluation of the research methodology (if applicable)
Mar 25, 2024

Does an annotated bibliography need a title page? ›

The American Psychological Association does not prescribe a specific title format for annotated bibliographies. However, to follow the formatting guidelines for APA-style papers, include a separate title page and a page number for each page of your bibliography.

How do you start an annotated essay? ›

The first part of an annotation is usually a summary or description of the text. This involves briefly outlining the author's main points, as well as providing an overview of the approach or methodology they have used. As you read each source, focus on understanding the main ideas.

How do you start an annotated bibliography in MLA format? ›

The first line starts on the left margin, but indent consecutive lines five spaces. Indent the beginning of the annotation. The annotation is typically between 100 and 300 words. Title the page “Annotated Bibliography” or “Annotated List of Works Cited.”

How do you introduce a bibliography in LaTeX? ›

To create a bibliography, LaTeX tex file must contain the command \bibliography{database1,database2,…} at the point where the bibliography is to appear. Here, database1, and database2 are root names, and they have the extension of . bib.

How do you write a thesis statement for an annotated bibliography? ›

Good thesis statements are:
  1. Concise: Briefly summarize the main point of the paper.
  2. Clear: Avoid vague, abstract or overly technical language.
  3. Specific: Covers only what is discussed and is supported by evidence presented in the paper.
4 days ago

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