How to Write an MLA Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography or annotated list, is a list of sources that you have used or plans to use in your research paper or project. 

Each source is followed by a summary and evaluation of its relevance, quality, and accuracy. 

When you write an annotated bibliography, it helps you to organize your research, evaluate your sources, and demonstrate your understanding of the topic.

One of the most common citation styles for annotated bibliographies is the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. MLA Citation style is widely used in the humanities, especially in language and literature. 

In this blog post, we will explain everything you should know about MLA annotated bibliography.

MLA Annotated Bibliography Format

The writing and formatting of an MLA annotated bibliography is similar to that of a regular list of works cited pages, with some additional features. 

Here are the main points to remember:

• The annotated bibliography should be alphabetized by the author’s last name, or by the title if there is no author.
• The annotation should be indented 0.5 inches from the left margin and double-spaced.
• The annotation should be no longer than 150 words unless your instructor specifies otherwise.
• The annotation should include a summary of the source, an evaluation of its credibility and usefulness, and a reflection on how it relates to your research question or thesis.
• The annotation should use the same font and size as the rest of the paper, usually Times New Roman 12 pt.
• The annotation should follow the MLA in-text citation rules, using parentheses and page numbers when quoting or paraphrasing from the source.

Examples of MLA Annotated Bibliographies

To help you get started, here are some examples of annotated bibliographies in MLA format, each with a different research topic and purpose.

Example 1: Annotated Bibliography for a Literature Review

Topic: The role of women in Shakespeare’s plays

Purpose: To explore how Shakespeare portrays female characters and how they challenge or conform to the gender norms of his time.

Example 2: Annotated Bibliography for a Research Paper

Topic: The effects of social media on mental health

Purpose: To investigate how social media use influences mental health outcomes and what factors moderate this relationship.

Why Do You Need an Annotated Bibliography?

Whether you are developing a thesis or working toward your research paper, annotated lists of work can be useful for processing bulks of information. 

Depending on the purpose of your paper, an annotated bibliography has many benefits for students and researchers.

Here are some reasons why you need an annotated bibliography:

Source Management and Research Organization

By writing an annotation for each source, you can review its main ideas, arguments, and findings. 

You can also compare and contrast different sources and identify gaps or inconsistencies in your research.

Critical Thinking and Writing Skill Development

Writing an annotation requires you to analyze and evaluate the source, as well as to synthesize and summarize its information, which can help you learn about your topic. 

You can also reflect on how the source relates to your research question, thesis, or argument. This will help you improve your own argumentation and communication skills.

Proper Acknowledgment and Citation Practices

An annotated bibliography follows a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. By following the rules and guidelines of the citation style, you can avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. 

You can also provide your readers with the necessary information to locate and access the sources themselves.

Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding

An annotated bibliography shows that you have done thorough research on your topic. It also shows that you have critically evaluated the sources and selected the most relevant and reliable ones. 

By providing an annotation for each source, you can show your readers how the source supports or challenges your research question, thesis, or argument.

So, there you have it!

We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to write an MLA annotated bibliography.

Remember, an annotated bibliography is a useful tool for organizing your research and developing your critical thinking and writing skills. 

It is important to acknowledge your sources and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of your topic.

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