How to Write an Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources, each followed by a short paragraph (the annotation) that summarises and usually evaluates the source. It shows your instructor that you have read, understood and judged your research.
Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team
- An annotated bibliography lists sources, each followed by a paragraph that summarises and evaluates it.
- Aim for about 100 to 200 words per annotation unless your brief says otherwise.
- In APA and MLA, order entries alphabetically by the first author’s surname.
What goes in an annotation?
| Element | Question it answers |
|---|---|
| Summary | What is the source about? What is its main argument or finding? |
| Evaluation | How credible, current and well-supported is it? What are its limits? |
| Reflection (relevance) | How will you use it in your project? How does it compare with other sources? |
Your assignment brief tells you which elements to include and how long each annotation should be. A common length is roughly 100 to 200 words per source, but follow your instructions.
Types of annotation
- Descriptive (indicative): describes the source's scope and content without judging it.
- Summary (informative): summarises the argument, methods and conclusions.
- Evaluative (critical): summarises and then assesses strengths, weaknesses and usefulness. This is the most common type in university assignments.
Step-by-step method
- Choose sources that relate directly to your research question; note why each was chosen.
- Cite each source correctly in your required style.
- Read actively: note the thesis, methods, evidence and conclusions.
- Write the summary in your own words, in two to four sentences.
- Evaluate: author expertise, publication, date, evidence quality, bias, limitations.
- Reflect: explain how the source fits your project.
- Order the list alphabetically by author (in APA and MLA).
APA annotated bibliography example
Shah, P., & Kim, D. (2023). Sleep and memory in first-year students. Journal of Student Health, 18(2), 101-118. https://doi.org/10.1234/jsh.2023.018
Shah and Kim surveyed first-year students at two universities and compared self-reported sleep with performance on memory tasks. Students who slept fewer than six hours scored lower on recall tests than those who slept seven or more. The study is recent and published in a peer-reviewed journal, but it relies on self-reported sleep and a sample from only two institutions, which limits generalisation. It will support the section of my paper on how sleep affects learning, and I will pair it with a study that measured sleep objectively.
MLA annotated bibliography example
Lopez, Maria. The Quiet Coast. 2nd ed., Harbor Press, 2021.
Lopez traces how small fishing towns adapted to the decline of local fisheries between 1950 and 2000, using interviews and town records. Her argument that tourism replaced fishing unevenly, benefiting some families while displacing others, is supported by detailed local data. As a historian at a coastal research centre she writes with authority, though she focuses on one region. I will use her interview material in my discussion of economic change.
Sources are fictional examples created to show the format.
Formatting rules
| APA 7 | MLA 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | References or Annotated Bibliography, centred, bold | Annotated Bibliography (or Works Cited), centred |
| Citation | APA reference with hanging indent | MLA Works Cited entry with hanging indent |
| Annotation indent | Indented half an inch as a block below the reference | Indented one inch from the left margin |
| Spacing | Double-spaced | Double-spaced |
| Order | Alphabetical by author | Alphabetical by author |
For full citation rules see our APA format guide and MLA format guide. Using Chicago? See Chicago citation format.
Useful phrases
- Summary: "The author argues that...", "This study examines...", "Using data from..., the authors find..."
- Evaluation: "The evidence is strengthened by...", "A limitation is...", "The author's position as... gives authority, although..."
- Reflection: "This source will support my argument that...", "Unlike X, this study...", "I will use this to..."
Common mistakes
- Copying the abstract instead of writing your own summary (this can be plagiarism).
- Summarising without evaluating when evaluation is required.
- Inconsistent citation style.
- Choosing sources that do not relate to your research question.
- Annotations that are far longer or shorter than the brief allows.
Annotated bibliography checklist
- Every source is relevant to your topic.
- Citations follow one style exactly.
- Each annotation includes the required elements.
- Annotations are in your own words.
- Sources are in the correct order and indentation.
Related
Evaluating a source: questions to ask
| Criterion | Questions |
|---|---|
| Authority | Who is the author? What are their qualifications? Who published it? |
| Currency | When was it published? Is that recent enough for this topic? |
| Accuracy | Is the evidence cited? Was it peer reviewed? Can claims be checked? |
| Purpose | Is it informing, persuading or selling? Is there a bias? |
| Relevance | Does it directly address your research question? |
Pick the two or three most important judgements for each annotation; you do not need to comment on every criterion.
Quick answers to common questions
Do I write annotations in full sentences?
Usually yes, in a single paragraph, unless your instructor allows bullet points.
Can I use "I" in annotations?
Many instructors allow first person in the reflection part ("I will use this to..."). Check your brief.
How many sources should I include?
Follow the assignment. If none is given, ask; numbers vary widely by level and task.
Frequently asked questions
What is an annotated bibliography?
A list of sources with a short paragraph after each citation that summarises the source and usually evaluates its usefulness and credibility.
How long is an annotation?
It depends on the assignment; roughly 100 to 200 words per source is common.
Is an annotated bibliography in alphabetical order?
In APA and MLA, yes, alphabetical by the first author’s surname.
What is the difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review?
An annotated bibliography discusses each source separately; a literature review synthesises sources into a connected discussion by theme.
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