What Is an Annotated Bibliography: Format and Examples

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources with short notes that explain each entry’s content, purpose, and value. Each one includes a citation and a brief annotation (usually 100-200 words).

Steps to write it:

• Find and record relevant sources
• Choose a citation style
• Format your references
• Write concise annotations
• Review and polish

This article breaks down how to write, format, and organize your annotations clearly using the real annotated bibliography example in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.

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What Is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography combines sources you’ve used or are planning to use in your research paper. Each entry is followed by a short note. That note serves as a brief summary of the source, it touches on the central theme, and usually explains why the source is relevant to your topic. Entries include proper citations in one of the following styles: APA format, MLA, or Chicago. 

How Long Should an Annotated Bibliography Be?

Most annotations are approximately 100 to 200 words long. The word count depends on the assignment and your instructor’s guidelines. The full length depends on the number of actual items you need to include. If you’re ever unsure about the word count, always check with your professor.

Annotated Bibliography Format: APA, MLA, and Chicago

When it comes to formatting your annotated bibliography, the first thing to know is this: your instructor will expect you to follow a specific citation style, usually APA, MLA, or Chicago. While the annotations themselves follow a pretty standard pattern (a brief summary, some thoughts on relevance, maybe a quick evaluation), the way you write the citation changes depending on the style.

Take a quick look at how each format of an annotated bibliography works: 

APA Format

APA format bibliographies are focused on clarity. This style is often used in the social sciences and requires very specific formatting rules.

• Title your page ‘Annotated Bibliography’ and center it at the top
• Use double spacing and 12pt Times New Roman
• List sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name
• Start with a full APA-style citation, followed by a paragraph that summarizes and evaluates the source
• Indent the annotation as a new paragraph

Below is an APA annotated bibliography example: 

MLA Format

MLA format is most often used in the humanities. Here, citations come first, followed directly by the annotation. There’s a strong focus on readable structure. 

• Title your page 'Annotated Bibliography' and center it
• Use 12pt Times New Roman, double spaced throughout
• Citations follow standard MLA works cited rules
• Each annotation should appear right below the citation, with no extra line space
• The annotation is indented like a regular paragraph

See MLA format bibliography: 

Chicago Format

Chicago Style is mostly used in history, art, and social science writing. Just like APA and MLA, this style emphasizes structure, detail, and spacing. 

• Title your page 'Annotated Bibliography' and center it
• Use a hanging indent for the citation, and begin the annotation on a new line
• Keep everything double-spaced, using 12pt font
• List entries in alphabetical order
• Format citations according to Chicago style bibliography rules, not footnotes

Have a look at Chicago style annotated bibliography:

You can check out this guide to the full Chicago style format for more details.

How to Write an Annotated Bibliography

Knowing how to write an annotated bibliography will save you time and help you organize your sources better, which will eventually show your instructor that you’ve done your reading.

Here’s what to do: 

1. Gather Your Sources
2. Pick a Citation Style That Fits
3. Set Up Your Citations Properly
4. Write Clear, Focused Annotations
5. Go Back and Review Your Work

If you're in the early planning phase, learn how to write a concept paper and define your topic before starting to list your sources.

1. Gather Your Sources

Start by finding material that’s relevant to your topic. This might include books, journal articles, or other academic resources. As you go:

• Make a list of each particular source you plan to use
• Keep track of the full citation info right away
• Focus on works that support your argument or offer useful background

2. Pick a Citation Style That Fits

Before you begin formatting anything, know which style your instructor expects. This affects every part of your annotated bibliography:

• Most common styles are APA, MLA, and Chicago
• Each one has different rules for the reference list
• Use official style guides or trusted tools to check your formatting

If you’re deciding between APA and MLA, this guide on the difference between APA and MLA can clear things up.

3. Set Up Your Citations Properly

Once you’ve picked your style, start formatting your sources correctly:

• Use the right font, spacing, and indentation based on your style
• Arrange entries in alphabetical order by the author’s last name
• Double-check every detail, from punctuation to italics

4. Write Clear, Focused Annotations

Each annotation should clearly explain what the source is about and why it matters:

• Stick to around 100–200 words per entry
• Include a brief summary, the central theme, and the author’s conclusions
• Mention how the source connects to your research or other materials on the same topic

5. Go Back and Review Your Work

Take time to go back and clean things up:

• Look for typos, awkward wording, or missing pieces
• Make sure all entries follow the same format
• Ask yourself if each annotation adds value and supports your research goals

If you’re still unsure whether your formatting is solid, getting our paper writing help can save you hours.

Different Types of Annotations

An annotation explains the contents and purposes of a particular source. These short paragraphs are normally 100 to 200 words long. There are a few types of annotations you might be asked to write:

• Descriptive Annotation
• Evaluative Annotation
• Reflective Annotation

Descriptive Annotation

This type simply describes the source without offering opinion or critique. It explains the central idea, main points, and overall focus:

• Summarizes the author’s arguments
• Mentions the intended audience
• States the topic and how it is covered

Use this type if your task is to review or explain sources without analyzing them.

Evaluative Annotation

An evaluative paragraph goes beyond the summary and offers an opinion on the source:

• Assesses the author’s background and credibility
• Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the work
• Compares it with other sources on the same topic

This type is useful when you need to analyze or evaluate the usefulness of the resource in context.

Reflective Annotation

This kind helps you connect the source to your own research or thinking:

• Explains how the source fits into your project
• Shows what new ideas it gave you
• Describes how it might support or challenge your argument

Use reflective annotations when you're asked to explain your personal reaction or how the source shapes your work.

Final Thoughts

An annotated bibliography is a chance to show how each one fits into your thinking. Keep it focused, clean, and useful. Here’s what matters:

• Follow the right citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago)
• Keep each annotation short, around 100 to 200 words is plenty
• Explain what the source says, how strong it is, and why you’re using it
• Format everything the same way
• Check with your instructor so you know what’s expected

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