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Citation Guides

Developing an Annotation

Before you begin writing your annotation it can be helpful to respond to each of the five components:

Formatting an Annotated Bibliography

If you are required to submit an annotated bibliography, make sure you follow the guidelines of the relevant style guide: 

  • Arrange annotations in alphabetical order.
  • Citation in hanging indent, stand-alone sentence and used as the title for the annotation.
  • No additional space between citation and body paragraph.
  • Write annotation in one present-tense paragraph.
  • Text is left-justified and lines double-spaced.
  • Use full sentences and transition words like furthermorehowever and therefore.
  • 150-200 words in length for each annotation.
  • Be concise, do not repeat information or cross-reference (i.e. no in-text references).

Sample Annotation (University of New England, 2020)

Source: Avondale Library