From Inquiry to Academic Writing A Practical Guide, 3rd edition

WRITIng An AnnoTATEd bIblIogRAPHy 149

to the information you find. In writing an annotation, you should include

the key ideas and claims from each source. You can also identify where

you see gaps, misconceptions, and areas that you can build upon in devel­

oping your own argument. That is, in addition to stating what a given

source is about, you can address the following questions: What is the issue

the author responds to? What is the writer’s purpose? To what extent is

the argument persuasive? Does it overlook any issues that are important?

Finally, you can explain the relevance of this work to your own research,

given your own purpose for writing and what you want to demonstrate.

You can limit each annotation to a few sentences in which you pres­

ent another writer’s key claims and ideas, briefly analyze the writer’s argu­

ment, and then explain how you will use that information in your own

researched argument. The annotation below provides one such example,

using APA format for the citation.

Loftstrom, M., & Tyler, J. H. (2009). Finishing high school:

Alternative pathways and dropout recovery. The Future of

Children, 19 (1), 77–103. Retrieved August 28, 2012 from JSTOR

at http://www.jstor.org/stable/27795036

This article provides a good history and analysis of the present

dropout problem facing our nation. Researchers examine the

discrepancy in statewide high school completion requirements

that have led to debates about reality of dropout rates. The

authors also examine social and economic consequences of failure

to complete high school and the inadequacy of a GED certificate

as a replacement for a high school diploma. The researchers

conclude by examining some dropout prevention programs and by

calling for more research in this area. In doing so, they identify a

gap that my research at an alternative high school can help to fill,

especially my interviews with students currently enrolled in the

program and those who have dropped out.

Steps to Writing an Annotated Bibliography

■^1 Present key ideas. Describe in just a few sentences what this

research is about and what you have learned.

■^2 Analyze. Explain the situation the author responds to, the pur­

pose of the research, possible gaps in reasoning or misconcep­

tions, and adequacy of evidence.

■^3 Determine relevance. Discuss how you might use this research

in developing your own argument. As background for your own

work? To explain how you fill a gap or correct a misconception?

Will you build upon and extend this work?

06_GRE_60141_Ch6_129_150.indd 149 11/11/14 2:46 PM

http://www.ebook3000.com