Formatting
How to write an annotated bibliography.
By the EssayMate team · Updated November 4, 2026
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources, each followed by a short paragraph, the annotation, that summarises the source and says how useful it is. It is often the first step of a research paper: it shows your instructor you have found good sources and understood them.
This guide covers what to write in each annotation, how to format the list in APA and MLA, and two complete examples using real sources.
What is an annotated bibliography?
Each entry has two parts: the full citation, formatted in your course's style, and an annotation of roughly 100 to 200 words underneath. Entries are listed alphabetically, like a reference list.
| Kind of annotation | What it does |
|---|---|
| Descriptive | Summarises what the source covers and how, without judging it. |
| Evaluative (critical) | Summarises, then judges the source's strengths, weaknesses and reliability. |
| Reflective | Summarises, evaluates, and explains how the source will be used in your project. |
Most university assignments want the third kind, or a mix of all three. Check the instructions for the length and focus they expect.
How to write an annotation
- Cite the source in the required style (APA, MLA, Chicago…).
- Summarise its aim, method or approach, and main findings in two or three sentences.
- Evaluate it: who wrote it, how strong the evidence is, any limits or bias.
- Relate it to your research: what it adds, or how you will use it.
Write annotations in your own words, in full sentences. Copying the abstract isn't an annotation, and it counts as plagiarism if it isn't quoted and cited.
APA annotated bibliography example
Format the citation as an APA 7 reference with a hanging indent; indent the annotation 0.5 inch as a block, double-spaced like the rest of the page. Title the page Annotated Bibliography, bold and centred.
Kuznekoff, J. H., & Titsworth, S. (2013). The impact of mobile phone usage on student learning. Communication Education, 62(3), 233–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2013.767917
In a controlled experiment, the authors compared students who used their phones in different ways while watching a recorded lecture with students who did not use phones at all. Students who were not on their phones wrote more detailed notes, recalled more information and scored higher on a test about the lecture. The study's controlled design makes the link between phone use and learning more convincing than surveys can, though a recorded lecture in a lab is not the same as a live class. It is central evidence for the section of my paper on how classroom distraction affects learning.
MLA annotated bibliography example
Format the citation as an MLA Works Cited entry with a hanging indent, and indent the annotation 0.5 inch below it. Title the page Annotated Bibliography (or Annotated List of Works Cited), centred.
LeCun, Yann, et al. "Deep Learning." Nature, vol. 521, no. 7553, 27 May 2015, pp. 436-44. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14539.
Written by three of the researchers who developed the field, this review explains how deep learning systems learn layered representations of data, and describes the main architectures: convolutional networks for images and recurrent networks for sequences such as speech and text. It is accessible to readers outside computer science and is one of the most cited overviews of the subject, which makes it a reliable starting point. I will use it to explain the technology behind modern AI writing tools in the background section of my paper.
Annotated bibliography checklist
- Each citation is correct in the required style; the list is alphabetical.
- Each annotation summarises, evaluates and, if asked, relates the source to your project.
- Annotations are in your own words and the expected length.
- Formatting: double-spaced, hanging indents for citations, annotations indented.
Example papers
Sample papers written with EssayMate, to read for structure and citations, not to copy.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an annotation be?
Usually 100 to 200 words, or one paragraph. Follow your instructor's word count if one is given.
Is an annotated bibliography the same as a reference list?
No. A reference list gives only the citations; an annotated bibliography adds a paragraph under each one that summarises and evaluates it.
Do I need an introduction?
Only if the assignment asks for one. Some instructors want a short paragraph explaining the research question before the entries.
Can I write in the first person?
In reflective annotations, yes: "I will use this source to…" is common. Descriptive annotations are usually written in the third person.
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