Part B – Annotated Bibliography An annotated bibliography is an organized list of sources [with proper APA citations] such as books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) paragraph that summarizes, evaluates and explains each entry on the list. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

Part B – Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is an organized list of sources [with proper APA citations] such as books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) paragraph that summarizes, evaluates and explains each entry on the list. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

Writing an annotated bibliography is excellent preparation for a research project. When you write annotations for each source, you’re required to read and reflect on your sources more carefully.

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• Summarize: What are the main arguments found in this source? What is the point of this book or article? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say?
• Evaluate:  Is this a useful source?  How does it compare with your other sources?  Is this source reliable?
• Explain:  How does this source fit into your research?  Was it useful to you in developing your 

Instructions

Based on the topic you have selected in Part A:

1.  
   1. Select key words or phrases relevant to your topic
   1. Search the RCC online library for current academic sources that will assist you in the development of your argument in the research essay
      1. Articles should be published within the last 10 years
      1. Identify 8 to 10 of these sources that you find most useful
   1. Document each source carefully using APA style citations
      1. Generate an APA bibliography with each entry in alphabetical order by last name of author, which you will then use in your final paper
   1. After reading each source:
      1. Thoroughly summarize, evaluate and explain each of your chosen sources
      1. This may be 1 to 2 paragraphs for each source
      1. These paragraphs will be added to your bibliography under the matching citation

Evaluation

The following rubric indicates those areas you should be focusing on in preparing this Part of your assignment, and how the instructor will weigh these components relative to one another.

Activity/Competencies Demonstrated	% of Final Grade
Research:	/35
a. a minimum of eight appropriate and sound academic references identified
b. sources are properly cited and referenced
Critical Thinking and Analysis:	/40
a. the selected literature is appropriately summarized, evaluated and explained
Writing Style:	/25
a. writing is of professional quality with minimal errors in spelling, grammar and syntax
TOTAL	/100

Helpful Hints:

Write essays in double-spacing; it allows for easier review and editing.

1.  
   1. Use APA referencing guidelines for citation and references.
   1. Do not write in first person (I) but rather the third (they).
   1. Do not use Wikipedia as a primary source – it is useful as a tool to help focus your thesis, and possibly direct you to find other more sound primary sources, but should not be quoted or used as a primary source itself.
   1. Ensure all references are academically sound sources. If an article is found in an academic journal in one of the library databases, then you can assume it has been peer reviewed and thus acceptable. Many articles found readily online may not have been exposed to any editorial vetting process, and thus should be carefully considered before being used as a resource. Poor choices will negatively impact your grade. Check with your instructor if you are in doubt (but obviously, well before any due date).