Skip to Main Content

ENG 111: Social Media Impact

Use this guide to find outside sources for research assignments dealing with social media (or other tech) and its impact on society.

Definitions


bibliography + annotations = annotated bibliography

 

Bibliography

A bibliography is a list of the sources you used for an essay or research project. The bibliography is also known as the "works cited" or reference list.
 

Annotation

An annotation can be a summary or evaluation of a source. Keep in mind that you will need to write an annotation that includes the information required by your instructor. Always check the assignment to make sure that you are including the correct information in your annotation.
 

Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations where each citation is followed by a brief paragraph (annotation) that analyzes the cited source. The purpose of the annotation will vary depending on what your instructor is requiring for the assignment. Typically, the annotation serves to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the source.
 

Examples

Putting It Together

Part 1: Citation

The citation comes first. For this part, you are simply listing the information about the source using MLA format.

Part 2: Annotation

The second part is the annotation. The annotation is basically "notes" that you are writing about the source. The length of the annotation will vary depending on the instruction given in your assignment.

In order to create an annotation, you might start by answering the following questions about the source (article, book, website, etc.). However, make sure that you refer to your assignment and follow the instructions provided by your teacher.


Summary:
  • What is this source about?
  • What arguments does the author make?
  • How does the author support those arguments?
Evaluation:
  • Are the author's arguments convincing?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments?
How or why you used the source:
  • How does this source help you?
  • How is this source useful for your research?
  • How does it compare with the other sources that you are using?