ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY--always a win!

     Annotated Bibliography Assignment Sheet

       The annotated bibliography is the easiest of research assignments! I have sold a gazillion of these assignment sheets on Teachers Pay Teachers (which, on TPT, does not equal much money). But do not go there and buy it! Here is the assignment sheet! As noted, the bib is always a win: it calls for quality research (on whatever topic you choose or they choose), it's easy for them to write, and easy to grade. The version I teach has a citation and then two paragraphs (one summary: 125-175 words AND one analysis: 125-175 words). On the assignment sheet,  I have a step by step list explaining what to put in each paragraph (also at bottom). Easy peasy for and them.

       Since an annotated bib would most likely lead to some larger purpose, we usually follow it with a research presentation. The one we just did was short: 3.5-5 minutes. They had to quote/paraphrase from three of their sources. I believe a student can say a lot in 4 minutes if they keep it tight! I encourage you to check this out--it can be used with sophomores through seniors.

       There is more that one way to hatch this egg! If you don't like a really straightforward, almost formulaic approach, this style might not be a good fit for you! Below is part of what's on the linked assignment sheet. 

WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN A SUMMARY PARAGRAPH?

1.  BEGIN with a general statement establishing the article’s overall content and style (informative, editorial, research-based, etc.)

2.  Discuss the article’s content in chronological order: The author opens by discussing….  Later the author explores                Jones also offers an anecdote

3.  What appears to be the most important section and why? (optional)

4.   How does the author end the article? 

5. What other types of information are included (graphs, interviews, studies, statistics, charts, etc.) 

6.  You do NOT need to restate the article’s title as we can see that in the citation.

7.  Use author’s last name or “the author.”

(Remember, your summary does not include opinion OR  FULL direct quotes—just information)

WHAT DO I INCLUDE IN AN ANALYSIS PARAGRAPH?

REMEMBER:  This is not your opinion on the issue but a discussion of the article’s credibility and usefulness.

1.  What type of audience is the author addressing?  Other experts, the undecided, opponents,

 the uninformed, educated—are they successful in their goals concerning the audience?

2.  What are the credentials of the author and site—are they reputable and appropriate for this topic?

(Google the author’s background/credentials and include this info) (personal experience adds credibility)

3.   Is it logically organized?? Are the main points clearly presented? Does the author use jargon specific to the topic—are these terms defined?  (This can all be ONE sentence combined.)

4. Does the author include credible experts or voices of people involved?  

5.   Does the information appear to be valid and well researched, or is it questionable and unsupported by evidence? The author’s assumptions should be reasonable. 

6.  Is it biased/opinion-based—does this help or hurt article?

7.   What was not addressed that might have improved the article? Explain.

8. .  How is this article different from your other articles?

9.  How helpful (and in what ways) is this article in researching the issue for your presentation? How will you use it?