College Composition / Unit 22 CMP 0541 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Writing an Annotation
The idea
An annotation describes a source's content and, in an analytical annotation, evaluates its usefulness for the project.
In practice
Build one in order. First, give the full citation in the required style. Second, state the source's purpose and intended audience. Third, summarize its main ideas and arguments in your own words. Fourth, note the author's point of view, expertise and any bias. Fifth, compare it with other sources on the topic. Sixth, evaluate its strengths, weaknesses and relevance to your question. Seventh, state how you will use it. A descriptive annotation stops after the summary; an analytical one includes the evaluation.
Where people slip
Follow the assignment's requirements for length and type. An instructor asking for analytical annotations expects judgment, not only description, so say plainly whether and how the source will help.
Your place on the trail
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Builds on
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