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Annotating Sources, Paraphrasing, Summarizing, and Writing an Annotated Bibliography

Learning to annotate sources, paraphrase, summarize, and write an annotated bibliography will help you become a more active reader, which will improve your writing over time.

Annotating Sources

Annotation is a written conversation between you and the writer in which you actively respond to the text. Pretend you are talking to the writer as you read. This exercise will help you find connections between ideas in the text and ideas in other sources. It will also help you form questions that could become paper topics. Like any other skill, annotation requires practice.

1. Read a little more slowly than usual and focus on fully understanding what the author is saying.
2. As you read, look for ideas that are interesting, significant, or raise questions. Make notes using the following strategies:
   • Use stars, circles, arrows, lines, highlighting, or other meaningful symbols. Assign colors to different elements (for example, pink for questions, yellow for main points, orange for connecting ideas).
   • Write notes in the margins, such as: “What does this mean?” “What is the author trying to say?” “I do not understand this part.”
   • Note where you disagree with the writer.
   • Rewrite a line of text in your own words if needed to improve understanding.
   • Circle unfamiliar vocabulary words and write definitions in the margin.
   • Make personal or academic connections to the text.
3. If you do not want to write in the book, use sticky notes or notebook paper with one column for text and another for notes.
4. Review your annotations and reflect on why certain ideas stood out and how the author develops them.

This process takes time, but it is essential for effectively using sources in academic writing.

Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Two of the main ways writers incorporate sources into their writing are paraphrasing and summarizing. Though related, these techniques serve different purposes.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates an author’s ideas in your own words. It is useful when you want to include important ideas or information without using the author’s exact wording. Paraphrasing demonstrates understanding and engagement with the source.

When paraphrasing, do:

• Use your own words and sentence structure.
• Restate all main points in the same order as the original.
• Introduce or frame the paraphrase.
• Cite the source.

When paraphrasing, do not:

• Use the author’s words or phrasing.
• Use the author’s sentence structure.
• Add your own commentary.

Summarizing

A summary condenses the main ideas of a text (see A Writer’s Reference, p. 121). Summaries are generally at least half the length of the original and report the author’s subject, main idea, and supporting details without interpretation.

1. Read the text carefully to identify its main idea and key supporting points.
2. Write a sentence stating the main idea in your own words.
3. Write several sentences summarizing the supporting details.
4. Combine the sentences using appropriate transitions and strong verbs (A Writer’s Reference, pp. 27–28; 339–40).
5. Cite the summary and check carefully for plagiarism.

• Changing only one or two words is not sufficient. If you are paraphrasing or summarizing, rewrite the entire sentence structure.
• Always introduce or frame a summary to establish context and relevance.
• Do not include your own opinions or analysis in a summary.

Writing an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography provides a list of sources used in researching a topic. Each entry includes a citation and a brief paragraph that describes and evaluates the source.

Each annotated bibliography entry should:

1. Begin with a complete citation.
2. Include a summary that informs the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the source.
3. Be approximately 150 words long (or follow the instructor’s specific guidelines).

To write an annotated bibliography:

1. Select sources that best support your topic.
2. Write each citation using the required format (MLA, APA, or another style as assigned).
3. Write concise annotations that:
   • Evaluate the source’s credibility and validity.
   • Identify the intended audience.
   • Compare or contrast the source with others, if appropriate.
   • Explain how the source supports your research topic.

There are many acceptable ways to structure an annotated bibliography. Always follow your instructor’s guidelines.

Annotated Bibliography Example

Resnick, David. “Trans Fat Bans and Human Freedom.” American Journal of Bioethics, vol. 10, no. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 27–32.

In this scholarly article, bioethicist David Resnick argues that bans on unhealthy foods threaten personal freedom. He claims that researchers lack sufficient evidence to determine whether banning trans fats will save lives or money and suggests that such bans restrict dietary choices. Resnick explains why many Americans oppose food restrictions, citing cultural food traditions and resistance to government limitations on personal freedoms. While the article presents a well-reasoned argument, Resnick overstates his position by insisting that all proposed food restrictions cause more harm than good. This source provides valuable insight into debates surrounding public health policy and personal freedom.