ENG.

102 WRITING PROJECT #3 – CRITICAL ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY &

INTRODUCTION

Purpose

By the end of this writing project, you will be able to:

 Design, implement, and articulate a research process to investigate a significant issue

 Locate and evaluate sources for credibility and relevance to the issue
 Apply genre conventions for an annotated bibliography including structure, design, formatting,
language usage, and mechanics
 Compose a text using the writing process by drafting, reviewing, collaborating, revising, and
editing

Task

For this assignment, you will write a critical annotated bibliography consisting of eight academic-level
sources and corresponding annotations. You will also write a two-page introduction in which you
explain your search strategy and your plan for using your sources to write your researched argument
essay.

An annotated bibliography is a list of source citations, each followed by a brief annotation – a paragraph
or two summarizing the content of the source. In addition, a critical annotation includes an assessment
of the credibility of the material. The annotated bibliography is centered on a research question based
on the topic you have chosen. The answer to this research question will evolve into your claim and will
be the foundation of your researched argument essay. The number of sources required for this
assignment is eight. At least three of your sources must be scholarly. Other sources may be
substantive news sources, government sources or additional scholarly sources. The length of each
annotation will vary depending on the source itself, but each should consist of at least one substantial
paragraph (about 100-200 words). Sources from popular magazines/web sites are not acceptable.

Related Reading Assignments – See “Evaluating Sources” in Chapter 9 (260-265) and Appendix A

The Introduction to Your Bibliography: When done correctly, the introduction helps writers discover
what they know about their topic, what sources will help them produce the final paper, and what
additional work needs to be done. This element of Writing Project #3 can also help writers determine
what kind of argument will best serve their purpose. The introduction should include all from the
following checklist:

 Provide research question

 Indicate the kind of paper you intend to write (e.g. position paper, proposal, refutation
argument)
 Provide thesis/claim/position
 Discuss background information readers will need and which sources you will use to
supply this information
 Identify which sources will be used to support the planned claim
 Identify other point(s) of view that you plan to address and which source(s) will be used
for this purpose
 Discuss strategies in your effort to locate sources (e.g. where you looked, keywords
used and the success you had)
 Discuss what additional material may be needed
 Discuss any problems with the sources listed in the annotated bibliography
 Discuss any concerns or difficulties anticipated in writing the essay
Criteria

WRITING PROJECT #3 – ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

A B C D F
INTRODUCTION Provided all Missing one Missing two Missing Did not follow
necessary or two or more several guidelines of
details* and required required required assignment.
offered details and elements with elements with
comprehensive offered an a satisfactory an
discussion effective discussion inadequate
about research discussion about discussion
methods. about research about
research methods research
methods. methods
ANNOTATED Provided all Missing one Missing more Missing two Missing more
BIBLIOGRAPHY required required than one or more than three
elements** for element** element** elements** elements**
bibliography. throughout throughout throughout. throughout

FORMAT Adhered to all Missing or Missing or Missing or Did not use

elements of incorrectly incorrectly executed correct
chosen format executed executed two three more or chosen
one components components format.
component of chosen of chosen
of chosen format format
format

*research question, kind of paper, thesis, discussion of background information, identification of

sources supporting claim, identifying other points of view (opposition), research strategies, additional
material needed, possible problems with sources listed in annotated bibliography, concerns about
writing process.

** correct citation, author’s credentials, summary, relevance of source.