How to Write an Annotation
- 1). Read the entire book or article for which you want to create an annotation. Take notes of the "highlights" as you go. For example, identify principal themes of the work, the clarity of the the organization and writing, and whether the author accomplishes the stated aims for the work.
- 2). Begin your annotation with a bibliographic citation. Include all relevant information, including author name, title and publisher. Use whichever style guide (Modern Languages Association, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.) is required for your annotation.
- 3). Establish the credentials of the author by including academic degrees or experience related to the subject matter. Explain the principal themes presented in the work, as well as the intended audience for the work (young readers, university students, scholars).
- 4). Explain briefly the thesis of the work and outline associated themes.
- 5). Evaluate the target audience of the work. Explain whether the book suits young readers, university students or scholars.
- 6). Evaluate how well the author explained and articulated the thesis of the work. Include analysis of the foundations of the author's research and how well or poorly the author supports his or her conclusions.
- 7). Put the work in context. Compare it to other works on the same subject. How well or poorly does it accomplish its aims? How more or less informative is it when compared with similar works?
- 8). Itemize unique features of the work. Note any items that might be of particular interest to readers, such as maps, photographs or other illustrations, index or glossary.
- 9). Sum up the author's conclusion. Include your own impressions about how well the author reached the conclusion and evaluate in a broader sense the importance of the work to its field of study.
