Annotated Works Cited-MLA Style
Annotate: to add explanatory notes and information
WHY have an annotated works cited?
----So that your reader can see where you found research information, in case they want to check the validity of your story or they want to learn more. Annotating the works cited page helps others to see HOW and WHY you used that source, as well as WHAT information you pulled from it.
Elements of Annotated Works Cited:
- Separate page at the end of the story
- Each source is still cited with the regular MLA format (like a regular works cited page)
- After each source, summarize what the source was about and what information was useful to you
- Summary is usually 3-6 sentences
- Summary should start on the next line after the period of the regular citation
- Summary written in complete sentences
- Skip an extra space between citation and summary
EXAMPLES:
CITATION
SUMMARY SENTENCES
SPACE
NEXT CITATION
Annotated Works Cited
Varhola, Michael. Everyday Life during the Civil War. Cincinnati: Writer's Digest Books, 1999.
This book breaks down the day to day activities of civilians, soldiers, and others. I specifically used this source to find out what a character living during the Civil War might have worn, eaten, and experienced in their city. The subtitles, index, and definition of specific terms were especially helpful in this source.
Varhola, Michael. Life in Civil War America. Cincinnati: Writer's Digest Books, 1999.
Through carefully organized chapters, images, subtitles, and a thorough index, this book briefly touches on a variety of topics associated with the Civil War. I used this source mainly to research celebrities during that time period and their influence on society, specifically looking for how they may effect my character's thinking. This book gave a brief overview of topics and terms that I then dug deeper into.
Annotated Works Cited Summary Format
Sentence 1: Basic overview of source
Sentence 2: How the source was helpful to you
Sentence 3: Structure of text
Sentence 4-5: Any further notes or comments that will help the reader better understand how the source was useful to your understanding, research, and story
Sentence 2: How the source was helpful to you
Sentence 3: Structure of text
Sentence 4-5: Any further notes or comments that will help the reader better understand how the source was useful to your understanding, research, and story