Writing Project #2
Annotated Bibliography
Total Points: 200
Due: Friday, July 6th
Draft must include stamp from Center for Excellence in Writing
Prompt: The goals of this assignment are fairly simple. First, you will gain experience with the
annotated bibliography genre. It’s likely that you’ll be asked to write annotated bibliographies in
other classes, so it’s a good thing to get some practice now.
Second, you will reflect on the rhetoric and content of sources you discovered in your research so
far. You can use these sources for your final researched proposal essay, so writing this annotated
bibliography should help you to consider which sources were most useful.
Your annotated bibliography will need to include a total of seven sources. You will need a
minimum of two scholarly sources (ex. articles published in academic journals, book chapters
etc.) Your remaining sources can be popular, like magazines and newspaper articles. Your
annotated bibliography should also include a variety of primary and secondary sources. You
may include only two sources from your research proposal in your annotated bibliography.
Each annotation must include the following:
1. Annotation: MLA style
2. Summary: Provide a brief (3-5 sentences) summary of the source, covering the main
points of the work. Consider the following: Who is the author of this work? What is
his/her underlying claim/ point of view on the issue?
3. Evaluation: Provide a brief (3-5 sentences) evaluation of the source, explaining how it
will be used in your final research paper. Consider the following: how did this source
deepen or strengthen your understanding of the topic? What parts of it were most
helpful/insightful?
Sample MLA annotation:
Baggaley, Kate. “Pythons Are Invading Florida. Meet the Scientists Fighting Back.” Popular
Science, 13 Oct. 2017, www.popsci.com/florida-invasive-pythons.
This article by Popular Science describes different ways in which scientists are trying to
combat the python problem in south Florida, including tracking male snakes and using
pheromones as bait. The article also provides an excellent overview as to why the
problem continues to persist explaining that pythons are difficult to spot and that they
procreate at an incredibly fast-pace. It also emphasizes what’s at stake and what will
happen if the population of pythons continues to increase in south Florida.
Overall, this article helped me better understand why we haven’t been able to eradicate
the python population in South Florida, more specifically in the Everglades. Although the
article praises efforts made by scientists to capture snakes (like the Judas method) it
undermines efforts made by others like the python-hunting program. In my research
paper, I am proposing that the Python Elimination Program should be extended and that
the bounty for capturing snakes should be increased. I will use some statistics provided in
this article to show that the python elimination program is much more affordable and
effective when compared to other available measures.
Format: Your annotated bibliography should follow all MLA guidelines, including a title,
heading, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman font, and proper pagination.
In addition to following the general MLA format guidelines, your annotated bibliography must
also adhere to the following rules:
v Alphabetized: The annotated bibliography entries are alphabetized according to citation
– names of authors or books, or the words that begin each entry – just as a works cited
page is.
v Double-spaced: Your entries, summaries included, are double-spaced throughout.
v Indented: Please keep in mind that all your text, including the write-up beneath the
citation, must be indented so that the author's last name is the only text that is flush left.
v Commas are used instead of periods between Publisher, Publication Date, and
Pagination.
v Medium is no longer necessary.
v Containers are now a part of the MLA process, in light of technology. Periods should be
used between Containers.
v DOIs should be used instead of URLS when available.
v Use the phrase, “Accessed” instead of listing the date or the abbreviation, “n.d.”
Last name !1
First name Last name
Professor Dabek
ENC 1102
day month year
Annotated Bibliography
Falcón, Wilfredo, et al. "Biology and Impacts of Pacific Island Invasive Species. 10. Iguana
Iguana, the Green Iguana (Squamata: Iguanidae)." Pacific Science, vol. 67, no. 2,
Apr. 2013, pp. 157-186. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2984/67.2
This scientific scholarly article provides a detailed description regarding the average size, eating
habits, and reproduction rates of green iguanas. The source also explains the damaging effects
that green iguanas can have on their surroundings, including digging up power lines and
destroying gardens. Although the article focuses on green iguanas found around the Pacific
islands, it also mentions South Florida and Puerto Rico.
The article listed some useful facts and statistics about green iguanas. This source gave me a
better understanding of how other countries around the world are trying to deal with this
invasive species. As for the application for my final paper, I can see myself using this source for
background information and to explain how this species has invaded other regions.
Magill, Ron. “Hour 3: Kenny G.” The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, 30 Jan. 2018,
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hour-3-kenny-g/id934820588?i=1000401078336&mt=2.
This source is a radio interview of Ron Magill, a wildlife expert and the Director of Zoo Miami.
In the interview, Magill provides some tips and suggestions as to what Miami-Dade residents
can do when they encounter green iguanas on their property. Magill also answered questions
from callers who were scared to handle these animals.
This primary and popular source is useful for a variety of reasons. First, Ron Magill is a very
well-respected and knowledgeable wildlife expert from South Florida, so his views on the green
iguana will lend credibility to my final paper. Secondly, this source demonstrates the severity of
the issue. The fact that several callers phoned in to the station to ask questions about green
iguanas demonstrates what I originally suggested, that the general public is misinformed when
it comes to this species.
Last name !2
Townsend, Josiah H., et al. “Predation of a Tree Snail Drymaeus Multilineatus (Gastropoda:
Bulimulidae) by Iguana Iguana (Reptilia: Iguanidae) on Key Biscayne, Florida.”
Southeastern Naturalist, vol. 4, no. 2, 2005, pp. 361–364., doi
10.1656/1528-7092(2005)004[0361:poatsd]2.0.co;2.
This source, a scholarly scientific article published in a peer-reviewed journal, describes the
impact that invasive species like green iguanas have on their environment and on the surrounding
native species. The piece focuses primarily on the population of green iguanas in Key Biscayne
and South Florida and the impact that they are having on the tree snails. The authors of this
article, field scientists who study herbivores, have come to the conclusion that green iguanas
living in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park have the potential of drastically reducing, if not
eradicating, the population of tree snails.
This group of scientists discovered that green iguanas in Southern Florida may have the potential
to put additional pressure on other species of tree snails whose distributions are restricted to the
southern Florida mainland. I found this article to be enlightening because I did not know that
green iguanas ate anything other than plants. Moreover, I did not think that green iguanas had the
potential of throwing off the food-chain and ecological composition of South Florida. I will use
this article to highlight the severity of the issue and to argue that a solution needs to be found
immediately.
Willingham , AJ. “The Cold Is Causing Frozen Iguanas to Fall from Trees in Florida.” CNN.com,
6 Jan. 2018, edition.cnn.com/2018/01/05/weather/iguana-cold-florida-bomb-cyclone.html
This news story explains an interesting phenomenon that happens in the winter months in South
Florida. As the reporter explains, Miami residents grow concerned when they come across
iguanas that appear to be frozen in their yards in the colder months of December and January.
The reporter goes on to explain that what is actually happening is that the iguanas go into
temporary shock due to the sudden drop in weather. The article suggests that residents do not
attempt to move or relocate the frozen iguanas because once the temperature rises they will be
back to their normal.
This news story is useful for my argument because it demonstrates how overall Miami residents
lack education about the green iguanas. I can see myself using this source to elaborate on my
solution in my final paper. I will argue that in their workshops, the FWC should also address what
people should do if they come across an immobilized iguana in the colder months in south
florida.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Your instructors may require you to use more primary sources than secondary sources for your research.
Discover the identifying characteristics and advantages of primary and secondary (and tertiary) sources
with this guide.
Primary Sources
Primary sources are uninterpreted, original, or new materials—e.g. an activist gave a speech, a scientist
conducted original research, a student drew original conclusions from others’ works, an artist created a
piece of artwork, or your grandmother wrote an autobiography. Primary sources are first-hand and not
interpreted by anyone else, they offer a personal point of view, and are created by a witnesses of, or
participants in, an event (except in cases of historical research written after the fact). Researchers also
create primary sources.
Questions to Ask When Determining If Something Is a Primary Source:
Did the author conduct original research on the topic?
Is the information the result of a survey?
Is the information uninterpreted data or statistics?
Is the source an original document or a creative work?
Did the information come from personal experience?
Why Use Primary Sources?
Sources that present new research, original conclusions based on the research of others, or an author's
original perspective are more helpful and effective for your needs. They allow you to interpret the
information rather than relying on the interpretations of others. This is why your instructors may require
you to seek out original research for your assignments.
Note: Keep in mind that because primary sources reflect the true meanings and ideas put forth by authors,
the information itself may not be completely objective, well-reasoned, or accurate.
Examples:
Scholarly journal article that reports new
research and findings
Newspaper/magazine articles written soon
after the event/fact
Court records
Translation/excerpt of an original document
Art or music
Autobiographies
Manuscripts
Correspondence, letters
Speeches
Interviews
Data from a research study
Websites
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are information sources that interpret, include, describe, or draw conclusions based on
works written by others. Secondary sources are used by authors to present evidence, back up arguments
and statements, or help represent an opinion by using and citing multiple sources. Secondary sources are
often referred to as being “one step removed” from the actual occurrence or fact.
Questions to Ask When Determining If Something Is a Secondary Source:
Did the author consult multiple sources to create this work?
Is this information an interpretation or paraphrasing of another author's work?
Did the information come from second-hand reporting?
Is the source a textbook, review, or commentary?
Does the source include quotations or images?
Why Use Secondary Sources?
Secondary sources are best for uncovering background or historical information about a topic and
broadening your understanding of a topic by exposing you to others’ perspectives, interpretations, and
conclusions. However, it is better to critique an original information source (primary source) if you plan to
reference it in your work.
Examples
Most books (including textbooks)
Documentary movies
Art, book, movie, and theater reviews
Analysis of a clinical trial
Newspaper/magazine articles written as historical, opinionated, or reflective accounts
Commentaries
Biographies
Dictionaries, encyclopedias
Websites (also primary)
A research paper written by you
Literature reviews and meta-analyses
Note: Many times literature reviews and meta-analyses make up part of a peer-reviewed journal
article. If the article includes new data or draws new conclusions, remember that overall it is a
primary source.
Tertiary Sources
Tertiary sources consist of information which is a distillation and collection of primary and secondary
sources - they provide overviews of topics by compiling and synthesizing information gathered from other
resources.
Why Use Tertiary Sources?
Tertiary sources are convenient and easy-to-use; they are great resources to use as introductions to a new
topic.
Examples
Almanacs
Bibliographies
Dictionaries, encyclopedias (also secondary)
Handbooks
Fact books
Guide books
Indexes, abstracts, bibliographies used to locate primary and secondary sources
Manuals
Textbooks (also secondary)
Comparison of Similar Sources
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Statistical table of public school
teachers' salaries in Minnesota.
Article describing trends in
Minnesota teachers' salaries.
Index of sources for finding
statistical information.
A reproduction of the Declaration of
Independence.
Book exploring the history and
political thought behind the
Declaration of Independence.
Almanac explaining
documents, symbols, and
anthems of the United States.
Speech by well-known business
leader.
Biography of business leader.
Textbook on human resources
management.
Physical evidence in a court trial.
Lawyer’s closing remarks/argument.
Dictionary of criminal justice.
Results of a treatment trial testing a
new antidepressant on elderly men.
Book about treating depression with
changes in diet and exercise.
Blockbuster movie filmed in 1988.
Biography of the lead actor.
Manual with practical tips for
working with elderly patients
with depression.
Guide about the movie.
Original artwork, perhaps a
sculpture.
Critique of that sculpture.
Encyclopedia about 19th
Century sculpture.
Notes taken by clinical psychologist.
Magazine article about the
psychological condition.
Textbook on clinical
psychology.
Last updated February ‘13 / JL
Popular vs. Scholarly Articles - Guide
The University of Arizona Library
Popular vs. Scholarly Articles - Guide
What is the difference between popular and scholarly articles?
Popular Articles (Magazines)
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Are often written by journalists or professional writers for a general audience
Use language easily understood by general readers
Rarely give full citations for sources
Written for the general public
Tend to be shorter than journal articles
Examples of Popular Magazines:
Scholarly Articles (Journals)
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Are written by and for faculty, researchers or scholars (chemists, historians, doctors, artists, etc.)
Uses scholarly or technical language
Tend to be longer articles about research
Include full citations for sources
Are often refereed or peer reviewed (articles are reviewed by an editor and other specialists before being
accepted for publication)
Book reviews and editorials are not considered scholarly articles, even when found in scholarly journals
Examples of Scholarly Journals:
Some points to remember:
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Both magazine and journal articles can be good sources for your work.
When selecting articles, think about how you intend to use the information:
o Do you want background on a topic new to you? (use magazines)
o Did your teacher say to cite scholarly resources? (use journals)
Often a combination of the two will be most appropriate for undergraduate research.
popular-vs-scholarly-guide.pdf, 9.7.2005
Journal entry #4:
Complete the following chart for EACH of your seven sources
1. Title of source:
2. Type of source
a) Primary or secondary
b) Popular or scholarly
3. Authors(s)
a) Full name
b) Credentials (ex. PhD, MD, etc.)
c) Author’s expertise or experience with the topic
4. Date of publication
5. Content
a) What did you learn from reading this source?
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