Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography in MLA 9

An annotated bibliography in MLA 9 combines a citation of a source with a brief paragraph analyzing its content, purpose, and relevance. Each annotation typically provides an evaluation of the source’s credibility, a summary of its main arguments, and a discussion of its significance in relation to your research topic.

Formatting Guidelines

1. Title: Use the title "Annotated Bibliography" (centered, without bold or italics).

2. Spacing: Double-space the entire document, including citations and annotations.

3. Hanging Indents: Apply a hanging indent for each citation (the first line of the citation is aligned with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches).

4. Annotation Paragraph: Start the annotation on a new line after the citation. Indent the annotation paragraph by 0.5 inches.

Example Entry

Citation
Tilghman, Shukree. “What I Hear When You Say Gentrification.” PBS, March 2017, www.pbs.org/video/what-i-hear-gentrification/.

Annotation
In this multimodal source, Tilghman discusses the nuanced implications of gentrification, using personal narratives and expert interviews to explore how urban development affects marginalized communities. The communicator establishes credibility by incorporating both scholarly perspectives and lived experiences, appealing strongly to ethos and pathos. The video responds to the exigence of ongoing displacement in urban areas, addressing stakeholders such as long-term residents, policymakers, and developers. While the primary audience includes urban studies scholars and concerned citizens, the video is accessible to a broader demographic due to its relatable anecdotes. Tilghman effectively critiques gentrification by highlighting its cultural and economic consequences, making the source a compelling addition to research on the topic.

Key Components of an Annotation

1. Credibility (Ethos): Who is the communicator? Why are they credible?

2. Purpose: What is the source trying to accomplish?

3. Exigence: What issue or situation is the source responding to?

4. Stakeholders: Who is mentioned, implied, or excluded in the source?

5. Rhetorical Appeal: Which appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) are used effectively?

6. Audience: Who is the target audience, and how does the source cater to them?

Helpful Tips

• Avoid overly summarizing the source; focus on analyzing its rhetorical elements.

• Keep annotations concise (approximately 150-200 words).

• Use formal academic language.

For further guidance, consult the Purdue OWL or the UNC Writing Center for MLA 9 citation rules and examples.