Create an annotation for each resource.
An annotation is a summary of the main arguments, topics and conclusions.
Generally, each resource’s annotation would be a paragraph or two long, although your professor may have other specifications.
You may cover all or some of the above components in your annotation.
There are a number of options for formatting the annotation portion of an entry (indent the first line of the annotation, block indent the entire annotation and so on). The examples in this help sheet are one option – check with your instructor to see if he/she has any preference.
APA style (following the 7th edition, 2020):
When writing a citation, the second and subsequent lines are indented as shown below. The annotation is a new paragraph below the citation, also indented. If the annotation is more than one paragraph, the first line of each subsequent paragraph is indented a second time. Double space the citation and annotation (note: this example may appear differently depending on the device setting you are using to view this page). Please check with your instructor to see if they have any additional requirements.
Miller, A., Shoptaugh, C., & Wooldridge, J. (2011). Reasons not to cheat, academic-integrity responsibility and frequency of cheating. Journal of
Experimental Education, 79(2), 169-184. https://doi:10.1080/00220970903567830
This article discusses the results of a survey that looked at the reasoning university students used when choosing whether or not to cheat.
The study found that students who focused on the potential punishment if they were caught cheating tended to be more likely to have
cheated in the past. Students who felt that cheating was wrong for moral reasons reported cheating less often. A major drawback of this
type of study is that it relies on the honesty of the respondents in reporting a negative behaviour. It is likely that people would under-report
frequency of cheating or simply not respond.
MLA style (following the 9th edition, 2021):
When writing a citation, the second and subsequent lines are indented as shown below. The annotation is a new paragraph below the citation, and indented an inch from the start of the entry. Double space the citation and annotation (note: this example may appear differently depending on the device you are using to view this page). Most annotations will be no longer than a paragraph. Please check with your instructor to see if they have any additional requirements.
Miller, Arden, et al. “Reasons Not to Cheat, Academic-Integrity Responsibility and Frequency of Cheating.” Journal of Experimental Education,
vol. 79, no. 2, 2011, pp. 169-184. Academic Search Premier, https://doi.org/10.1080/00220970903567830.
This article discusses the results of a survey that looked at the reasoning university students used when choosing whether or not
to cheat. The study found that students who focused on the potential punishment if they were caught cheating tended to be more
likely to have cheated in the past. Students who felt that cheating was wrong for moral reasons reported cheating less often. A
major drawback of this type of study is that it relies on the honesty of the respondents in reporting a negative behaviour. It is likely
that people would under-report frequency of cheating or simply not respond.