Learn the main kinds of annotations you may be asked to write and what makes each one effective. This page also defines the key parts of an annotation (summary, evaluation, reflection) so you know exactly what to include.
| A good annotation might include: |
Types of Annotations |
Key Components of an Annotation |
- The main idea or purpose of the source
- Why it's useful for your topic
- Anything unique, like helpful charts or strong arguments
- Details about the author’s background or credibility
- What the author concluded or emphasized
- Your own thoughts or how the source fits into your work
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- Descriptive: Summarizes the content without critique
- Evaluative: Assesses the strengths, weaknesses, or usefulness of the source
- Reflective: Explains how the source fits into your own research or thinking
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An annotation usually includes three key parts:
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Summary – What is the source about? What are the main ideas or arguments?
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Evaluation – Who wrote it? Is the source credible, current, and relevant?
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Reflection – How does this source help your research or support your topic?
Annotations are typically written in full sentences and kept to one short paragraph (about 100–150 words).
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Descriptive Annotation
Johnson, M. (2018). Urban sustainability in the Middle East. Green City Publishing.
This book provides an overview of sustainable development efforts in major Middle Eastern cities, highlighting initiatives in transportation, water conservation, and energy use. The author outlines specific case studies in cities like Dubai and Amman to demonstrate progress and challenges in implementing eco-friendly urban planning. The content is organized by thematic areas, making it easy to follow for readers interested in regional sustainability trends.
Evaluative Annotation
Ahmed, R., & Taylor, S. (2020). Cybersecurity policies in government sectors. TechShield Press.
The authors draw from case studies across multiple countries, offering a practical view of policy challenges in implementing secure systems across government sectors. The book provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and highlights international cooperation and legal frameworks. However, the research lacks current data beyond 2018, which may limit its relevance for newer threats and emerging technologies. The writing is accessible for general readers, and the structure helps readers compare national strategies effectively.
Reflective Annotation
Lee, A. (2021). Social media and mental health. Journal of Adolescent Studies, 14(2), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1234/jas.2021.00234
This article helped shape my understanding of how online engagement affects teenagers’ mental health, especially in relation to anxiety and self-esteem. The author uses both qualitative and quantitative data to support claims, which I found convincing and relevant to my topic. I plan to use it to support my argument about the psychological risks of unrestricted screen time in school-aged children. The source also encouraged me to explore additional research on school policies around social media use.
Sample Phrases to Use in Your Annotation
For Summarizing:
- The author discusses...
- This article focuses on...
- The study explores the topic of...
- This source presents findings on...
For Evaluating:
- The author has expertise in...
- This article is useful due to its...
- The research is thorough and well-supported...
For Reflecting/Connecting:
- This source will help me support my argument about...
- I plan to use this in my paper to show that...
- This article connects with another source I found on...
- This source gives background that helps explain...
