2. Annotated Bibliography American Literature & Composition

3. Point #1: Why is this project so important? First, this assignment involves reading closely and critically, essential learning skills. Second, this assignment requires you to summarize what you have read, an essential reading comprehension skill. Third, this assignment requires you to evaluate what you have read and decide if the information is credible, reliable, and useful, all of which require higher-order thinking skills. Additionally, creating your own annotated bibliography is the first step to really understanding how to read someone else’s annotated bibliography – a skill that can save you research time in the future when you are seeking specific information. Point #1: Why is this project so important?

4. Point #2: What is an annotated bibliography? It's a list of resources that tells where to find each source, what to expect from each source, and whether or not each source will be useful for specific purposes. Basically, you have researched at least 5 reliable sources, all possible sources for the research presentation, and now you will create a list in MLA format that includes a citation and annotation for each source.

5. The parts of an entry The citation provides the publishing information for the article (or video) so that the reader can track it down if he or she needs to do so. It looks just like an MLA citation for a Works Cited page of an essay. The annotation is two paragraphs long. The first paragraph summarizes the information included in the article. The second paragraph tells how this information can best be used and why it is a good source, or, if it is not usable, what makes it a poor source.

6. Now let’s define an annotation. An annotation is a short summary of the scholarly article, and it's also a critique of it. Simply put, your annotation does two things: 1) explains, or summarizes, what the article is about. (Hint: Find the article's thesis or main idea and summarize that in your first sentence.) 2) evaluates why the article is or is not a worthwhile one to read.

7. You wrote a good annotation if… Anyone who reads your final work understands the article's argument or main idea. A reader would also know the problems or solutions, if any, that the article proposes. Finally, readers will know whether the article is of a superior nature, or if they should go look for a different source on this subject.

8. Here is an example of an entry: Jones, Bradley. “Electrical Stimulation for Increased Intelligence.” Radioactivity Today. WebMedMD, 14 January 2012. Web. 11 February 2014. At a time when intellectual competition is more challenging than ever before, researchers are using radiation through electrical shock waves to create artificial intelligence in human beings. Test studies were all conducted using subjects who has scored in the lower third percentage on IQ tests but presented no specific learning deficiencies. While the dangers involved reach deathly levels, Jones is convinced that the chance to create brilliant minds where empty ones once sat is well worth the risk. After all, in the best scenario, another Albert Einstein might evolve. In the worst scenario, the world loses a few of its most ignorant people. This article is one I will be able to use in my research paper if I choose the topic of creating artificial intelligence. Its research is well-founded, its test studies have been widely published, and it does not appear to show partiality. While the procedure involved is still in experimental stages, its purpose of helping young people compete in a world that thrives on competition is one that will benefit my generation. The article contains several quote-worthy statistics that can help prove a thesis related to the ethical issues involved. Its recent publication date makes it a timely issue with current scientific information.

9. Your Checklist ____ I have used MLA format for the paper. ____ I am turning in 5 complete entries. ____ I don't start a new page for each entry, but have skipped one line after each entry. ____ I have printed out at least two articles in my annotated bibliography, meaning the entire article, have annotated them, and have attached them to the paper copy of the assignment. ____ I have alphabetized my entries using the first letter of the signal word (first important word) of each entry. ____ I individually stapled each article in order of use, rather than handing in loose pages or one big mass of papers. ____ I wrote my name on the front page of each individual article. ____ I stapled the annotated bibliography together. _____ I have submitted the paper copy of my entry at the beginning of class on the due date. _____ I have submitted the paper to turnitin by 4pm on the due date.

10. Quick Recap of the WHEN Due dates: Final draft hard copy, copies of annotated articles – beginning of class, Friday, Nov. 14 Turnitin.com submission – by 4pm, Friday, Nov. 14 This will not be accepted late. No exceptions. If you are not at school on Friday, your paper is still due – find a way to get it here and get it submitted to turnitin on time!