APA Instructions for Writing an Annotated Bibliography

Instructions for Writing an Annotated Bibliography

• Include eight academic or peer-reviewed sources from reliable databases.
• Use APA 7th edition style for each citation.
• Citations should have a hanging indent (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented ½ inch).

Write an Annotation for Each Source
Each Annotation should be a short paragraph (150–200 words max) and must include:

Summary (5–6 sentences)

• State the main idea of the source.
• Identify its purpose, argument, or findings.
• Keep it objective and concise.

Evaluation (4–5 sentences)

• Assess the credibility of the source (peer-reviewed? published by a reputable journal/university?).

Reflection/Application (4–5 sentences)

• Explain how this source will help in your research.
• Connect it directly to your essay or project (supporting evidence, background, counterargument, etc.).

EXAMPLE

1. Sanchez, J. (2021). The role of technology in emergency preparedness for schools. Journal of Educational Policy, 45(3), 200–215. https://doi.org/10.1007/

Annotation

Summary (5–6 sentences)
Sanchez explores the increasing role of technology in supporting school emergency preparedness plans. The article argues that mobile phones should be recognized as essential safety tools rather than distractions. Through case studies of schools in California and New York that experienced natural disasters, Sanchez demonstrates how cell phones allowed communication between students, parents, and emergency personnel. The author emphasizes that during lockdowns or evacuations, traditional landline systems often fail, making mobile communication vital. Sanchez also highlights how schools that had policies permitting controlled phone use were able to respond more effectively to crises compared to schools with strict bans. Overall, the article establishes a strong link between technological access and student safety.

Evaluation (4–5 sentences)
This article is published in a peer-reviewed journal, making it a credible academic source. It uses both statistical data and real-world case studies, which strengthens its validity and relevance. A limitation, however, is that the research focuses mostly on U.S. schools in earthquake-prone or disaster-heavy regions, which may not reflect conditions in every context. Additionally, the article does not fully address potential downsides of student phone use, such as distraction or misuse. Despite this, the source provides valuable evidence supporting the argument that schools must adopt policies to reflect technological realities.

Reflection/Application (4–5 sentences)
This source will be extremely useful in my essay because it directly supports my first body paragraph about safety in emergencies. Sanchez’s case studies provide concrete examples that strengthen my argument that phones are not simply optional accessories but essential tools for protection and communication. I also plan to use the article’s discussion of technology policy as background information to show how schools can responsibly regulate phones instead of banning them. Although the article does not discuss cheating or other negative behaviors, this gap gives me the opportunity to address counterarguments with additional sources. Overall, this article reinforces my claim that phones, when managed by clear rules, can contribute to a safer school environment.

Week 5 APA Annotated Bibliography Template.

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