Formatting Guides

Chicago Style Annotated Bibliography: Format + Example

Chicago style annotated biliography
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Chicago style annotated bibliography looks like a standard bibliography page. The main difference is that a student should create an annotation for each entry in the list accompanied by an expanded summary.

In this article we will talk about how to format your Chicago style annotated bibliography. We will also provide you with a layout and examples to help you get started. After reading the article, you will be able to format this section like a professional annotated bibliography writer

How to Do an Annotated Bibliography

Chicago style annotated bibliography is designed to share your knowledge of a cited source with a reader. When you refer to a specific source of information, you are familiar with the author and his background.

We can admit there are two ways of creating an annotation: using a descriptive and an evaluative approach. Let’s see how we make it using Chicago style format.

By using a descriptive approach to your paper’s sources, you should sum up what your source is about and which significance it has. This information helps your reader understand the context you put this source in. Also, you can add some data about publication and the author.

While writing in an evaluative approach, you should bring in personal opinion regarding your source. Your feedback is subjective and should show more precisely, which place this source takes in your paper and why you refer to it. Mention general background information if needed.  

How Long Should an Annotated Bibliography Be

As you have more than 1 option in creating your bibliography, its length can be different. Descriptive approach supposes writing quite brief and informative background, which can be about 50-100 words in length.

Evaluative approach gives you more room for expressing personal opinion. It may cause an enhanced word count. Usually, such pieces consist of 150-200 words. If you buy dissertation from StudyCrumb, the annotated bibliography could be included in the final document.

General recommendation is using about 150 words. But the main point is to provide as much useful information regarding a cited source as possible. Remember that you need to stay concise and pick only important data or/and opinion.  

Chicago Style Annotated Bibliography Format

As for Chicago style annotated bibliography formatting, follow basic style’s guidelines. Each entry should be like in a standard style’s bibliography. Let’s remind how we should format it:  

  • Single-space source text
  • Provide sources in alphabetical order
  • Use hanging indent

Each entry should be comprised of the following elements in the corresponding order (all divided by periods):

  1. Author’s full name
  2. Source title
  3. Publisher
  4. Date published

As for your description or evaluation, follow these rules:

  • Double-space your text
  • Align it to the left side
  • Indent paragraph to 0.5 inch.

In conclusion, consider recruiting a thesis writer if you need any practical help with your magnum opus.

Annotated Bibliography Example: Chicago Style

What does a Chicago style annotated bibliography look like? Here’s an example:  

Annotated bibliography example in Chicago style
Article posted on:May 5, 2022
Article updated on:Nov 6, 2024

Comments

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Mark
6/24/2022 11:08 AM
Thanks for sharing this information! I would also like to ask what is the purpose of annotations in general?
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StudyCrumb
6/24/2022 12:33 PM
Thanks for a good question Mark,

Generally, the purpose of annotations is to provide the reader with relevant information about each source you have used in your study.
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Robert
7/6/2022 4:43 PM
Hi there! I just wanted to say that this article really helped me create my annotated bibliography in chicago style! I did something like this for the first time and it turned out to be easier than I thought it would be. Thanks!
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StudyCrumb
7/6/2022 5:10 PM
Hi Robert,

We are very happy to hear such pleasant words! We are trying to do our best to provide our readers with the most relevant information and facts. Good luck in your further academic pursuits!
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Alan Teal
9/11/2023 3:11 PM
Only a suggestion. You have a spelling error in format. In this article we will talk about how to forat your Chicago style annotated bibliography.
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StudyCrumb
9/11/2023 3:28 PM
Hi Alan,

Thanks for pointing this out. We've already made corrections.