Annotating your sources | eng 123 | Southern New Hampshire University

 Overview: Now that we’ve discussed the importance of using credible secondary sources for your project, let’s start annotating! Don’t worry—we’re going to walk through the process one step at a time. This week, you’ll be guided through the writing-plan process with specific questions. In this section, we’ll first focus on finding sources. Then we’ll help you summarize those sources, evaluate their credibility, and explain how they will help support your argument. If you found a source that passed the C.R.A.A.P. test earlier in this module, feel free to use that as one of your sources. If you decided to alter your keywords and you’d like to start your research from scratch, that’s totally fine too! 

Prompt: In this activity, you’ll create an annotated bibliography by following the steps below and answering the questions as thoroughly as possible. The questions will prompt you to engage in a conversation with your sources. You will need to follow the steps below three times (for your three different sources). 

Before you begin, make sure you have: 

 Selected sources from the Opposing Viewpoints database or the Academic Search Ultimate database  At least one of your three sources should present a counterargument, a position that an opponent of your argument might make.  Applied the C.R.A.A.P test to the sources to determine if they are credible and reliable (You can download a copy of The C.R.A.A.P. Test Worksheet. Remember that credible sources should score 35 points or more on the test.) Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: 

1. Identify your sources, including author, title, and the database information or website. 2. Summarize your source. (Use the template below.)  It seems this source is arguing ____________________. This source is using the following evidence to support the argument: ____________________.  A counterargument for one of the provided sources could be: _________________________________________________________. 3. Credibility and Relevance  Explain the rationale for the credibility of the source by providing supporting evidence. (Use the template below.) o Personally, I believe the source is doing a (good job / bad job) of supporting its arguments because ____________________.  Explain the relevance of the source to your argument. (Use the template below.) o I think this source will be very helpful in supporting my argument because ________________________. 

Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Your annotations must include at least three sources. Save your work in a Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Then, check your writing for errors. Once you have proofread your document, submit it via the Assignment: Annotating Your Sources link in Brightspace.