What is the difference between a Works Cited and an Annotated Bibliography?

Answered By: Erin McDaniel

Last Updated: Aug 02, 2024 Views: 29644

A Works Cited page is a list of the references used in your research or in your paper.

An Annotated Bibliography is a list of the references used in your research or in your paper, and also includes a brief paragraph containing a summary or evaluation of the sources, the annotation. The annotation is there to inform the reader of the significance, relevance, and quality of the reference materials used in the paper.

For more information on Annotated Bibliographies, visit Purdue Owl's Annotated Bibliography guide below.

Links & Files

Purdue Owl: Annotated Bibliographies

Comments (3)

Thank you for the clarification. I don't see why people are giving this a thumbs down. Its simple. Annotated contains the summary and the formatted reference and then the works cited contains just the formatted reference in the format the instructor wants it in.

by Kingslayer on Jan 30, 2018
I am currently working on a research paper. I understand that the works cited page cites sources that are utilized in the paper, and the bibliography cites sources that were not used. I also know that the bibliography is usually longer. My question is: Do you include the sources in your work cited page in your bibliography?

by Just a Question on Feb 10, 2018
laurenk2021, it would be unusual for an instructor to require both a works cited page and a bibliography. You should consult your instructor to see what they require.

by Kathryn Park on Feb 15, 2018