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Peer Revision Worksheet for Annotations


Does the annotation include the following 3 key elements?

1)
  The source's thesis is clearly stated.
2)
  Most of the annotation summarizes key points of the argument.
3)
  A sentence or phrase that evaluates the source.

How does one evaluate a source? There are two methods:

Method 1:

  • Include a sentence that explains who would find your source useful:

  • Example:

    Several references to leading wildlife preservation organizations provide a handy resource for beginning students and researchers.

    Method 2:

  • Evaluate the source in the last sentence or two of your annotation.

  • Examples:

    Although dated, covers key issues such as ______ and research on _______ that inform later studies.

    The scope of research is narrow regarding its focus on ________, but proves extremely useful to __________.

    The issues cover a wide scope, proving useful to ___________.

    Although useful for specific studies on __________________, insufficient space is devoted to _____________.

    Informative and persuasive research, but does not propose a solution to ________________.

    Editing the annotation's prose style:

    The two key elements:

    1)
      Brevity of language
    2)
      Scholarly tone (word choices)

    Using brevity of language:

    Example:

    There are problems in trying to put laws into effect that would preserve prairie dogs.

    Revise for brevity:

    Passing laws to effect prairie dog preservation has met opposition.

    And sometimes a sentence says the same thing even if you cut a few words:

    Example:

    There are problems in trying to put laws into effect that would preserve prairie dogs.

    Also, avoid stating that it is the source making the claim you summarize because that is a given.

    Example:

    This article argues that funding for alternate fuel sources is insufficient.

    Revise for brevity:

    Funding for alternate fuel sources is insufficient.

    Scholarly tone:

    Example:

    The species needs a lot of land to roam on.

    Revise for scholarly tone:

    The species requires much land for roaming.