BEAM Requirements
Write an annotated bibliography of your research so far that includes at least five sources. At least three sources must be scholarly sources.
Using the BEAM classification, your revised bibliography must include sources that you are using in the following ways: background source, exhibit sources, and argument sources. A single source can count for more than one of these types of sources, e.g. you might classify one source as both a background source AND an exhibit source.
Annotations
Each annotation will include the following in a table format:
1. MLA Works Cited entry
2. 2- to 3-sentence summary of source
3. 2- to 3-sentence analysis of the source’s reliability and trustworthiness
4. BEAM Classification with 1-sentence explanation for classification
5. 1- to 2-sentence reflection of how the source fits into your research
Please see the sample annotation table on the next page to better understand the different parts of an annotation and the requirements for each.
Grammar and Usage
A well-written bibliography will use correct punctuation and grammar, avoid sentence-boundary issues, and demonstrate varied word and sentence usage. A perfect bibliography will be free of mechanical errors; a good bibliography will come very close to being error-free. A poor (read: failing) bibliography will annoy the reader with careless mistakes. However, you may revise your bibliography for your Research Paper Final Draft.
Definitions
Summary: Brief statement of main points of source in your own words without commentary or interpretation.
Paraphrase: Presents detailed section of source in your own words without commentary or interpretation.
Analysis: Brief explanation of the reliability and trustworthiness of the source that considers elements like author, publication, purpose recency, and bias.
ENG 112 Annotation Format
MLA Works Cited
Summary (3-4 sentences)
What is the main idea and argument of the source? What does it cover?
Analysis (2-3 sentences)
Why should we trust this source? Why should we be skeptical of this source?
BEAM Classification (1-2 sentences)
Is this a Background, Exhibit, Argument, or/and Method Source and why?
Reflection (1-2 sentences)
How does this source fit into your research?