The following are examples of annotated bibliography entries, in different style formats. Your topic, your scope and your assignment will dictate what information you need to include in your entries. The tone, level of detail, etc. will differ according to your own criteria and purpose.
MLA style entry (Literature)
Martz, Louis L. "Donne, Herbert, and the Worm of Controversy."
Early Modern Literary Studies. Special Issue 7 (May, 2001): 2.1-28
Compares the religious beliefs and attitudes of George Herbert and John
Donne, especially as they relate to the tension between the Church of
England and the strict Calvinists. Both Herbert's and Donne's poems, as
well as Donne's sermons, are utilized as evidence. Among Martz's conclusions is that the populace's attraction to Herbert and Donne indicated the discomfort felt towards the more extreme iconoclastic and anti-sacramental elements of Puritan militants. Useful for those interested in the religious aspects of these poets' work and in their times.
APA style entry (Social Sciences)
Hernandez-Flores, R.A. (1999). The Manual of Social Misunderstanding
(2nd ed.). Calexico, CA: Sierra Padres Press.
A general guide on language, gestures, eye-contact and other basics
for social workers, teachers, writers and people in general in both
social and academic settings. Provides rationale to rules so the user
can understand the principles of oral and written communication within
socially diverse contexts, with intelligence and focus. Includes tips on
interviewing, surveying, written and oral exams, editing, sales
approaches, and adjusting body signals and language.
University of Chicago style entry (Art History, Theology, Humanities)
Mueller, Laura. Western Art: A Critical Survey. Chicago:
GoodLion Press, 2001.
Laura Mueller is a long-time lecturer in both art and literature. In this
book, Mueller's experience is evident as she guides the reader through a
combination of close observation of individual art works and a clearly
organized systematic review of major schools and themes in Western art.
The scope is wide, including sculpture, jewelry, and architecture, as well
as the main focus on painting. Watercolor is treated alongside the
numerous oils, pastels and mixed media. Although printmaking is not a
usual focus of such books, Mueller makes an exception for the major
contributors, like Durer, Rembrandt, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso.
Along with her other book on Ukiyo-E Japanese prints, this book shows a
profound depth of analysis, but in an amazingly clear style which would
benefit the general reader along with the more knowledgeable. Some art
history surveys can be tedious, but this one comes through as exciting,
personal and profound.