Final answer:
When annotating a source, begin with summarizing the central idea, evaluate the source's authority and reliability, and reflect on its relevance to your research, considering the audience's knowledge and context.
Step-by-step explanation:
When annotating a source, you start with a brief summary to capture the central idea or scope, especially how it pertains to your research. Next, you evaluate the source for authority, reliability, and possible bias, assessing the author's perspective, validity, and whether it aligns with your thesis. You should then reflect on how the source informs your research and thinking. When interpreting a new source, consider four key aspects: the author, the audience, the intent, and the context.
These considerations help determine the relevance and credibility of the information presented. Pay attention to the title, publication date, and URL if it's a web-based source. Additionally, consider your audience's knowledge on the topic, and decide how much context is necessary. Your review should blend objective summary with subjective evaluation. Remember to summarize key facts, dates, and perspectives that are clearly presented in the source, and recognize any biases or underlying assumptions.