Annotation

An annotation is a brief summary of a book, article, or other publication. The purpose of an annotation is to describe the work in such a way that the reader can decide whether or not to read the work itself. The elements vary in various types of annotations, but if the six steps below are covered, the annotator can be sure the basics of annotation have been done. By definition annotation means short notes, normally no more than 150 words.

Here are some guidelines for writing annotation:

Step 1: Say a few words about the author.

Step 2: Explain the aim and subject of the text. This is done in one to three short sentences. (This is not a summary of the plot and not an abstract; you will not summarize the total content of the work).

Step 3: Note the other works of the same author, if any. Or you may compare one work in your bibliography with the others and explaining their peculiarities.

Step 4: Explain the authors attitude to the work.

Step 5: Indicate the audience and the problems of the author’s style if it is important. This is not always present in an annotation but is important if the work is destined for a specific audience.

Step 6: Comment in brief the value of the work; at this point the annotation can be finished .

The suggested scheme of annotation:

• The text (the page) I have read deals with (concerns) Criminal law (the branch of the science devoted to ...).

• This text (this page) is an abstract from the scientific article (the monograph) under the title «...».

• The book (the monograph) was published in 2005 in London.

• In the first paragraph (of the text) the author introduces the information about ...

• In the second paragraph the author characterizes (analyses, explains) the legal issues of...

• In the third paragraph he singles out the main peculiarities (characteristics, features) of...

• In the fourth paragraph it is stressed (underlined) that...

• In the fifth paragraph he cites a primary sources (Articles /Sections of).

• In the next paragraphs the author comes to the conclusion (reaches the conclusion) that...

• Summing all it up he points out ( stresses) that...

• In my opinion / to my mind this text (book, monograph etc.) is of great (certain) value; up-to-date/outdated a bit; of great importance to/for scientists in the field of Criminal law (to/for lawyers).

TASK 4.

Read the text ‘Submitting Papers …’ and give your judgment on the material. Have you ever taken part in any conference?

Describe you first experience of presenting research papers to the audience

( at the conference or seminars )

Submitting Papers for Conferences

Knowledge gained but not shared with others represents a waste of scarce resources.

Teaching, publishing, and conference participation present the three ways of new knowledge proliferation so that it may be read, debated, and applied by others.

«Knowledge» in science is produced by dialogues among scholars who share common interests — although not necessarily common perspectives and values. Portions of these dialogues are usually summarized in the introductions or «literature reviews» of books and articles.

The material of articles and conference papers is to add something new to such an ongoing dialogue. Conference papers are often a precursor to publishing an article on a particular theme.