TE - Analytical Writing Lesson
Analytical Writing
When you are asked to analyze a text, what exactly does this mean? When we analyze something, we break it apart to better understand it. Analyzing a text requires the reader to ask questions. Specifically, readers want to ask the questions: Why is that significant? Why is that important?
In order to fully analyze a text, you must have opinions and use facts from the text to support those opinions. It is necessary to explain the significance of your ideas. Otherwise, you are not fully analyzing a text.
Thesis Statement
It is best to formulate a thesis statement first. A thesis is the main idea of your entire essay. It should also state your opinion on the topic. No matter what topic you are given, look at the topic and come up with an opinionated statement. For example, if I am told to write an essay about whether or not I think school uniforms are a good idea, I need to take a stance. You never want to argue both sides. Form a definitive opinion.
A sample thesis might look like this: School uniforms take away students' individuality and force them to conform to an unreasonable standard.
Introduction Paragraph
The introduction paragraph starts out general and gets more specific as it moves toward the thesis. This paragraph merely introduces your topic. Your opinion should be apparent by reading the introduction. The last sentence of your intro paragraph is your thesis statement. It is also best to mention the title and author of the work you are writing about somewhere in your introduction.
Body Paragraphs
The body of your essay is the "meat" of your essay. It is where you will include facts, support, examples, etc. to help support your opinion. Your body paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence. Remember that when you provide facts or examples, include your opinions about those examples as well. Then, make sure you explain the significance of your ideas. This step is the most important part of analyzing a text. If you state that uniforms make students feel uncomfortable in their own skin, then explain why that matters. Why is that significant? It is also best to include quotes from the text to support your ideas as well.
Conclusion Paragraph
Your conclusion is a summary of the main points you have already presented. No new information or ideas should be expressed in your conclusion. Remember this paragraph is the last thing your reader will see, so make sure your conclusion is effective and really gets your points across clearly.
In an analytical essay, it is necessary to write in the third person only. This means that you do not use personal pronouns. Watch out for 2nd person usage as well. Avoid using "you" and speaking directly to your reader.
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