Qualities of a Strong Analytical Essay



How to Write an Analytical Essay

In Nine Steps

Step 1: Intellectual Engagement

Read the literary text with a writing implement in hand. While reading, mark or highlight significant passages which might reveal characterization, motifs, themes, or symbols. Participate during class discussion to deepen your understanding of critical issues. The more you become engaged in the material – the easier it will be to write about your views.

Step 2: Brainstorming/Creating a Thesis Statement

Read the various suggested essay topics and spend a few minutes brainstorming – think about or write about all the possible ways you could address your topic. After you are done, review your brainstorming session and try to figure out what exactly you want to say. On a separate sheet of paper, write out a thesis statement (or several) and keep revising it until it says exactly what you want it to say. Take your time and get this sentence perfect. This is the most important sentence of your paper because every other sentence’s purpose is to prove this one. Make sure that this sentence is: opinionated, specific and clear.

Step 3: Topic Sentences

Next, write out three reasons why you think your argument/view is valid. Develop each of these three reasons into its own topic sentence. Make sure that each topic sentence is: opinionated, specific and clear. Secondly, make sure each topic sentence relates in order and content to the thesis outline.

Step 4: Evidence

Now, for each of your three topic sentences – ask yourself “Why do I believe this – what reason do I have to assert this point of view/argument?” The answer is that some part of the text must have give you reason to assert this point of view. Go back into the text and find at least two textual examples for each topic sentence. When selecting evidence, remember that the strongest arguments, will offer the strongest proof. So continuously ask yourself – does this piece of evidence really show what I want to prove? – or only slightly? Is this the strongest piece of information I can use to prove my opinion? If not, you should keep looking.

Step 5: Begin Writing – Start with the Body Paragraphs

Now that you have the very basic outline of your argument you can begin writing. Beginning with the body paragraphs – simply write out your outline in sentence form. I suggest that you simply talk out your argument- write down what you say – don’t worry too much about how things sound – just get your ideas out and your argument down on paper. In a later draft you can fix grammar, word choice, sentence structure, etc. If you worry too much about those details here, you might have trouble getting your ideas out.

After your body paragraphs have been written, write your conclusion and then finish by writing your introduction. Many times students make the mistake of writing their introduction first. But, it is only after you have written your paper that you can properly introduce it. Think about it – how well can you introduce someone you don’t know? Write the introduction last.

Step 7: Draft #2: Use of Language/Logical Flow of Ideas

Print out a copy of your paper and read back through your first draft SLOWLY, CAREFULLY, and OUT LOUD.

(A) Read through the paper and highlight the sentences that could be expressed better (perhaps some sentences need reorganization or more focus). As you read, if you get a funny feeling that the sentence isn’t really saying what you want it to, highlight it. Work hard to get these sentences just right – instead of just giving up trying to express yourself. If you succeed in that struggle, you have become a better writer. After you are done highlighting your paper, you can go back and work on the sentences.

(B) Pay attention to the logical flow of ideas – does everything make sense? Do you jump around from one idea to the next? Is there a sense of disorganization or do your ideas move CLEARLY from one sentence/idea to the next? Should any sentence be added or taken away to help facilitate understanding?

Step 8: See your teacher – PLEASE!!

Once you have reviewed your paper, printout a new copy and you are ready to see your teacher.

Step 9: Working with Comments

Review your teacher’s comments and make sure you understand each one. If you need to, visit during CP to clear up any confusion. Do your best to incorporate those comments into the next draft or next writing assignment.

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