Are you someone who enjoys diving deep into complex issues and uncovering new insights? If so, then analytical essay writing might just be the perfect assignment for you! By engaging in careful analysis and utilizing relevant literary devices, you can develop a thorough understanding of your chosen topic and shed light on hidden truths.
At its core, analytical essay writing is all about supporting your claims and main ideas with rigorous facts, textual evidence, and logical arguments. Unlike other essays, which often rely on emotion and personal experience, analytical essays require you to explore all sides of an argument and present a well-rounded and balanced analysis.
If you are a student, you have probably heard of analytical essays – they are a critical academic requirement. But how do you write an analytical essay that outshines others? It is not just about familiarizing yourself with the topic and evaluating it; it is also about challenging assumptions, validating evidence, and presenting a unique point of view.
A good analytical essay needs meticulous consideration of the topic, imaginative thinking, and the aptitude to communicate intricate ideas excellently. Let’s start with a detailed answer to the question, what is an analytical essay?
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What is an Analytical essay?
An analytical essay is a thorough assessment of a subject, whose purpose is to argue an assertion or prove a theory through contextual evidence. The essay takes various forms, such as a rhetorical review of a text, an analysis of a literary work, an examination of current events or a critique of a movie. For example, an analytical essay could scrutinize a scientific theory, such as the concept of evolution, to ascertain the validity of its claims.
Unlike other types of essays, analytical essays follow expository writing that is objective, devoid of personal bias, persuasions, or opinions. The author’s arguments should be based on logical reasoning and factual evidence instead of emotional responses or personal beliefs.
For example, an analytical essay could pursue the theme of identity in the novel Beloved by Toni Morrison. The essay might analyze how the author uses metaphors and symbols to represent the trauma of slavery and how the main character’s journey of self-discovery serves as a metaphor for the African American experience. By examining the work in detail, the essay would reveal the veiled meanings and complexities of the book.
An Example of an Analytical Essay Outline Template
Having a solid grasp of what is an analytical essay is the first step toward writing an outstanding piece of work. However, the winning formula lies in your ability to consolidate your thoughts articulately and present your arguments in a concise format. This is where an analytical essay outline comes into play. An outline acts as a blueprint that will guide you through the whole process of writing, from the preliminary stages of brainstorming to the final polishing of your conclusion.
To create an excellent outline, you need to follow a few important steps that will help you prepare a structured narrative that will intrigue your readers and leave a lasting impression. So, let’s dive into analytical essay outlines and discover how to produce a winning template to capture your ideas perfectly.
Here is a perfect example of an analytical essay template from our custom writing service to get you started
I. Introduction
A. Hook or attention grabber
B. Background information on the topic
C. Thesis statement
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence that introduces the first analytical point
B. Explanation of the analytical point
C. Evidence from the text to support the analytical point
D. Analysis of the evidence
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Topic sentence that introduces the second analytical point
B. Explanation of the analytical point
C. Evidence from the text to support the analytical point
D. Analysis of the evidence
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Topic sentence that introduces the third analytical point (if applicable)
B. Explanation of the analytical point
C. Evidence from the text to support the analytical point
D. Analysis of the evidence
V. Counterargument (if applicable)
A. Introduce the counterargument
B. Provide evidence to support the counterargument
C. Refute the counterargument
VI. Conclusion
A. Restate the thesis statement
B. Summarize the main points
C. Leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.
How to Structure an Analytical Essay?
Analytical essay introduction
The introduction of your paper acts as the gateway for your reader into the topic. A well-thought-out introduction must highlight background information while also appealing to your reader’s attention. However, avoid the temptation to start with an intense or over-the-top opening that distracts the reader from your argument. Instead, endeavor to outline your argument succinctly, without summarizing the prompt. To achieve a formal tone, avoid using the first or second person in your essay. Lastly, remember to present your thesis statement as the final sentence of your introduction, setting the tone for the rest of your essay.
Example introduction: The theme of love and sacrifice is central to Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights. The play tells the story of Heathcliff and Catherine, two lovebirds unable to tie the knot of marriage because of their social class and the expectations of society. Throughout the narrative, the characters make sacrifices for each other, but the play infers that not all sacrifices are equal. Bronte’s portrayal of these sacrifices asserts that Catherine’s sacrifice for her love for Heathcliff is more admirable than Heathcliff’s sacrifice for his love for Catherine.
This introduction contextualizes the essay’s argument by asserting that the play of sacrifice is complex and requires careful analysis. By outlining his thesis argument clearly, the writer challenges the audience to approach the topic deeply and to move beyond a surface-level reading. The argument also inspires readers to approach the play with an open mindset to fully appreciate its complexities.
If you need any assistance in writing a thoughtful introduction, feel free to use our essay writing service.
Analytical essay body paragraph
Typically, an analytical essay has 5 body paragraphs. The body paragraph of this essay starts with a topic sentence, which informs the reader what the paragraph will be about. This sentence is particularly important to help one stay focused on the argument. During the writing process, it is important that you ensure that the topic sentence aligns with the general argument of the essay. By starting the paragraph with a topic sentence, the reader can promptly identify the direction of the paragraph and understand how it fits into the broader argument.
The second aspect is where you write the analysis of the text, which is where you outline your argument. This part is the most crucial section of the paragraph essay. A strong analysis outlines the relevance of the text to the thesis statement. To achieve this, you need to analyze the text’s tone, literary devices, and structure to explain how they contribute to the overall argument. The analysis should be clear to help the reader to comprehend your interpretation of the text.
The last section of the paragraph is where you need to provide evidence from the text to support and substantiate the analysis and thesis statement. Evidence is key in convincing the reader of the validity of the argument. The evidence can be in the form of paraphrases, quotations, or summaries from the text. However, it is important that you ensure that the evidence you provide supports your analysis and thesis statement.
Example:
Example topic sentence: The theme of fate and free will is a prominent one in William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth.
Example analysis: Throughout the play, Macbeth is faced with choices that challenge the notion of fate versus free will. While the witches prophesy his rise to power, it is ultimately Macbeth’s decisions that lead to his downfall.
Example evidence: In Act I, Scene 3, the witches hail Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and future king. This prophecy sets Macbeth on a path of ambition and manipulation, as he becomes obsessed with fulfilling his destiny. However, it is Macbeth’s choice to kill Duncan and take the throne that seals his fate. Despite fully knowing the implications, he chooses to take matters into his own hands rather than let fate unfold on its own.
Whenever you present a claim, it is crucial to provide evidence that supports and corroborates your argument and explain how the evidence is relevant to your claim. In Macbeth, the theme of fate versus free will is intricate but a meticulous analysis of the text can divulge the tinges of this struggle.
Analytical essay conclusion
In conclusion, the end of your analytical essay should bring the reader back to your main argument and remind them of the evidence you presented to support it. The concluding paragraph should also follow a set structure, reiterating the thesis statement and summarizing the main points addressed in the body paragraphs. Moreover, the conclusion may provide insight or commentary on the relevance and significance of the analysis to emphasize its central argument and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
How to Write an Analytical Essay in 7 Steps
Now that you fully understand the structure of an analytical essay, there are steps you should take before you actually begin writing. By following these five steps, you can break down the process of writing an analytical essay into easily manageable steps. By doing so, you will have produced a well-written analytical essay complete with detailed analysis and substantial evidence to bolster your argument. To illustrate these tips, the next section uses completed analytical essay steps as an example.
Select your topic
Picking a topic for your analytical essay if your professor has not provided one is a critical step, and it is crucial that you choose it wisely. If you select a topic that is too broad, you will have difficulty presenting a detailed analysis, while a topic that is too narrow will limit your research and make it difficult to find supporting evidence.
For instance, let’s say you have been tasked to analyze the use of tragic heroes in Greek dramas. Beginning with a wide topic like “Greek drama” would make it hard to cover all aspects of the topic. On the other hand, if you narrow it down too much, such as “the use of tragic heroes in Antigone,” you may find it difficult to find enough material to support your argument.
A better approach would be to find a middle ground between being too broad and too narrow. For instance, you could focus on the works of a specific playwright like Sophocles and explore the use of tragic heroes in his plays. This approach is specific enough to provide a thorough analysis, but broad enough to allow for sufficient research and supporting evidence.
Create a thesis statement
A strong thesis statement is not just a summary argument presented in the essay. It should also be a debatable statement that invites and sparks discussion and examination. This implies that the thesis statement should take a position on the subject being explored, presenting a clear argument that can be supported with credible evidence.
When you are writing an analytical essay, creating a thesis statement is a key step in formulating a logical argument about the assigned topic. A thesis serves as the foundation upon which the essay is built on. While it may undergo alteration during the writing process, starting with a clear thesis statement in mind can help to streamline the paper and ensure that your argument is succinctly conveyed.
Example thesis statement: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen explore the societal expectations imposed upon women in the 18th century through the character of Elizabeth Bennet. Despite these obstacles, Elizabeth challenges convention by snubbing the idea of a wedding for convenience and instead choosing a spouse who values her independence and intellect. Through Elizabeth’s experiences, Austen highlights the restrictions faced by women during this period and underscores the importance of women having agency in their own lives.
Create an outline
An outline serves as a blueprint that guides you and enables you to organize your thoughts in a rational manner. When creating an outline, you must ensure you include a thesis statement, to convey the central argument of your essay. Along with the thesis, you should also identify the main points that you will use will support your claims along with the evidence to substantiate the argument.
One of the pros of preparing an outline is that it helps one to pinpoint any potential gaps or weaknesses in the argument. With an outline, you may establish that certain points require more research or that some evidence is lacking. By identifying these issues on time, you can address them before you start writing, saving yourself time and ensuring that your essay is as strong as possible. An outline also enables one to stay focused and avoid going off on tangents or getting lost in your own thoughts.
Find credible sources to support your argument
When searching for credible sources to support your essay, it is imperative to begin by identifying the type of sources that will best serve your analysis. Consider whether the materials you intend to use are academic articles, government reports, website contents books, or other types of sources most suitable to your topic.
Once you have identified the sources that will best support your essay, it is critical to examine the credibility of each source you use. Look for sources that are published in reputable journals or presses, peer-reviewed, or authored by experts in the field.
Finally, ensure you integrate the sources effectively into your analysis. If need be, use direct quotes or paraphrases from your sources to support your argument. Whenever you use a direct quote be sure to properly cite your sources using the appropriate citation style such as MLA or APA. By getting the right credible sources you can strengthen the credibility of the essay and make a more logical argument.
Brainstorm ideas
Brainstorming is a critical step when writing an analytical essay. Start by jotting down all the ideas that come to your mind related to your topic. Don’t worry about organizing them at this stage; the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible. You can use techniques like free-writing, mind-mapping, or listing to brainstorm effectively. Make sure to consider different perspectives and viewpoints that you can include in your essay.
Once you have a list of ideas, start organizing them based on their relevance and importance to your thesis statement. You can use clustering or outlining techniques to group similar ideas together. Consider which ideas are the strongest and most persuasive and how they fit into your argument. This process will help you identify gaps in your research and refine your thesis statement further.
Finally, refine and narrow down your list of ideas to those that will make the most compelling arguments in your essay. Focus on ideas that are supported by credible evidence and examples, and that will engage your readers. Your brainstorming process should help you create a well-organized and well-supported essay that clearly presents your argument.
Write your essay
The writing step is where you connect everything together and start crafting your essay. When begin writing, use the outline as a guide to structure your essay and stay on track with your argument. Start with an interesting introduction that establishes your thesis statement and previews the central points you will address in the body of your essay. Then, with a clear topic sentence, use each body paragraph to examine every piece of evidence and how it supports your thesis.
As you write your essay, remember to consider your audience. Contemplate about what they know and what they don’t know, and tailor your language and examples accordingly. Be sure to provide enough background information and context to help your reader understand the analysis. To keep your readers interested, use transitions between paragraphs to help them follow your argument. Endeavors conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis statement in a fresh way.
Edit and proofread the essay
Before proofreading, take a break. Give yourself some space and come back to your essay with fresh eyes. This helps you catch errors that you might have missed if you went straight into proofreading.
Consider using editing tools. Besides reading through your essay, consider using editing tools such as Hemingway Editor or Grammarly to catch any errors or areas of improvement. These tools can also help identify passive voice, repetition, wordy sentences, and complex sentences that can be simplified.
Get feedback. Consider getting feedback from someone else, such as a friend or family member, to provide a fresh perspective on your essay. They can help identify areas that need improvement or clarification, as well as offer suggestions for strengthening your argument.
FAQs
What is the purpose of an analytical essay?
An analytical essay typically intends to meticulously evaluate and interpret a piece of literature, artwork, or other subject matter to gain a deeper understanding of it. The essay should present an argument or a thesis about the topic and use evidence and analysis to support it.
How do I choose a topic for my analytical essay?
To choose the best topic, consider subjects that interest you or that you have expertise in. Look for subjects that are open to interpretation and have multiple viewpoints. Brainstorm ideas and consider the scope of the assignment to narrow down your options.
How do I structure my analytical essay?
Your analytical essay should have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should provide background information on the subject and present your thesis statement. The body paragraphs should present your analysis and evidence to support your thesis, with each paragraph focusing on a specific point. The conclusion should summarize your argument and restate your thesis.
How do I incorporate evidence into my analytical essay?
Use evidence to support your thesis and analysis by quoting or paraphrasing from the text or subject matter you are analyzing. Use specific examples and provide context to support your points. Be sure to properly cite your sources and explain how the evidence supports your argument.
How do I make my analytical essay stand out?
To make your analytical essay stand out, focus on a unique or unconventional interpretation of the subject matter. Use vivid language and descriptive details to engage the reader. Incorporate multiple sources and perspectives to provide a comprehensive analysis. Edit and proofread carefully to ensure a polished final product.
Final Thoughts
With practice, you can improve your analytical writing skills by employing the tips and illustrations we have provided. Our guide will help you create persuasive essays that mesmerize your readers, allowing you to confidently tackle any subject.
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FAQs
What is a good example for analytical writing? ›
Examples of analytical writing can include movie analysis or how a writer uses a literary device in a poem. Within a movie analysis, writers might focus on the soundtrack, the director's use of lighting, costumery, or cinematography to create meaning.
What should an analytical essay look like? ›An analytical essay means you will need to present some type of argument, or claim, about what you are analyzing. An analytical essay is not a summary. Analytical essays usually concentrate on how the piece was written – for example how certain themes present themselves in a story.
How do you start an analytical essay paragraph? ›Begin each body paragraph with a sentence that sets up the main point you'll be discussing. Then you'll give some analysis on that point, backing it up with evidence to support your claim. Continue analyzing and giving evidence for your analysis until you're out of strong points for the topic.
What is the first sentence of an analytical paragraph? ›Each paragraph should contain a topic sentence (usually the first sentence of the paragraph) which states one of the topics associated with your thesis, combined with some assertion about how the topic will support the central idea. The purpose of the topic sentence is twofold: 1.
How should I start my essay? ›- An opening hook to catch the reader's attention.
- Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
- A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.
An analytical essay is basically an expanded five-paragraph essay containing an introduction, body, and conclusion, with specific components required for each section.
Can I say I in an analytical essay? ›Each essay should have exactly five paragraphs. Don't begin a sentence with “and” or “because.” Never include personal opinion. Never use “I” in essays.
How long should an introduction be for an analytical essay? ›The introduction and conclusion should both be approximately 10% of the overall essay word count. For example, if you write a 1500 word essay, your introduction and conclusion will be around 150 words each.
What is a topic sentence for an analytical essay? ›Topic sentence The topic sentence is to the paragraph what the thesis is to the entire paper. That is, a paragraph's topic sentence states the claim or argument of that paragraph. The topic sentence usually asserts a claim that will support one part of the paper's larger thesis.
What are two examples of analytical? ›Analytical skills examples include data analysis, logical thinking, research, creativity, and communication.
What should be avoided in an analytical essay? ›
- You Fail to Understand the Topic. ...
- Your Essay Is Too Wordy. ...
- You Overload Your Essay. ...
- Your Sentences Are Too Long. ...
- Punctuation, Grammar, Speech, Spelling Mistakes. ...
- You Plagiarize. ...
- You Don't Answer the Question. ...
- You Fail to Use Relevant Data.
To write an analytical essay, first write an introduction that gives your reader background information and introduces your thesis. Then, write body paragraphs in support of your thesis that include a topic sentence, an analysis of some part of the text, and evidence from the text that supports your analysis.
What makes a good analysis in an essay? ›Asking the kinds of questions that will lead to critical thought can access good analysis more easily. Such questions often anticipate what a reader might want to know as well. Questions can take the form of explaining the evidence or expanding on evidence; in other words, questions can give context or add meaning.
What is the first sentence of an essay paragraph? ›The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay, and it serves several purposes. This paragraph gets your reader's attention, develops the basic ideas of what you will cover, and provides the thesis statement for the essay.
What not to do when starting an essay? ›- Fail to address the question's topic in your introduction. ...
- Stray from the focus of the question (especially in the conclusion) ...
- Insert quotes without introducing them or relating them back to the topic. ...
- Fail to provide references. ...
- Use informal language, colloquialisms, or overuse rhetorical questions.
An introduction to an essay usually has three primary purposes: To set the scene. To tell readers what is important, and why. To tell the reader what the essay is going to do (signposting)
What are some good transition words for essays? ›And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, than, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc., again, further, last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, likewise, similarly, in fact, as a result, consequently, in the same way, for example, for instance, ...
What are good analysis sentence starters? ›The key aspect discussed … … are presented … … is justified … Views on …. range from …. … is evaluated … … is examined … The central theme … … is described … … is analysed …
What is the best sentence for analyze? ›- We took the sample to be chemically analyzed by a lab.
- Researchers are busy analyzing the results of the study.
- The bacteria were analyzed under a powerful microscope.
- Consider your central theme. Before you get started constructing a sentence, consider what your essential point is. ...
- Examine the previous sentence. ...
- Use transition words. ...
- Use a preposition. ...
- Try a subject opener. ...
- Try a clausal opener. ...
- Use an “ing” word. ...
- Use an “ed” word.
How do you end an analytical essay? ›
- Step 1: Return to your thesis. To begin your conclusion, signal that the essay is coming to an end by returning to your overall argument. ...
- Step 2: Review your main points. Next, remind the reader of the main points that you used to support your argument. ...
- Step 3: Show why it matters.
The last paragraph should summarise the idea mentioned and the information in general. It should be concluding in nature and act as the closing statement. One should keep in mind that one must not include any personal opinions, conclusions, or observations. You should simply stick to the facts.
What are the three parts of an analytical paragraph? ›Each paragraph should discuss one major point or idea. An effective paragraph has three parts: claim, evidence, and analysis.
How do you avoid first-person in an essay? ›Try recasting sentences that start with 'I' more objectively, so that the focus is on the what – the emotion, the object, the person, the action and so on – rather than the sense being used to experience it or the I-narrator doing the experience. Use the principles of free indirect speech to reduce your 'I' count.
Can you write in first-person in an analytical essay? ›Use formal, academic diction (word choice) in a literary analysis. Therefore, write in the third person. First person (I, me, our, we, etc.) and second person (you) are too informal for academic writing, and most literature professors prefer students to write in third person.
Do you use first-person in an analytical essay? ›APA advocates for using first person ("I")when describing your own research study. Do not use "we" unless you have coauthors. Do not refer to either yourself or your coauthors in the third person ("this author" or "these researchers").
What is the best introduction for an analysis? ›Your introduction is a guide for your reader to understand what information you will discuss in the analysis and in what order. Introduce the topic in broader terms in the first few sentences, then state your thesis. Example: "Every year, more companies are adopting work-from-home days and seeing incredible benefits.
How many quotes should an analytical essay have? ›There's a simple rule for how many quotes should be in an essay. Here's a good rule to follow: one quote for every five paragraphs. A paragraph is usually 150 words long, so you're looking at one quote in every 750 words, maximum.
What are 4 analytical skills? ›Great analytical thinking skills usually cover a spectrum of abilities such as Communication, Creativity, Critical thinking, Data analysis, and Research.
What are the 4 types of analytical? ›Modern analytics tend to fall in four distinct categories: descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive.
What are the four main analytical questions? ›
The four questions of data analysis are the questions of description, probability, inference, and homogeneity.
What are the words used in analytical paragraph? ›| Critique | Strengthen | Assert |
|---|---|---|
| Respond | Confirm | Suggest |
| Identify | Imply | Generate |
| Conclude | Persuade | Compare |
| Express | Bolster | Frame |
Topic Sentence: It is important to be ready before buying a house. The topic is "buying a house" and the controlling idea is “it is important to be ready." Topic Sentence: Graduating from high school is important for many different reasons.
What is an example of a strong analytical skill? ›Some examples of analytical skills are data analysis, research, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, visualization, and creativity. You should highlight your analytical skills on your resume, in your cover letter, and during your interviews.
What are the 5 analytic types? ›- Descriptive Analytics. Business intelligence and data analysis rely heavily on descriptive analytics. ...
- Diagnostic Analytics. ...
- Predictive Analytics. ...
- Prescriptive Analytics. ...
- Cognitive Analytics.
The seven C's of communication is a list of principles for written and spoken communications to ensure that they are effective. The seven C's are: clear, correct, complete, concrete, concise, considered and courteous.
What are the analytical steps? ›- Identify the problem to solve.
- Choose an appropriate process. ( ...
- Use the process to hypothesize analysis or solution elements.
- Design an experiment(s) to test the hypothesis.
- Perform the experiment(s).
- Accept, reject, or modify the hypothesis.
- Essay Hook.
- Essay Thesis.
- Introduction Paragraph.
- Body Paragraph.
- Supporting Evidence.
- Conclusion Paragraph.
7 paragraphs is 700 – 1,400 words for essays, 350 – 700 words for easy writing.
How do you write a 7 paragraph essay? ›- Seven Paragraph Essay Format for Writing a Personal Statement.
- P1 - Opening.
- P2 – Interests and Career goals/Life experience [brief]
- P3 – Experience: Research or applied experience.
- P4 – Again with experience.
- P5 – Summarizing value of experience [shorter]
- P6 – Why this program.
How do you start an essay example? ›
- Share a shocking or amusing fact.
- Ask a question.
- Dramatize a scene.
- Kick it off with a quote.
- State your thesis directly.
- Pick the right tone for your essay.
- When you're stuck, work backwards.
- Introduction.
- Body.
- Conclusion.
An essay should have a single clear central idea. Each paragraph should have a clear main point or topic sentence. Each paragraph should support or expand the central idea of the paper. The idea of each paragraph should be explained and illustrated through examples, details, and descriptions.
What are the four 4 basic parts of an essay? ›...
Argumentative essays
- The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement.
- The body presents your evidence and arguments.
- The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance.
Expository essays are the simplest, and they are often assigned to first-year students who are only learning how to write compelling texts. If you're a struggling student wondering, “can service PaperWriter write paper for me” for the first time, chances are, an expository essay is what you're assigned.
What are 3 common analytical techniques? ›- Regression Analysis.
- Grouping Methods.
- Multiple Equation Models.