analytical essay components

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Tips and techniques for writing effective and powerful analytical essays.

Are you struggling to craft an effective analytical essay? Do you find yourself getting lost in a sea of information or unsure of how to present your analysis in a clear and concise manner? Look no further – this step-by-step guide will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to elevate your analytical essay writing skills to the next level.

Writing an analytical essay involves carefully examining a subject or topic and providing a thorough analysis and interpretation of the information gathered. It requires critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to express ideas and arguments coherently. In this guide, we will explore various techniques and approaches to help you develop and refine your analytical writing skills, allowing you to tackle any analytical essay with confidence and precision.

One crucial aspect of writing an analytical essay is conducting thorough research. To ensure your essay is well-informed and robust, it’s important to delve into reputable sources, such as academic journals, books, and reliable websites. By gathering a wide range of sources related to your topic, you will acquire a solid understanding of the subject matter, which will enable you to provide a comprehensive analysis in your essay.

Another essential element of analytical essay writing is the development of a strong thesis statement. Your thesis should present a clear and concise argument or claim that you will support throughout your essay. It should be specific, debatable, and relevant to the topic at hand. By crafting a well-defined thesis statement, you provide the backbone for your entire essay, guiding your analysis and helping you maintain a focused approach.

Furthermore, an effective analytical essay requires careful organization and structure. Divide your essay into logical paragraphs, each addressing a specific point or aspect of your analysis. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph, guiding your reader and providing a clear roadmap of your essay’s progression. Additionally, utilize transitional phrases and words to create smooth transitions between paragraphs, ensuring a cohesive and coherent flow.

Finding a Strong Topic for Your Essay

Choosing the right topic is a crucial first step in writing an analytical essay. The topic sets the tone for the entire essay and determines its scope and focus. It is important to select a topic that is engaging, relevant, and allows for in-depth analysis. This section will provide you with helpful strategies for finding a strong topic that will captivate your readers.

Gathering and Evaluating Reliable Sources

One of the key aspects of writing an analytical essay is gathering and evaluating reliable sources. The quality of your sources can greatly impact the strength and credibility of your arguments. In this section, we will explore the importance of finding trustworthy sources and discuss strategies for evaluating their reliability.

When conducting research for your essay, it is crucial to seek out sources that are authoritative and trustworthy. Reliable sources are those that have been written by experts in the field or have been published in reputable academic journals. These sources are often backed by extensive research and provide accurate and unbiased information.

When evaluating the reliability of a source, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, check the author’s credentials and expertise in the subject matter. Look for individuals who have relevant qualifications or experience in the field. This will help establish their credibility and ensure that they are knowledgeable on the topic.

In addition to the author’s credentials, consider the publication or website where the source is found. Reputable academic journals, books from respected publishers, and reputable websites such as government or educational institutions are generally more reliable sources of information. Be cautious of sources from unknown or biased sources, as they may not provide accurate or unbiased information.

Furthermore, it is important to analyze the content of the source itself. Look for evidence-based arguments, logical reasoning, and a balanced presentation of different perspectives. A reliable source should provide well-supported claims and back them up with relevant evidence and examples.

Finally, consider the date of publication. While older sources can still provide valuable insights, it is important to have up-to-date information, especially in fields that are rapidly evolving or undergoing significant changes. Check for recent studies and publications to ensure that your information is current.

In conclusion, gathering and evaluating reliable sources is a critical step in writing an analytical essay. By seeking out trustworthy sources and analyzing their credibility, you can strengthen your arguments and provide a solid foundation for your essay. Keep in mind the importance of author expertise, publication credibility, content analysis, and the recency of the information. Through careful evaluation, you can ensure that your essay is well-informed and persuasive.

Creating an Outline for Your Essay

One of the most important steps in the essay writing process is creating an outline. An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, helping you to organize your thoughts and ideas in a logical and coherent manner.

When creating an outline for your essay, it’s important to start by identifying the main points or arguments that you want to make. These main points will serve as the foundation of your essay and should be presented in a clear and concise manner. You can think of these main points as the “backbone” of your essay.

Once you have identified the main points, you can then begin to develop subpoints that support and expand upon each main point. These subpoints should provide specific examples, evidence, or analysis to strengthen your main arguments. In essence, they help to fill in the details and provide a deeper understanding of your main points.

Organizing your main points and subpoints can be done in various ways. One common method is to use a hierarchical structure, such as an outline with Roman numerals, capital letters, and Arabic numerals. Another method is to use bullet points or a numbered list. You can choose the method that works best for you, based on the complexity of your essay and the level of detail you want to include in your outline.

As you create your outline, it’s important to keep in mind the overall structure of your essay. Your introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and present your thesis statement. The body paragraphs should present and develop your main points and subpoints, providing evidence and analysis to support your arguments. Finally, your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a concise and compelling manner.

Remember that your outline is a flexible tool that can be revised and adjusted as you work on your essay. It’s not set in stone and can be modified as needed to better reflect your evolving ideas and arguments. Don’t be afraid to make changes and reorganize your outline as you go along.

In conclusion, creating an outline for your essay is an essential step in the writing process. It helps you to organize your thoughts, develop your arguments, and maintain a logical flow throughout your essay. By investing time and effort into creating a strong outline, you’ll set yourself up for success and make the writing process much smoother.

Developing a Clear and Coherent Argument

When it comes to writing analytical essays, one of the most important aspects is developing a clear and coherent argument. It is essential to have a well-structured and logical argument in order to effectively convey your ideas and convince your readers.

First and foremost, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the topic you are writing about. Take the time to thoroughly research and gather relevant information, as this will provide you with the necessary knowledge to build a strong argument. Additionally, make sure to identify any key terms or concepts that are essential to your argument, as this will help you stay focused and ensure coherence throughout your essay.

Once you have a solid foundation of knowledge, it is important to organize your argument in a logical manner. Start by outlining the main points or claims you want to make, and then provide supporting evidence or examples for each of these points. Be sure to clearly state your thesis statement, which should summarize the main argument you are making in your essay.

In order to maintain coherence in your argument, it is important to use logical transitions between your ideas. This can be done through the use of transitional words and phrases, such as “however,” “in addition,” or “on the other hand.” These transitions will help guide your reader through your argument and ensure that your ideas flow smoothly from one point to the next.

Lastly, it is crucial to anticipate and address counterarguments in your essay. By acknowledging opposing viewpoints and effectively refuting them, you can further strengthen your overall argument. This demonstrates that you have considered multiple perspectives and have arrived at your own well-supported conclusion.

In conclusion, developing a clear and coherent argument is essential when writing analytical essays. By thoroughly researching your topic, organizing your ideas in a logical manner, using transitions effectively, and addressing counterarguments, you can effectively convey your ideas and make a convincing argument to your readers.

Strengthening Your Essay with Relevant Evidence

In order to create a compelling and persuasive analytical essay, it is essential to back up your arguments with relevant evidence. This evidence serves to support your claims and gives your essay credibility and authority.

When selecting evidence for your essay, it is important to choose examples and facts that are directly related to your topic. This will help to establish a strong connection between your argument and the evidence you present. Additionally, using relevant evidence allows you to make a more convincing case and gives your readers confidence in the validity of your assertions.

Relevant evidence can come in various forms, such as statistics, research studies, expert opinions, and real-life examples. By incorporating a mix of different types of evidence, you can strengthen the overall impact of your essay and appeal to a wider range of readers.

To ensure that the evidence you include in your essay is relevant, it is necessary to thoroughly research your topic and gather information from reliable sources. This will help you to find the most up-to-date and accurate evidence to support your arguments.

In addition to choosing relevant evidence, it is also crucial to properly integrate it into your essay. Make sure to clearly introduce each piece of evidence and explain how it supports your main points. Use strong and persuasive language to highlight the significance of the evidence and its connection to your argument.

Remember that the purpose of using relevant evidence is not only to support your argument but also to engage your readers and help them understand your perspective. By presenting well-chosen and compelling evidence, you can make your essay more persuasive and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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How To Write an Analytical Essay

If you enjoy exploring topics deeply and thinking creatively, analytical essays could be perfect for you. They involve thorough analysis and clever writing techniques to gain fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding of the subject. In this article, our expert research paper writer will explain what an analytical essay is, how to structure it effectively and provide practical examples. This guide covers all the essentials for your writing success!

What Is an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay involves analyzing something, such as a book, movie, or idea. It relies on evidence from the text to logically support arguments, avoiding emotional appeals or personal stories. Unlike persuasive essays, which argue for a specific viewpoint, a good analytical essay explores all aspects of the topic, considering different perspectives, dissecting arguments, and evaluating evidence carefully. Ultimately, you'll need to present your own stance based on your analysis, synthesize findings, and decide whether you agree with the conclusions or have your own interpretation.

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How to Structure an Analytical Essay

Crafting an excellent paper starts with clear organization and structuring of arguments. An analytical essay structure follows a simple outline: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Begin by grabbing the reader's attention and stating the topic clearly. Provide background information, state the purpose of the paper, and hint at the arguments you'll make. The opening sentence should be engaging, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, present your thesis, summarizing your stance in the essay.

Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence guiding the reader and presents evidence supporting the thesis. Focus on one issue per paragraph and briefly restate the main point at the end to transition smoothly to the next one. This ensures clarity and coherence in your argument.

Conclusion: Restate the thesis, summarize key points from the body paragraphs, and offer insights on the significance of the analysis. Provide your thoughts on the topic's importance and how your analysis contributes to it, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Meanwhile, you might also be interested in how to write a reflection paper , so check out the article for more information!

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Simple Steps

Once you've got a handle on the structure, you can make writing easier by following some steps. Preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and improve your essay's flow. Here are some helpful tips from our experts. And if you need it, you can always request our experts to write my essay for me , and we'll handle it promptly.

Step 1: Decide on Your Stance

Before diving into writing, it's crucial to establish your stance on the topic. Let's say you're going to write an analytical essay example about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work. Before you start writing, you need to decide what your opinion or viewpoint is on this topic.

• Do you think remote work offers flexibility and improved work-life balance for employees?
• Or maybe you believe it can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased productivity?

Once you've determined your stance on remote work, it's essential to consider the evidence and arguments supporting your position. Are there statistics or studies that back up your viewpoint? For example, if you believe remote work improves productivity, you might cite research showing increased output among remote workers. On the other hand, if you think it leads to isolation, you could reference surveys or testimonials highlighting the challenges of remote collaboration. Your opinion will shape how you write your essay, so take some time to think about what you believe about remote work before you start writing.

Step 2: Write Your Thesis Statement

Once you've figured out what you think about the topic, it's time to write your thesis statement. This statement is like the main idea or argument of your essay.

If you believe that remote work offers significant benefits, your thesis statement might be: 'Remote work presents an opportunity for increased flexibility and work-life balance, benefiting employees and employers alike in today's interconnected world.'

Alternatively, if you believe that remote work has notable drawbacks, your thesis statement might be: 'While remote work offers flexibility, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in collaboration, necessitating a balanced approach to its implementation.'

Your thesis statement guides the rest of your analytical essay, so make sure it clearly expresses your viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 3: Write Topic Sentences

After you have your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work, you need to come up with topic sentences for each paragraph while writing an analytical essay. These sentences introduce the main point of each paragraph and help to structure your essay.

Let's say your first paragraph is about the benefits of remote work. Your topic sentence might be: 'Remote work offers employees increased flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to better manage their work-life balance.'

For the next paragraph discussing the drawbacks of remote work, your topic sentence could be: 'However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation and difficulties in communication and collaboration with colleagues.'

And for the paragraph about potential solutions to the challenges of remote work, your topic sentence might be: 'To mitigate the drawbacks of remote work, companies can implement strategies such as regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.'

Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work and provide a clear focus for the paragraph that follows.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Now that you have your thesis statement and topic sentences, it's time to create an analytical essay outline to ensure your essay flows logically. Here's an outline prepared by our analytical essay writer based on the example of discussing the benefits and drawbacks of remote work:

Step 5: Write Your First Draft

Now that you have your outline, it's time to start writing your first draft. Begin by expanding upon each point in your outline, making sure to connect your ideas smoothly and logically. Don't worry too much about perfection at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and polish your draft later.

As you write, keep referring back to your thesis statement to ensure that your arguments align with your main argument. Additionally, make sure each paragraph flows naturally into the next, maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

Once you've completed your first draft, take a break and then come back to review and revise it. Look for areas where you can strengthen your arguments, clarify your points, and improve the overall structure and flow of your essay.

Remember, writing is a process, and it's okay to go through multiple drafts before you're satisfied with the final result. Take your time and be patient with yourself as you work towards creating a well-crafted essay on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 6: Revise and Proofread

Once you've completed your first draft, it's essential to revise and proofread your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here's how to approach this step:

• Check if your ideas make sense and if they support your main point.
• Make sure your writing style stays the same and your format follows the rules.
• Double-check your facts and make sure you've covered everything important.
• Cut out any extra words and make your sentences clear and short.
• Look for mistakes in spelling and grammar.
• Ask someone to read your essay and give you feedback.

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

Analytical essays aim to analyze texts or topics, presenting a clear argument. They deepen understanding by evaluating evidence and uncovering underlying meanings. These essays promote critical thinking, challenging readers to consider different viewpoints.

They're also great for improving critical thinking skills. By breaking down complex ideas and presenting them clearly, they encourage readers to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.

This type of essay also adds to academic discussions by offering fresh insights. By analyzing existing research and literature, they bring new perspectives or shine a light on overlooked parts of a topic. This keeps academic conversations lively and encourages more exploration in the field.

Analytical Essay Examples

Check out our essay samples to see theory in action. Crafted by our dissertation services , they show how analytical thinking applies to real situations, helping you understand concepts better.

With our tips on how to write an analytical essay, you're ready to boost your writing skills and craft essays that captivate your audience. With practice, you'll become a pro at analytical writing, ready to tackle any topic with confidence. And, if you need help to buy essay online , just drop us a line saying ' do my homework for me ' and we'll jump right in!

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How to Write an Analytical Essay?

What is an analytical essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Steps

An analytical essay is an essay that meticulously and methodically examines a single topic to draw conclusions or prove theories. Although they are used in many fields, analytical essays are often used with art and literature to break down works’ creative themes and explore their deeper meanings and symbolism . 

Analytical essays are a staple in academics, so if you’re a student, chances are you’ll write one sooner or later. This guide addresses all the major concerns about how to write an analytical essay, such as the preferred structure and what to put in the outline. Let’s start with an in-depth answer to the question, what is an analytical essay? Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is an analytical essay?

One of the seven main types of essay , analytical essays intricately examine a single topic to explain specific arguments or prove the author’s theories. They commonly deal with creative works like art, literature, film, or music, dissecting the creator’s artistic themes and revealing hidden meanings. However, they can also address other issues in realms like science, politics, and society. 

Analytical essays are a type of expository essay , so they’re not supposed to express bias, opinions , or persuasions . Even when the author is trying to prove their own theory (or disprove an opposing theory), their argument should stick solely to facts and logic and keep the author’s personal feelings to a minimum. 

An analytical essay example could be a deep dive into the character of Hamlet, but this topic itself could have multiple interpretations. Your essay could focus on whether or not Hamlet truly loved Ophelia, question the motives for his constant hesitation, or even attempt to prove the theory that he was mentally ill—after all, he did see apparitions! 

How to structure an analytical essay

Although analytical essays tend to be more detailed, specific, or technical than other essays, they still follow the same loose essay structure as the rest:

1 Introduction

3   Conclusion

The introduction is where you present your thesis statement and prepare your reader for what follows. Because analytical essays focus on a single topic, the introduction should give all the background information and context necessary for the reader to understand the writer’s argument. Save the actual analysis of your topic for the body. 

The body is the nucleus of your essay. Here you explain each separate point and offer evidence to support the thesis, breaking up your argument into paragraphs. While the introduction and conclusion are each usually just a single paragraph, the body is composed of many different paragraphs and often stretches out over pages, thereby making up most of the essay. 

Every paragraph in the body still relates to your chosen topic and your thesis, but each paragraph should make a different point or focus on a different piece of evidence. For example, if your topic is about how Edgar Allan Poe uses the theme of death in his writing, one paragraph could explore the use of death in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” while a different paragraph could explore death in “The Raven,” and so on. 

Finally, the conclusion wraps everything up. Conclusions usually don’t introduce new evidence or supporting details but instead reiterate the previous points and bring them all together to strengthen your original thesis. At this point your reader has sufficient background to understand the topic. With your evidential examples in mind, they’ll be more receptive to your main argument when you present it one last time. 

How to write an analytical essay in 6 steps

The process of writing an analytical essay largely follows the same guidelines as all essay writing . Here we break down each individual step from start to finish. 

1 Choose your topic

This step may be optional if your topic has been given to you as an assignment. If not, though, you should choose your topic with care. 

Your topic should be specific enough that you’re able to discuss it thoroughly. If you choose a broad topic like “love in novels from Victorian England,” it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cover all Victorian novels in a single analytical essay (or even ten analytical essays!). However, narrowing the topic down to something such as “love in Jane Austen novels” makes your task more achievable. 

That said, don’t be too specific, or you won’t have enough material to cover. Try to find a good middle ground: specific enough that you can discuss everything but general enough that you’ll be able to find enough research and supporting evidence. 

2 Research your topic

Once you know your topic, you can begin collecting data and evidence to discuss it. If your analytical essay is about a creative work, you may want to spend time reviewing or evaluating that work, such as watching a film closely or studying the details of a painting. It’s also useful to review other people’s critiques of that work to inspire new ideas or reveal details you hadn’t noticed before. 

Don’t forget to write down where you get your information, including page numbers for books or time codes if you’re watching visual media. You may need to reference these in your essay, so making a quick note about where you find your information while researching saves time later when you’re citing your sources . 

It helps to know your thesis from the onset. However, you may realize during your research that your original thesis is not as strong as you thought. If this happens, don’t be afraid to modify it or choose a new one. In any case, by the time your research is finished, you should know what your thesis will be.  

3 Create an outline

An essay outline gives you the opportunity to organize all your thoughts and research so you can put them in the optimal order. Ideally, you’ll have finished your research by now and made notes of everything you want to say in your analytical essay. The outline is your chance to decide when to talk about each point. 

Outlines are typically broken up by paragraph. Each paragraph should explore an individual point you’re making and include your evidence or statistical data to back up that particular point. Be careful about trying to squeeze too much information into a single paragraph; if it looks excessive, try to break up the information into two or more paragraphs. 

Feel free to move around or rearrange the order of paragraphs while outlining—that’s what this step is for! It’s much easier to fix structural problems now in the outline phase than later when writing. 

4 Write your first draft

Now is the time you sit down and actually write the rough draft of your analytical essay. This step is by far the longest, so be sure to set aside ample time. 

If you wrote your outline thoroughly, all you have to do is follow it paragraph by paragraph. Be sure to include each piece of evidence and data you had planned to include. Don’t worry about details like choosing the perfect wording or fixing every grammar mistake—you can do those later in the revisions phase. For now, focus solely on getting everything down. 

Pay particular attention to how you start an essay. The introduction serves different purposes, such as telling the reader what to expect, providing background information, and above all presenting your thesis statement. Make sure your introduction checks all those boxes. 

Likewise, be extra careful with your conclusion. There are special techniques for how to write a conclusion, such as using a powerful clincher and avoiding certain cliches like “in summary.” Conclusions usually hold more weight than the other paragraphs because they’re the last thing a person reads and can leave a lasting impression on them. 

Finally, don’t forget to include transition sentences in between your body paragraphs when needed. Moving abruptly from one topic to the next can be jarring for the reader; transition sentences improve the essay’s flow and remove distractions.  

5 Revise your draft

Your first draft is never meant to be perfect. Once you have all your ideas down on paper, it’s much easier to go back and revise . Now is the perfect time to improve your phrasing and word choice and edit out any unnecessary or tangential parts.

When you revise, pay particular attention to details. Try to find areas that you can remove to make your essay more succinct or passages that aren’t clear that need more explanation. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: Will someone with no background knowledge still understand your points? 

6 Proofread your essay

Last, it’s time to fix any grammar and spelling mistakes by proofreading . While it’s tempting to do this at the same time as your revisions, it’s best to do them separately so you don’t split your attention. This allows you to focus only on word choice, phrasing, and adding/removing content while revising and to concentrate solely on language mistakes during proofreading. 

If you’re not confident in your grammar or spelling expertise, you can always use an app like Grammarly . Our app highlights any spelling or grammar mistakes directly in your text and gives proper suggestions on how to fix them. There are even features that help you choose the perfect word or adjust your writing to fit a certain tone. You can also copy  and paste your writing to check your grammar and get instant feedback on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mistakes you might have missed.

Analytical essay outline example

If you’re having trouble, here’s an analytical essay example that shows how a proper outline or structure should look. The format here uses a five-paragraph essay structure, but for more complicated topics, you can add as many body paragraphs as you need. 

Topic: Who is the real villain: Macbeth or Lady Macbeth?

Introduction

• Briefly describe the plot of Macbeth for those who aren’t familiar with it
• Thesis statement : Lady Macbeth is the real villain of Macbeth because she manipulates her husband into committing an atrocious crime 

Body Paragraph 1 

• Murdering the king is all Lady Macbeth’s idea
• Macbeth is initially against it until Lady Macbeth convinces him

Body Paragraph 2

• Lady Macbeth has her own individual character arc where she is driven mad by her guilt
• Her guilt insinuates she knows her actions are villainous, with appropriate consequences
• Cite quotations from her “Out, damned spot!” speech

Body Paragraph 3

• Macbeth decides to listen to Lady Macbeth, so he is still guilty
• Speculate that he still would not have murdered the king if not for Lady Macbeth
• Macbeth remains the main character because most scenes revolve around him, but the person acting against him most is Lady Macbeth
• Remind reader that Macbeth didn’t want to murder the king until Lady Macbeth convinced him
• Clincher : Macbeth is still the hero albeit a tragic one. But his main antagonist is not Macduff or the king or even the prophecy itself; it’s his wife. 

Analytical essay FAQs

An analytical essay is an essay that deeply examines a single topic, often a creative work, to reveal certain conclusions or prove theories held by the essay’s author. 

How is an analytical essay structured?

Analytical essays are structured like most other essays: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, the body paragraphs have a stricter emphasis on facts, logic, and empirical evidence compared to other essays. 

What are the steps to writing an analytical essay? 

As with all essays, you first research and then organize all your points into a working outline. Next, you write the rough draft with all the data and evidence collected during your research. Revise the rough draft when it’s finished to improve the phrasing and add/remove certain parts. Last, proofread the essay for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

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5 Steps to Write a Great Analytical Essay

General Education

Do you need to write an analytical essay for school? What sets this kind of essay apart from other types, and what must you include when you write your own analytical essay? In this guide, we break down the process of writing an analytical essay by explaining the key factors your essay needs to have, providing you with an outline to help you structure your essay, and analyzing a complete analytical essay example so you can see what a finished essay looks like.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

Before you begin writing an analytical essay, you must know what this type of essay is and what it includes. Analytical essays analyze something, often (but not always) a piece of writing or a film.

An analytical essay is more than just a synopsis of the issue though; in this type of essay you need to go beyond surface-level analysis and look at what the key arguments/points of this issue are and why. If you’re writing an analytical essay about a piece of writing, you’ll look into how the text was written and why the author chose to write it that way. Instead of summarizing, an analytical essay typically takes a narrower focus and looks at areas such as major themes in the work, how the author constructed and supported their argument, how the essay used literary devices to enhance its messages, etc.

While you certainly want people to agree with what you’ve written, unlike with persuasive and argumentative essays, your main purpose when writing an analytical essay isn’t to try to convert readers to your side of the issue. Therefore, you won’t be using strong persuasive language like you would in those essay types. Rather, your goal is to have enough analysis and examples that the strength of your argument is clear to readers.

Besides typical essay components like an introduction and conclusion, a good analytical essay will include:

• A thesis that states your main argument
• Analysis that relates back to your thesis and supports it
• Examples to support your analysis and allow a more in-depth look at the issue

In the rest of this article, we’ll explain how to include each of these in your analytical essay.

How to Structure Your Analytical Essay

Analytical essays are structured similarly to many other essays you’ve written, with an introduction (including a thesis), several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Below is an outline you can follow when structuring your essay, and in the next section we go into more detail on how to write an analytical essay.

Introduction

Your introduction will begin with some sort of attention-grabbing sentence to get your audience interested, then you’ll give a few sentences setting up the topic so that readers have some context, and you’ll end with your thesis statement. Your introduction will include:

• Brief background information explaining the issue/text
• Your thesis

Body Paragraphs

Your analytical essay will typically have three or four body paragraphs, each covering a different point of analysis. 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. At the end of each body paragraph, you may choose to have a transition sentence that sets up what the next paragraph will be about, but this isn’t required. Body paragraphs will include:

• Introductory sentence explaining what you’ll cover in the paragraph (sort of like a mini-thesis)
• Analysis point
• Evidence (either passages from the text or data/facts) that supports the analysis
• (Repeat analysis and evidence until you run out of examples)

You won’t be making any new points in your conclusion; at this point you’re just reiterating key points you’ve already made and wrapping things up. Begin by rephrasing your thesis and summarizing the main points you made in the essay. Someone who reads just your conclusion should be able to come away with a basic idea of what your essay was about and how it was structured. After this, you may choose to make some final concluding thoughts, potentially by connecting your essay topic to larger issues to show why it’s important. A conclusion will include:

• Paraphrase of thesis
• Summary of key points of analysis
• Final concluding thought(s)

5 Steps for Writing an Analytical Essay

Follow these five tips to break down writing an analytical essay into manageable steps. By the end, you’ll have a fully-crafted analytical essay with both in-depth analysis and enough evidence to support your argument. All of these steps use the completed analytical essay in the next section as an example.

#1: Pick a Topic

You may have already had a topic assigned to you, and if that’s the case, you can skip this step. However, if you haven’t, or if the topic you’ve been assigned is broad enough that you still need to narrow it down, then you’ll need to decide on a topic for yourself. Choosing the right topic can mean the difference between an analytical essay that’s easy to research (and gets you a good grade) and one that takes hours just to find a few decent points to analyze

Before you decide on an analytical essay topic, do a bit of research to make sure you have enough examples to support your analysis. If you choose a topic that’s too narrow, you’ll struggle to find enough to write about.

For example, say your teacher assigns you to write an analytical essay about the theme in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath of exposing injustices against migrants. For it to be an analytical essay, you can’t just recount the injustices characters in the book faced; that’s only a summary and doesn’t include analysis. You need to choose a topic that allows you to analyze the theme. One of the best ways to explore a theme is to analyze how the author made his/her argument. One example here is that Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters (short chapters that didn’t relate to the plot or contain the main characters of the book) to show what life was like for migrants as a whole during the Dust Bowl.

You could write about how Steinbeck used literary devices throughout the whole book, but, in the essay below, I chose to just focus on the intercalary chapters since they gave me enough examples. Having a narrower focus will nearly always result in a tighter and more convincing essay (and can make compiling examples less overwhelming).

#2: Write a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the most important sentence of your essay; a reader should be able to read just your thesis and understand what the entire essay is about and what you’ll be analyzing. When you begin writing, remember that each sentence in your analytical essay should relate back to your thesis

In the analytical essay example below, the thesis is the final sentence of the first paragraph (the traditional spot for it). The thesis is: “In The Grapes of Wrath’s intercalary chapters, John Steinbeck employs a variety of literary devices and stylistic choices to better expose the injustices committed against migrants in the 1930s.” So what will this essay analyze? How Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants could have it. Crystal clear.

#3: Do Research to Find Your Main Points

This is where you determine the bulk of your analysis--the information that makes your essay an analytical essay. My preferred method is to list every idea that I can think of, then research each of those and use the three or four strongest ones for your essay. Weaker points may be those that don’t relate back to the thesis, that you don’t have much analysis to discuss, or that you can’t find good examples for. A good rule of thumb is to have one body paragraph per main point

This essay has four main points, each of which analyzes a different literary device Steinbeck uses to better illustrate how difficult life was for migrants during the Dust Bowl. The four literary devices and their impact on the book are:

• Lack of individual names in intercalary chapters to illustrate the scope of the problem
• Parallels to the Bible to induce sympathy for the migrants
• Non-showy, often grammatically-incorrect language so the migrants are more realistic and relatable to readers
• Nature-related metaphors to affect the mood of the writing and reflect the plight of the migrants

#4: Find Excerpts or Evidence to Support Your Analysis

Now that you have your main points, you need to back them up. If you’re writing a paper about a text or film, use passages/clips from it as your main source of evidence. If you’re writing about something else, your evidence can come from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, quotes from knowledgeable sources etc. Any evidence that would work for a regular research paper works here.

In this example, I quoted multiple passages from The Grapes of Wrath  in each paragraph to support my argument. You should be able to back up every claim you make with evidence in order to have a strong essay.

#5: Put It All Together

Now it's time to begin writing your essay, if you haven’t already. Create an introductory paragraph that ends with the thesis, make a body paragraph for each of your main points, including both analysis and evidence to back up your claims, and wrap it all up with a conclusion that recaps your thesis and main points and potentially explains the big picture importance of the topic.

Analytical Essay Example + Analysis

So that you can see for yourself what a completed analytical essay looks like, here’s an essay I wrote back in my high school days. It’s followed by analysis of how I structured my essay, what its strengths are, and how it could be improved.

One way Steinbeck illustrates the connections all migrant people possessed and the struggles they faced is by refraining from using specific titles and names in his intercalary chapters. While The Grapes of Wrath focuses on the Joad family, the intercalary chapters show that all migrants share the same struggles and triumphs as the Joads. No individual names are used in these chapters; instead the people are referred to as part of a group. Steinbeck writes, “Frantic men pounded on the doors of the doctors; and the doctors were busy.  And sad men left word at country stores for the coroner to send a car,” (555). By using generic terms, Steinbeck shows how the migrants are all linked because they have gone through the same experiences. The grievances committed against one family were committed against thousands of other families; the abuse extends far beyond what the Joads experienced. The Grapes of Wrath frequently refers to the importance of coming together; how, when people connect with others their power and influence multiplies immensely. Throughout the novel, the goal of the migrants, the key to their triumph, has been to unite. While their plans are repeatedly frustrated by the government and police, Steinbeck’s intercalary chapters provide a way for the migrants to relate to one another because they have encountered the same experiences. Hundreds of thousands of migrants fled to the promised land of California, but Steinbeck was aware that numbers alone were impersonal and lacked the passion he desired to spread. Steinbeck created the intercalary chapters to show the massive numbers of people suffering, and he created the Joad family to evoke compassion from readers.  Because readers come to sympathize with the Joads, they become more sensitive to the struggles of migrants in general. However, John Steinbeck frequently made clear that the Joads were not an isolated incident; they were not unique. Their struggles and triumphs were part of something greater. Refraining from specific names in his intercalary chapters allows Steinbeck to show the vastness of the atrocities committed against migrants.

Steinbeck also creates significant parallels to the Bible in his intercalary chapters in order to enhance his writing and characters. By using simple sentences and stylized writing, Steinbeck evokes Biblical passages. The migrants despair, “No work till spring. No work,” (556).  Short, direct sentences help to better convey the desperateness of the migrants’ situation. Throughout his novel, John Steinbeck makes connections to the Bible through his characters and storyline. Jim Casy’s allusions to Christ and the cycle of drought and flooding are clear biblical references.  By choosing to relate The Grapes of Wrath to the Bible, Steinbeck’s characters become greater than themselves. Starving migrants become more than destitute vagrants; they are now the chosen people escaping to the promised land. When a forgotten man dies alone and unnoticed, it becomes a tragedy. Steinbeck writes, “If [the migrants] were shot at, they did not run, but splashed sullenly away; and if they were hit, they sank tiredly in the mud,” (556). Injustices committed against the migrants become greater because they are seen as children of God through Steinbeck’s choice of language. Referencing the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s novel and purpose: to create understanding for the dispossessed.  It is easy for people to feel disdain for shabby vagabonds, but connecting them to such a fundamental aspect of Christianity induces sympathy from readers who might have otherwise disregarded the migrants as so many other people did.

The simple, uneducated dialogue Steinbeck employs also helps to create a more honest and meaningful representation of the migrants, and it makes the migrants more relatable to readers. Steinbeck chooses to accurately represent the language of the migrants in order to more clearly illustrate their lives and make them seem more like real paper than just characters in a book. The migrants lament, “They ain’t gonna be no kinda work for three months,” (555). There are multiple grammatical errors in that single sentence, but it vividly conveys the despair the migrants felt better than a technically perfect sentence would. The Grapes of Wrath is intended to show the severe difficulties facing the migrants so Steinbeck employs a clear, pragmatic style of writing.  Steinbeck shows the harsh, truthful realities of the migrants’ lives and he would be hypocritical if he chose to give the migrants a more refined voice and not portray them with all their shortcomings. The depiction of the migrants as imperfect through their language also makes them easier to relate to. Steinbeck’s primary audience was the middle class, the less affluent of society. Repeatedly in The Grapes of Wrath , the wealthy make it obvious that they scorn the plight of the migrants. The wealthy, not bad luck or natural disasters, were the prominent cause of the suffering of migrant families such as the Joads. Thus, Steinbeck turns to the less prosperous for support in his novel. When referring to the superior living conditions barnyard animals have, the migrants remark, “Them’s horses-we’re men,” (556).  The perfect simplicity of this quote expresses the absurdness of the migrants’ situation better than any flowery expression could.

In The Grapes of Wrath , John Steinbeck uses metaphors, particularly about nature, in order to illustrate the mood and the overall plight of migrants. Throughout most of the book, the land is described as dusty, barren, and dead. Towards the end, however; floods come and the landscape begins to change. At the end of chapter twenty-nine, Steinbeck describes a hill after the floods saying, “Tiny points of grass came through the earth, and in a few days the hills were pale green with the beginning year,” (556). This description offers a stark contrast from the earlier passages which were filled with despair and destruction. Steinbeck’s tone from the beginning of the chapter changes drastically. Early in the chapter, Steinbeck had used heavy imagery in order to convey the destruction caused by the rain, “The streams and the little rivers edged up to the bank sides and worked at willows and tree roots, bent the willows deep in the current, cut out the roots of cottonwoods and brought down the trees,” (553). However, at the end of the chapter the rain has caused new life to grow in California. The new grass becomes a metaphor representing hope. When the migrants are at a loss over how they will survive the winter, the grass offers reassurance. The story of the migrants in the intercalary chapters parallels that of the Joads. At the end of the novel, the family is breaking apart and has been forced to flee their home. However, both the book and final intercalary chapter end on a hopeful note after so much suffering has occurred. The grass metaphor strengthens Steinbeck’s message because it offers a tangible example of hope. Through his language Steinbeck’s themes become apparent at the end of the novel. Steinbeck affirms that persistence, even when problems appear insurmountable, leads to success. These metaphors help to strengthen Steinbeck’s themes in The Grapes of Wrath because they provide a more memorable way to recall important messages.

John Steinbeck’s language choices help to intensify his writing in his intercalary chapters and allow him to more clearly show how difficult life for migrants could be. Refraining from using specific names and terms allows Steinbeck to show that many thousands of migrants suffered through the same wrongs. Imitating the style of the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s characters and connects them to the Bible, perhaps the most famous book in history. When Steinbeck writes in the imperfect dialogue of the migrants, he creates a more accurate portrayal and makes the migrants easier to relate to for a less affluent audience. Metaphors, particularly relating to nature, strengthen the themes in The Grapes of Wrath by enhancing the mood Steinbeck wants readers to feel at different points in the book. Overall, the intercalary chapters that Steinbeck includes improve his novel by making it more memorable and reinforcing the themes Steinbeck embraces throughout the novel. Exemplary stylistic devices further persuade readers of John Steinbeck’s personal beliefs. Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath to bring to light cruelties against migrants, and by using literary devices effectively, he continuously reminds readers of his purpose. Steinbeck’s impressive language choices in his intercalary chapters advance the entire novel and help to create a classic work of literature that people still are able to relate to today. 

This essay sticks pretty closely to the standard analytical essay outline. It starts with an introduction, where I chose to use a quote to start off the essay. (This became my favorite way to start essays in high school because, if I wasn’t sure what to say, I could outsource the work and find a quote that related to what I’d be writing about.) The quote in this essay doesn’t relate to the themes I’m discussing quite as much as it could, but it’s still a slightly different way to start an essay and can intrigue readers. I then give a bit of background on The Grapes of Wrath and its themes before ending the intro paragraph with my thesis: that Steinbeck used literary devices in intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants had it.

Each of my four body paragraphs is formatted in roughly the same way: an intro sentence that explains what I’ll be discussing, analysis of that main point, and at least two quotes from the book as evidence.

My conclusion restates my thesis, summarizes each of four points I discussed in my body paragraphs, and ends the essay by briefly discussing how Steinbeck’s writing helped introduce a world of readers to the injustices migrants experienced during the dust bowl.

What does this analytical essay example do well? For starters, it contains everything that a strong analytical essay should, and it makes that easy to find. The thesis clearly lays out what the essay will be about, the first sentence of each of the body paragraph introduces the topic it’ll cover, and the conclusion neatly recaps all the main points. Within each of the body paragraphs, there’s analysis along with multiple excerpts from the book in order to add legitimacy to my points.

Additionally, the essay does a good job of taking an in-depth look at the issue introduced in the thesis. Four ways Steinbeck used literary devices are discussed, and for each of the examples are given and analysis is provided so readers can understand why Steinbeck included those devices and how they helped shaped how readers viewed migrants and their plight.

Where could this essay be improved? I believe the weakest body paragraph is the third one, the one that discusses how Steinbeck used plain, grammatically incorrect language to both accurately depict the migrants and make them more relatable to readers. The paragraph tries to touch on both of those reasons and ends up being somewhat unfocused as a result. It would have been better for it to focus on just one of those reasons (likely how it made the migrants more relatable) in order to be clearer and more effective. It’s a good example of how adding more ideas to an essay often doesn’t make it better if they don’t work with the rest of what you’re writing. This essay also could explain the excerpts that are included more and how they relate to the points being made. Sometimes they’re just dropped in the essay with the expectation that the readers will make the connection between the example and the analysis. This is perhaps especially true in the second body paragraph, the one that discusses similarities to Biblical passages. Additional analysis of the quotes would have strengthened it.

Summary: How to Write an Analytical Essay

What is an analytical essay? A critical analytical essay analyzes a topic, often a text or film. The analysis paper uses evidence to support the argument, such as excerpts from the piece of writing. All analytical papers include a thesis, analysis of the topic, and evidence to support that analysis.

When developing an analytical essay outline and writing your essay, follow these five steps:

Reading analytical essay examples can also give you a better sense of how to structure your essay and what to include in it.

What's Next?

Learning about different writing styles in school? There are four main writing styles, and it's important to understand each of them. Learn about them in our guide to writing styles , complete with examples.

Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Literary devices can both be used to enhance your writing and communication. Check out this list of 31 literary devices to learn more !

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Mar 25, 2023

What Is an Analytical Essay | Outlines and Examples

Unlocking the mystery of analytical essays can be a daunting task, but fear not! This ultimate guide has everything you need to know to write insightful and persuasive analytical essays with ease. Discover the key components of successful analytical essays and learn how to analyze texts effectively to craft compelling arguments!

Welcome to our blog post on "What is an Analytical Essay? | Outlines and Examples". Do you need help writing an analytical essay and need help figuring out where to start? Do you need some guidance on how to structure your essay effectively? If so, you're in the right place.

In this blog post, we'll explain an analytical essay and provide some examples and outlines to help you get started. But first, let us introduce you to Jenni.ai, the AI tool that can make your essay-writing process easier and quicker.

Jenni.ai is an innovative writing tool that uses AI technology to help students write better essays. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Jenni.ai can help you create articles and essays to improve your writing skills. Whether you need help with grammar, structure, or citations, Jenni.ai has got you covered.

Now, let's return to the topic: analytical essays. An analytical essay is a type of essay that requires you to analyze and interpret a text or a piece of literature. The purpose of an analytical essay is to break down the reader into its various components and explore how they relate to each other to create meaning.

To write an effective analytical essay, you must understand the text and its context clearly. You also need to be able to use evidence from the text to support your analysis and interpretation. In this blog post, we'll provide some analytical essay examples to help you understand how to structure your essay and use evidence effectively.

So, whether you're a high school or college student, or just someone who wants to improve their essay writing skills, Jenni.ai and this blog post can help you. Read on for some analytical essay examples and tips on how to write an effective analytical essay.

Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays: Best Practices and Examples

Data and statistics are crucial components of analytical essays. In any analytical essay, data and statistics are used to support the arguments presented by the author. Using data and statistics in analytical reports effectively adds credibility, depth, and relevance to the discussions.

They also help the author make their point more transparent and convincing to the reader. This article will explore the best practices for using data and statistics in analytical essays and provide examples to illustrate their application.

Best Practices for Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

Using data and statistics in analytical essays requires a thorough understanding of their application. The following are best practices for using data and statistics in analytical reports:

Choose Relevant Data and Statistics: The data and statistics chosen must be relevant to the topic under discussion. Irrelevant data and statistics only confuse the reader and weaken the argument presented.

Use Reliable Sources: The data and statistics used in analytical essays must come from reliable sources. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed, published in reputable journals, or provided by respected institutions.

Provide Context: Data and statistics should be presented in the context of the argument. Providing context helps the reader understand the data's relevance and statistics to the topic under discussion.

Use Clear and Concise Language: Data and statistics can be complex and challenging to understand. Therefore, using clear and concise language to explain their relevance to the presented argument is essential.

Use Visuals: Visuals such as graphs, charts, and tables can help illustrate the presented data and statistics. Visuals also make it easier for the reader to understand complex data and statistics.

Examples of Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

The following examples illustrate how data and statistics can be effectively used in analytical essays:

Example 1: Gun Control

Argument: The United States needs stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence.

Data and statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2019, there were 39,707 gun-related deaths in the United States. Of these deaths, 24,090 were suicides, and 14,414 were homicides.

Context: These statistics illustrate the high number of gun-related deaths in the United States. They provide context for the argument that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence.

Example 2: Climate Change

Argument: Climate change is a significant threat to the planet, and urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Data and statistics: According to NASA, the global average temperature has increased by 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. This increase is primarily due to increased greenhouse gases caused by human activity.

Context: These statistics prove that climate change is real and caused by human activity. They support the argument that urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Example 3: Education

Argument: Education is essential for economic and social development.

Data and statistics: According to the World Bank, countries with higher levels of education have lower levels of poverty and higher levels of economic growth. For every year of teaching, a person's income increases by an average of 10%.

Furthermore, it is also crucial to avoid misrepresenting or manipulating data and statistics to fit preconceived notions or biases. Doing so weakens the credibility of the argument and undermines the writer's integrity.

In addition, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations, and potential weaknesses of the data and statistics presented. By doing so, the writer can show that they have considered alternative perspectives and interpretations and can address possible counterarguments.

When incorporating data and statistics into analytical essays, it is also essential to consider the audience. For instance, technical jargon or complex statistical analysis may be appropriate for a more specialized audience, such as academic researchers.

However, for a broader audience, it may be necessary to simplify and explain the data and statistics to make the argument more accessible and understandable.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of using data and statistics in analytical essays. Using specific data or statistics may sometimes raise privacy concerns or violate ethical principles. In such cases, weighing the benefits of using the data and statistics against potential harm is essential to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect individuals' privacy and rights.

In conclusion, using data and statistics in analytical essays is a powerful tool that can add depth and credibility to arguments. However, it requires careful consideration of the best practices outlined in this article, including choosing relevant data and statistics from reliable sources, providing context, using clear and concise language, and using visuals. 

It is also crucial to consider the audience, acknowledge limitations and potential weaknesses, and address ethical considerations. By following these best practices, writers can use data and statistics effectively to support their arguments and make them more compelling and convincing.

Analyzing Historical Events: Writing an Analytical Essay on a Significant Event

Analyzing historical events is a crucial aspect of studying history. History is not just about memorizing dates and names; it is about understanding the significance of those dates and names. Analyzing historical events involves examining and interpreting the available evidence to conclude the past.

One way to do this is by writing an analytical essay on a significant event. This essay will discuss the steps in writing an analytical essay on a historical event, with specific examples and tips.

In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event, including how to develop a strong thesis statement, gather evidence, and organize your analysis. By following these steps, you can produce a well-researched and compelling essay that demonstrates your critical thinking skills and understanding of history.

Step 1: Choose a Significant Historical Event

The first step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event is to choose a significant event to analyze. This can be a major event that had a substantial impact on the world, a lesser-known event that is important in a particular context, or an event that is significant to you personally.

Choosing a possibility you are interested in and passionate about is essential, as this will make the writing process much more manageable.

Once you have chosen your event, it is important to research it thoroughly. This includes reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing photographs and other visual material, and conducting interviews with experts in the field. The more research you do, the better your understanding of the event will be and the more insightful your analysis will be.

Step 2: Develop a Thesis Statement

Developing a thesis statement is the next step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event. The thesis statement is the main argument you will make in your article. It should be a clear and concise statement summarizing your event analysis.

For example, suppose you were writing an analytical essay on the American Civil War. In that case, your thesis statement might be: "The American Civil War was a turning point in American history, as it led to the abolition of slavery and the beginning of a new era of civil rights for African Americans."

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Once you have developed your thesis statement, it is essential to outline your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all of the necessary points in your analysis. Your essay outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In your introduction, you should provide some background information on the event and explain its significance. You should also include your thesis statement in the introduction.

You should provide evidence to support your thesis statement in the body paragraphs. This might include analyzing primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and newspapers, or secondary sources, such as scholarly articles and books. Using various sources to support your analysis and provide a well-rounded view of the event is essential.

In your conclusion, summarize your analysis and restate your thesis statement. You should also provide some final thoughts on the event's significance and impact on history.

Step 4: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed your thesis statement and outlined your essay, it is time to start writing. When writing your essay, it is essential to keep your thesis statement in mind and to use evidence to support your analysis.

When analyzing historical events, it is essential to consider the event's context. This might include the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the event, as well as the cultural and ideological beliefs of the time. It is also essential to consider the event's impact on history and how it shaped the world we live in today.

Some tips for writing a successful analytical essay on a historical event include:

Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.

Use evidence to support your analysis, and cite your sources.

Consider different viewpoints and perspectives on the event.

Avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims.

Use various sources to provide a well-rounded view of the event.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event is a valuable exercise in understanding the significance of the past. By choosing a significant event, developing a clear thesis statement, and conducting thorough research, it is possible to provide a thoughtful analysis of the event and its impact on history. 

It is essential to consider the event's context, use evidence to support your analysis, and avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims. Following these steps and tips, you can write a successful analytical essay contributing to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

How to Develop a Strong Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is the backbone of any analytical essay. It is a concise statement summarizing your essay's central argument or point. Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial for a successful analytical essay as it sets the tone for the rest of your writing. This article will discuss the steps to develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Analyze It

The first step in developing a solid thesis statement for your analytical essay is to choose a topic and analyze it thoroughly. The case can be anything from literature, a historical event, or a social issue. Once you have selected a claim, you must analyze it and understand its nuances.

You need to read and re-read the source material to analyze your topic. Take notes and highlight key themes, characters, and events. Identify patterns and connections between different parts of the source material. Think about the context in which the source material was created and the message the author was trying to convey.

Step 2: Identify the Main Argument

Once you have analyzed your topic thoroughly, you must identify the central argument or point you want to make in your essay. This is the foundation of your thesis statement. Your main idea should be specific, clear, and concise.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," your main argument could be that the novel critiques the American Dream as unattainable and corrupt.

Step 3: Consider Counterarguments

A strong thesis statement takes into account counterarguments. Consider what objections someone might have to your argument and address them in your thesis statement.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the adverse effects of social media, you might consider a counterargument that social media has brought people closer together. Your thesis statement should address this counterargument and show why your argument is still valid.

Step 4: Make Your Thesis Statement Clear and Specific

Your thesis statement should be clear and specific. It should tell the reader precisely what your argument is and what you will analyze in your essay.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," your thesis statement could be: "Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of symbolism in 'The Scarlet Letter' reveals the hypocrisy and moral decay of Puritan society."

Step 5: Use Strong Language

Your thesis statement should use strong language that is assertive and confident. Avoid using words like "might," "could," or "possibly." Instead, use words like "will," "must," or "should." This makes your thesis statement more substantial and persuasive.

For example, instead of saying, "This essay might argue that," say, "This essay will argue that."

Step 6: Revise Your Thesis Statement

Once you have developed your thesis statement, revise it, ensure it is clear and specific, and address counterarguments. Make sure that your thesis statement is supported by evidence in your essay.

Step 7: Brainstorm Ideas

Before you start analyzing your topic, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Write down any thoughts or questions you have about the issue. Consider what interests you most about the issue and what you want to explore further.

Step 8: Research Your Topic

Once you have a list of ideas, start researching your topic. Look for scholarly sources such as books, academic journals, and reputable websites. Take notes as you read and highlight any critical information you want to include in your essay.

Step 9: Identify Key Themes and Patterns

As you analyze your topic, look for key emerging themes and patterns. These can help you identify the central argument of your essay. Consider how these themes and practices relating to the topic's broader context and implications.

Step 10: Formulate a Research Question

Using the information you have gathered, formulate a research question to guide your analysis. Your research question should be precisely focused and reflect your essay's central argument.

Step 11: Write a Working Thesis Statement

Using your research question as a guide, write a thesis statement summarizing your essay's central argument. Your working thesis statement should be flexible and open to revision as you continue to analyze your topic and gather more evidence.

Step 12: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed a strong thesis statement, you can start writing your analytical essay. Be sure to structure your essay around your thesis statement, using your evidence to support your argument. Use clear, concise language and avoid making unsupported claims or generalizations.

Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial in writing a successful analytical essay. Choosing a topic, analyzing it thoroughly, and identifying the central argument are essential. Consider counterarguments and make your thesis statement clear and specific, using strong language.

Remember to revise your thesis statement and ensure it is supported by evidence in your essay. Following these steps, you can develop a strong thesis statement that will set the tone for your analytical paper and persuade your reader of your argument.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay can be daunting for many students, but it doesn't have to be. With a clear understanding of an analytical essay and how to approach it, anyone can develop the skills to write a high-quality paper. An analytical essay requires careful analysis of a topic or issue, using evidence to support your argument, and demonstrating critical thinking skills. 

It's essential to begin with a strong thesis statement that outlines the central argument of your essay and provides a roadmap for your analysis. From there, you should develop a detailed outline that organizes your ideas and evidence into a coherent structure.

To support your thesis statement and argument, you must gather evidence from various sources, such as books, articles, and data. Evaluating your sources carefully is essential, looking for credible and reliable information that supports your argument. 

Once you have gathered your evidence, you must analyze it carefully, considering how each piece supports your argument and identifying any patterns or connections between different parts of evidence.

With the help of tools like Jenni.ai , writing an analytical essay can be made easier and quicker. Jenni.ai's AI-powered auto-completion feature can help you develop a strong thesis statement, create detailed outlines, and produce high-quality articles. 

By utilizing these tools, you can save time and energy while still producing top-notch work. By following the steps outlined in this blog and using the features offered by Jenni.ai, you can master the art of writing analytical essays and achieving academic and professional success.

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Full Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

In academic writing, an analytical essay is considered one of the most difficult papers. Not only does it require an extensive understanding of the topic, but also a high level of critical thinking skills. In this article, we’ll break down what analytical essays are, their structure, and how to write an analytical essay for the first time.

What is an analytical essay?

Analytical writing focuses on demonstrating how exactly an author arrived at a given conclusion. It showcases the entire thought process used by the author to draw connections between different ideas.

As a form of analytical writing, analytical essays aim to break down an issue into different components and evaluate how these components work together. It allows the author to interpret and analyze a subject in a detailed and structured manner, using observations, evidence, and examples to support the main idea.

An analytical essay is a more complex type of essay writing. Because of this, it is regarded as a university-level assignment and can be hard to grasp at first. The analytical essay format is most often used as a tool to showcase research findings. It can be written on a variety of subjects, including literature, films, historical events, and scientific phenomena.

Analytical essay outline

Like with other essay types, an analytical essay outline has a standard structure that writers must follow. It consists of the following parts:

• Introduction,
• Body paragraphs,
• Conclusion.

Each part of the analytical essay outline performs specific functions.

In the introduction , the writer should present the topic that they want to cover in the essay. This is also the part where the author states their thesis. It should be mentioned that an analytical thesis should represent a hypothesis that the writer wants to prove or the results of an analysis.

The body paragraphs of an analytical essay are dedicated to dissecting available evidence. Each analysis paragraph should focus on separate points and provide an examination of how each piece of evidence relates to the topic at hand.

At last, the conclusion of an analytical essay should briefly summarize the discussed points and present the results of the analysis. More often than not, the results reaffirm the analytical thesis, so the conclusion should also mention the original hypothesis.

How to write an analytical essay

Writing an analytical essay requires a structured approach to maintain its logic and analytical essay format. Let’s start with understanding how to start an analysis essay.

Step 1. Preparation and research

Before starting to write an analytical essay, it is essential to research its topic. Analytical writing in particular requires a thorough understanding of a topic and related aspects. Writers should prepare and study a list of sources before they can be ready to present a comprehensive analysis for others to read.

That’s why research is the first step. It helps you familiarize yourself with the topic, gain the required knowledge, and understand how to start an analysis essay. Conducting research also ensures that you comprehend how you plan to analyze a topic and what evidence you can bring up to confirm your conclusions.

Step 2. Introducing the topic

After conducting research, you can start your essay with an introduction.

The focal point of any introduction is the thesis statement. An analytical thesis must introduce the topic of your analysis, the parts of your analysis, and the order in which you will present your evidence. To formulate the thesis, you can ask the following questions:

• What was the subject of my analysis?
• What were the results of my analysis?
• How did I come to these conclusions?

Apart from the thesis statement, the introduction should also include a brief background on the subject of your analysis to ensure that your audience has some understanding of the topic of your essay.

Step 3. Present your analysis

The next step in your writing is explaining how your analysis went in the main part of your paper. Each analysis paragraph should follow a set structure consisting of:

• Topic sentence . The topic sentence introduces the main idea of an analysis paragraph. It should directly relate to your thesis statement.
• Evidence . Evidence consists of summaries from your list of references and should support the main idea of your paragraph.
• Analysis . After relaying the evidence, make sure to introduce a detailed analysis. Explain how exactly the evidence supports your main idea, why it is significant, and provide relevant interpretation.
• Reinforcement . Every analysis paragraph should maintain logic, so it is important to reinforce your main topic by mentioning your thesis statement.

An average analytical essay consists of three body paragraphs. However, you should aim to represent your analysis fully, so the essay may end up longer.

Step 4. Conclude your essay

The last stage of our guide on how to write an analytical essay is creating a conclusion.

To write the conclusion of an analytical essay, you should restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your main argument and remind the audience of your initial hypothesis. In this part, it is essential to summarize the key points of your analysis by highlighting how they collectively support your thesis.

Finally, you can end your essay with a closing thought that emphasizes the significance of your analysis and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Summary: Analytical essay

Among other types of academic texts, analytical essays aim to deepen the audience's understanding of the subject through careful analysis and logical argumentation. It requires thorough research and preparation as it gives a more profound insight into a topic.

Essay generator Aithor is created specifically to assist in academic writing. If you struggle with writing your analytical essay, use Aithor for swift and reliable advice on analytical writing.

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A Complete Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is one that spells out and discusses a particular subject in depth. The manner of this analysis is defined by the thesis, which is then broken down and each of its sections is examined in detail through the rest of the essay. 

The aim of an analytical essay is to explain something, not to describe it. Thus, the essay cannot be a  summarization and is instead an exploration of the subject. Unlike in an argumentative essay , the thesis here is looked at from all angles, including both its weaknesses and strengths, as the goal is to inform rather than persuade.

This kind of essay is often assigned to assess students’ understanding of the subject or their critical thinking skills.

Parts of an Analytical Essay

Like most other essays, analytical essays have three parts, each serving a specific function.

1. Introduction

The essay is begun by briefly sketching out the context and background information needed to understand the essay. Besides this, the introduction also narrows down the focus of the essay through the thesis statement. 

Ideally, the introduction is short, confined to one paragraph. However, depending on the content that needs to be conveyed, it could extend beyond that. 

Thesis statement: The thesis statement is the core of the essay and determines what specifically is being analyzed and how it is approached. It is arrived at only after extensive research, following which the writer makes a decision regarding the point of view they will be adopting when writing the essay.  While the thesis statement can span over more than one sentence, it must be kept as concise as possible.

The body is the section of the essay where the actual analysis is laid out. Though it is placed second in the final order of the essay, the matter contained within this section is determined during the earlier prepping stages of the writing process . 

The body is divided into multiple paragraphs , with each one focusing on a single topic stated in the (often, opening) topic sentence. These topics are derived from the various elements of the thesis, which are separately examined in each paragraph, with logical reasoning that justifies the point being made. Factual evidence such as research studies and statistics may also be included.

3. Conclusion

The final section of the essay brings it to a close. The conclusion does not introduce any further points to the essay, but winds it up with a quick summary and succinct comment. It also recalls the thesis and declares its status after the analysis in the essay’s body.

Outline for Analytical Essays

• Introduction:
• A broader context to the essay and its subject is provided.
• The precise focus of the essay is defined in the thesis statement that usually rounds out the introduction.
• The analysis and evidence is presented over multiple paragraphs.
• Each paragraph deals with one element of the thesis’ claim/ argument /assumption.
• The number of paragraphs varies, depending on the number of points needed to properly analyze the subject according to the thesis. Often, a minimum of three paragraphs is expected.
• Each paragraph begins with the topic sentence, which concisely states the paragraph’s main point.
• The rest of the paragraph expands on the point. The logic that led to its assumption is laid out, and supporting evidence is cited.
• Conclusion:
• The analysis in the body and its relation to the thesis is summed up. 
• No new points are introduced, but a comment on the implications of the analysis is included at the end.

Example of an Analytical Essay

This essay on Operation Anaconda is an example of an analytical essay.

The writer begins by telling the reader about what Operation Anaconda is and where it took place.

“In the mountainous Shah-i-Khot region south of the city of Gardez in Eastern Afghanistan, Operation Anaconda took place early March 2002. Operation Anaconda, to this day, stands as the largest reported ground action in the Afghan war. This 17-day battle led to eight U.S. casualties and over 50 wounded. Operation Anaconda is viewed as a success due to coalition forces being able to kill and root out several hundred Taliban and al Qaeda fighters, which left U.S. and coalition forces in control of the Shah-i-Khot Valley. Originally intended to be a three-day battle with light resistance, a seven-day battle ensued with intense fighting and was finally stopped on 18 March after 17 long days.”

The paragraph winds down with the thesis statement.

“The classic “Hammer and Anvil” battle approach which was utilized struggled through a number of unforeseen issues: initial intelligence reports, U.S. command structure, Afghan Forces, and ground-air coordination of air strikes/support.”

The thesis statement already includes several points that can individually be studied further. The first body paragraph deals with one of these points, announcing it in its topic sentence, as well as putting forth a claim regarding it.

“The intelligence reports of the Shah-i-Khot Valley were faulty not due lack of effort.”

The reasons for intelligence failure are then broached.

“Several assets were used in trying to gather intelligence: human reconnaissance, aerial reconnaissance, and communication intercepts were all widely used. Initial estimates of the enemy ranged from 100-1000 enemy fighters, but after arduous discussions and reports filed in, it was determined that a better estimate was 200-300 fighters with a larger civilian population numbering somewhere around 1000. This large civilian population complicated things by nullifying most attempts of heavy air strikes and support. The portrait for the upcoming battle communicated a weak, demoralized fighting force armed with light weapons. However, in actuality, the enemy was heavily armed and motivated, numbering close to 1000. Through the use of camouflage and knowledge of the terrain, Taliban and al Qaeda fighters were able to fool U.S. and coalition forces and lure them, in some sense, into the valley without having the element of surprise. In retrospect, we can now see that the majority of enemy fighters were already dug deep into the mountainous terrain and ridgelines with heavy machine guns, RPGs, and artillery in some cases. The four villages on the valley floor were primarily deserted with few enemy fighters and even fewer civilians. Because reconnaissance teams did not collect intelligence on the vast majority of these positions, this led to faulty intelligence reports channeling through the chain of command and thus leading to the initial problems confronting Operation Anaconda.”

The second paragraph tackles a second point.

“The command structure during Operation Anaconda was detached and brought about a number of problems for U.S. and coalition forces.”

The claimed disjoint in the command structure is then justified.

“Unity of Command, a revered principle of war, was violated and ultimately affected the battle in a negative light. U.S. operations were being conducted by CENTCOM, led by General Franks. It had two main subordinate commands: Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) and Coalition Forces Air Component Command (CFACC). Both of these commands were located in the Persian Gulf as well as the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC), which coordinated with CFACC on whether and how to carry out airstrikes when SOF units on the ground requested them. While General Hagenbeck was given command and control authority of Operation Anaconda, CFACC and CAOC remained in control of air component forces. This break in unity of command caused much friction in the early stages of Operation Anaconda. For instance, air support had planned to bombard enemy positions for 55 minutes; however, miscommunication led to a short bombardment. The lack of air support triggered by bad communication frustrated Afghan and Special Forces alike and led to Afghan trucks being hit heavily by pre-registered mortar fire on known choke points by Taliban and al Qaeda fighters. Unity of command is crucial in conducting a successful military operation: communication flows smoothly through a unified command, but unfortunately for a non-unified command, the reverse effect holds true.”

Two more issues faced by US troops are dealt with in two separate paragraphs. They are clearly stated in the topic sentences of each.

“Another principle of war that was violated several times was the element of surprise.”

“Mass is another critical principle of war that was undermined in Operation Anaconda.”

These sentences are followed by break-downs that cite on-ground facts serving as supporting evidence. Collectively, they provide an analysis of Operation Anaconda as a whole along the lines determined by the thesis: a look at the approach used in the situation and its faults.

The final paragraph briefly sums up the conclusions that can be drawn from the analysis and adds a last forward looking comment.

“Inaccurate intelligence reports led to the misinterpretation of the enemy. The lack of a clear, cohesive command structure caused breaks in communication, which directly correlated to the absence or violation of several principles of war: surprise, maneuver, and mass. The ground to air coordination of air strikes and support, as well as the U.S. command structure are two key fallacies that came to light during Operation Anaconda. Ultimately, these issues were resolved and the learning points of operations such as this better prepare our leaders for future operations.”

How to Write an Analytical Essay

There are many types of academic papers, and each has to be written according to very specific rules. To succeed in academic writing and get high marks for writing assignments, a student should be aware of these rules and be able to follow them strictly. 

An analytical essay is one of the most common essay types; every student gets to write it more than once throughout his or her school and college years. It is also one of the most complex types of essays, as it requires strong analytical and research skills and a good knowledge of analytical essay structure. In the following article, you’ll find everything you need to know about writing an analytical essay that will impress any demanding reader.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

In order to write an impressive paper, one should know the analytical essay definition and how this essay type differs from the rest. An analytical essay is a form of academic writing that focuses on details and methods rather than on the overall contents of the subject. Figuratively, it deals with the elements of the puzzle which is a complete work of art to show how the picture is made.

Considering the latter, keep in mind that analysis is an essential part of an analytical essay. A simple summary of the plot or description of an event will not make a good essay of this type. Trying to insist on your personal point of view or focusing on your own impressions from the subject will also get you to fail the assignment. An essay should be based on facts and evidence that you have proof of.

Now that we have the definition, we can move on to the next question.

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What Is the Analysis In Writing?

Analysis in general means dividing something into smaller elements in order to examine them (usually by asking critical questions such as “how” and “why”) and draw your own conclusions based on the results of such examination.

In your academic analytical essays, you will most probably be focusing on literary analysis. That will require you to look at how the author uses various techniques to produce certain effects, as well as how the issues are addressed. Sometimes such analysis will also require evaluating a literary work from the point of logic and proper handling of the issues of controversy.

What Is an Analytical Argument?

An analytical argument is basically the body of your essay. It is built upon a thesis statement (which we will discuss later in this article) and should focus on discussing one idea with supporting evidence.

It is important to distinguish between an argument and an opinion. An argument is always backed up by sufficient evidence. Whereas an opinion is a personal point of view that is based upon an individual experience or is downright intuitive.

Let’s see how it works. 

For example, “Employees who are working from home are less productive than those who work at the office. I know that from my own family’s example – me and my husband always get interrupted and can never concentrate,” this is an opinion because it is based on individual experience.

On the contrary, “A 2019 study by Airtasker conducted among 1004 full-time employees from different parts of the U.S. found that working from home increases productivity and leads to healthier lifestyles, so remote work can be a better alternative for both companies and workers,” is an argument, as it draws conclusions based on evidence.

Having explained all these terms, we can finally discuss an analytical essay outline and structure.

Analytical Essay Outline and Structure 

An analytical paper is a complex work that involves extensive research, using many sources for citations and reference, and putting together a lot of facts and thoughts on the subject. So, thorough knowledge of an analytical essay structure is essential, as is creating an outline.

An outline is a good way to encompass all the preparatory work that you do for your essay. It starts by taking down notes about possible topic ideas, arguments, and any useful resources on the subject of your paper. When you do any research, don’t forget to archive the sources and highlight the citations you might need to use in your work so that you could access them easily during your writing process. Having all this information will help you write a strong thesis, formulate persuasive arguments, and fill in the gaps in your outline step-by-step.

You can organize your outline any way you like, but the easiest and most efficient way to do it is to create a simple bulleted list. This is how it may look like.  ‍

Introduction: ‍

• Hook statement;
• A short summary of background information;    
• Thesis statement. It usually has a complex form of a number of correlating factors and should be controversial.

Body paragraphs (there are 3 of them usually) :

• Topic sentence. This is where you introduce your main point;
• Analysis. Here, you should analyze the provided evidence and determine its meaning;
• Evidence. Every paragraph should have evidential support in the form of a source or an actual quote;
• Concluding sentence. Here, you can restate and emphasize the main point.

Conclusion:

• Restatement of your thesis statement; 
• Short summary of the essay’s key points; 
• Proof of why the text is important.

Now that you know how to work with an outline, let’s start filling in the gaps. 

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How to Start an Analytical Essay: Introduction Paragraph

An analytical essay introduction is crucial to catching your reader’s attention. Therefore, it should be relevant and concise, and provoke interest for how you’re going to develop your topic. There are three main components that an analytical essay introduction should contain:

• Thesis statement;
• A short explanation of how you’re going to prove your thesis in the following paragraphs.

A hook is immensely important for the overall impression that your essay will produce on the reader. So, it must contain something interesting, engaging, or surprising. It should instantly grab your audience’s attention and make them wonder what you have to say next. You only have one chance to win your readers at this point, so put a lot of effort into formulating a good hook. Start with finding out who your readers are, and then choose from the most effective methods of attracting their attention. You can do it with a quote, statistic figures, a rhetorical question, or a provocative statement.

Then, move on straight to your thesis statement. In this essential part of your essay, you should explain to your readers what your paper’s subject is and why it matters. You might give your own opinion about the topic, and state why it is important to read your analytical work. Read on to learn how to write a strong thesis statement – we will discuss it in the next paragraph.

How to Create a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement?

But what is a thesis statement for an analytical essay, exactly? Before we move on, let’s define the term. So, a thesis statement is basically your answer to the question posed in the topic. A thesis is usually placed at the end of the introductory paragraph and consists of one to three sentences that encompass the gist of your paper, concentrating your viewpoint on the subject and giving the reader an idea of how you’re going to develop the topic.

The claim you make in your thesis statement should be debatable so that you could have something to work with in the next sections of your essay. A strong thesis statement helps to get a clear idea of a paper from the start and serves to organize and develop the arguments in the body paragraphs. 

A good thesis includes the following:

• The main idea;
• Key points of your topic; 
• Your position towards the subject of the discussion; 
• Conclusion.

In order to create a powerful thesis statement, follow this step-by-step guideline:

• Brainstorm an interesting topic.
• Make the topic more specific.
• Formulate the question for further research.
• Extract the main idea and make a statement.
• Decide on your position on the topic.
• Mention an opposing position.
• Support your point of view using arguments, evidence, and reasoning.
• Draw a conclusion.

There are also some things you should avoid when writing a thesis statement:

• Using common knowledge, bare facts, or quotes (all these make a poor thesis).
• Be careful not to choose topics that are too broad, and avoid language that’s vague or ambiguous.
• Exclude all information that is irrelevant to the topic and phrases like “I think”, “I believe”, etc.

To get a better understanding of what a strong thesis statement should and should not be like, compare the examples below.

• According to various studies, more than a half of first-year college students experience strong anxiety, which puts their health at a great risk. In order to protect it, psychologists should work with every freshman on campus. (Strong).
• Academic anxiety is a big problem for all students. (Weak).

Body Paragraphs of an Analytical Paper

A body paragraph is where you make an argument and bring evidence to support your claims. An analytical essay format usually implies having three of four body paragraphs. Each of them should start with a sentence that defines the main point of discussion for the paragraph – sort of a mini-thesis. Then, you should analyze this point, looking at it from different angles and bringing sufficient evidence to support your assertions. The more evidence you provide, the more persuasive your arguments will be. After you’ve run out of strong points for the arguments, move to the next paragraph. You can also add a transition sentence to make you text smoother; some professors require it, and some don’t.

So, each body paragraph should include:

• An introductory sentence;
• Evidence (actual quotes from the text, statistic figures, facts from trusted sources);
• Transition sentence to the next paragraph (mandatory).

If you still wonder about how to write a good analysis, look at the following sample body paragraph to see how it should work in an actual paper.

For example, our topic is the perception of happiness in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”. The first body paragraph might be as follows:

“The world in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” is a place where hardly anyone thinks about what happiness really is. Safety and stability are what matters for them the most, not happiness. But the majority of the society depicted by Huxley really considers themselves happy: they have everything they need to satisfy their basic needs, and these are all the needs they seem to have. People in the brave new world don’t have to struggle for anything, they have everything. So, in an episode where Bernard asks Lenina if she wants to be happy in her own way, she seems to not understand what he’s talking about. And what was he?.”

In the second paragraph, we can discuss Bernard’s own perception of freedom, and in the third – move on to John the Savage, who is the impersonator of freedom in the novel.

After you’ve dealt with several body paragraphs in this manner, proceed with the conclusion.

How to Conclude Your Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay conclusion is where you rephrase and emphasize your thesis statement, summarize the key points of your analysis and give some concluding afterthoughts. There’s no need to present any new ideas in the final paragraph, but it’s important to give the reader a clear idea of what your essay was about. When rephrasing anything you said earlier in your essay, be careful to keep the same meaning and avoid any ambiguity.

Here is what your essay conclusion should consist of: 

• Restatement of your thesis statement in other words;
• Summary of the main points of the body paragraphs;
• Concluding afterthoughts.

That’s basically all you need to know about how to write an analytical essay. Now you can go an extra mile – examine our sample topics.

Analytical Essay Topics to Inspire

Below you’ll find an analytical essay topics list on literature, art, society, and nature. Use them for inspiration to create powerful topics of your own.

Literature:

• What are Achilles' biggest flaws? Explain the modern use of the phrase “Achilles’ heel” using the Greek hero’s motivations, character, and deeds. 
• Irony in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”: where does it occur? Provide examples of verbal and situational irony and explain where exactly the irony in them is and why. 
• Which of the characters in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” relates the most to “the lost generation” and why?
• What is so frightening about Aldous Huxley’s fantasy of the “Brave New World” and why has it become one of the most famous dystopias ever?
• John Updike’s Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom as an “average American man”. What makes the character so believable?
• Impressionism in art. What makes it so special?
• Modern art: is it art at all, after all? Analyze several works of modern art to explain what features they have that enable them to be considered art.
• When and how did photography become art?
• The therapeutic effect of art: does it really exist?
• Multicultural families. Is it possible to maintain an ideal cultural balance within such families?
• Feminism: do we still need it and why?
• The transformation of gender roles throughout the XX century. Was it ever avoidable?
• The Internet and its effect on the educational system. Advantages and disadvantages of its use in a study process.
• Climate change as a major threat to the stability of ecosystems worldwide.
• Can we do anything now to prevent rising numbers of natural disasters in the future?
• Is testing and experimenting on animals a necessary evil?
• Why is it essential to protect the Arctic?
• Biodiversity on Earth. Why is it so important?

When it comes to writing a good analytical essay, it's important to have a clear understanding of the analytical essay definition and structure. This type of essay requires in-depth research, critical thinking, and the ability to draw conclusions based on evidence.

To write a successful analytical essay, it's recommended to create a bulleted outline before starting to write. This can help organize your thoughts and ensure that you include all the key elements such as a hook, thesis statement, and analysis. Additionally, seeking help from online resources such as Studyfy college homework help, proofreading, tutoring, and essay editing services can also be beneficial in producing a high-quality essay.

If you are struggling to come up with a topic, putting in the effort to develop your own can greatly enhance your writing experience. However, if you need someone to write an essay for you, there are various services available such as dissertation writing services , research paper service , and admission essay writer s who can assist in creating a well-written essay.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay can be a challenging task, but with the right resources and understanding of the essay's structure, you can produce a high-quality paper. Remember to utilize online resources such as Studyfy and take the time to develop a strong topic. Good luck in your writing endeavors!

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Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing in which a complicated topic or idea is broken down into smaller parts, analyzed and looked at, and a well-structured argument or evaluation is given. The main purpose of an analytical essay is to show that the writer has a deep understanding of the topic and can also think critically about it. Analytical essays are important in many fields, such as literature, history, science, and sociology. They require a deep knowledge of the topic and the ability to think critically and objectively about the information given. Analytical essays include things like a literary analysis, a research paper , or an analysis of a piece of rhetoric. Writing an analytical essay is useful because it helps the writer improve their analytical and critical thinking skills. In analytical essays, students must look at and evaluate different sources, find patterns and relationships, and come to meaningful conclusions. When students write analytical essays, they also improve their research skills because they have to find relevant information from multiple sources and put it all together in a logical argument.

Also, analytical essays are important in academic writing because they help students understand ideas, theories, and concepts that are hard to understand. By breaking a topic down into smaller parts, students can better understand it and figure out what the main ideas and themes are. Analytical essays help students get better at writing by making them present their arguments in a way that is clear, concise, and well-organized. Writing an analytical essay is a skill that students need to learn if they want to do well in school and in their careers. For analytical essays, you need to be able to think critically , do research, and write well, all of which are important for success in many fields. By getting better at these skills, students can become better writers and thinkers, which will help them reach their academic and career goals.

What You'll Learn

Understanding the Basics of Analytical Essays

There are a few main things that set an analytical essay apart from other types of essays. One of the most important things about it is that it requires a thorough look at the subject. An analytical essay isn’t just a description of a topic or a point of view. Instead, it calls for a thorough look at the subject, breaking it down into its different parts and evaluating each one carefully.

Argumentative essays try to convince the reader to agree with a certain point of view. Descriptive essays, on the other hand, try to give a detailed description of a topic. Analytical essays, on the other hand, require the writer to look at the topic objectively and judge it, as well as use evidence from different sources to back up their claims. In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important analysis is. Analysis is the process of breaking down big ideas or thoughts into smaller, more manageable pieces. By analyzing the topic, the writer can find the main ideas, patterns, and connections, which can then be used to back up their arguments.

Also, analysis lets the author draw conclusions that make sense based on the evidence given. If there wasn’t any analysis in an analytical essay, it would just be a list of facts and opinions. Analysis is what gives depth and substance to an analytical essay and lets the writer make a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument.

Analytical essays are different from other types of essays because they focus on analysis and evaluation. They require a thorough look at a subject, breaking it down into its different parts and judging each one objectively. Students can get the skills they need to do well in school and in the workplace by learning what makes an analytical essay unique and what role analysis plays in this type of writing.

Choosing a Topic for Your Analytical Essay

It can be hard to decide what to write about in an analytical essay, but there are several ways to come up with ideas. One way to do this is to make a list of possible topics based on your interests, your schoolwork, or what’s going on in the world right now. You can also find possible topics by reading articles, books, or other materials in your field of study. When choosing a topic for your analytical essay, you should think about a few things. First and foremost, the topic must fit with the needs of the course or assignment. It should also be narrow enough to allow for a detailed analysis while still having enough information for research . Also, the topic should be something you’re interested in as a writer. This will make the writing process more interesting and fun.

To help you get started, here are some examples of potential analytical essay topics:

1. The impact of social media on mental health

2. Analyzing the themes of race and identity in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”

3. The role of technology in modern education

4. An analysis of the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act

5. Examining the causes and consequences of income inequality in the United States

6. The portrayal of gender roles in Shakespeare’s plays

7. Analyzing the impact of climate change on global food production

8. A critical analysis of the role of the media in shaping public opinion

9. A comparison of different political ideologies and their impact on society

10. An analysis of the ethical implications of gene editing technology.

A topic for an analytical essay must be chosen with care, taking into account several factors such as relevance, scope, and personal interest. By brainstorming ideas, researching different sources, and applying these criteria, you can choose a topic that is both interesting and informative, allowing you to write a well-researched and well-argued analytical essay.

Conducting Research for Your Analytical Essay

In order to write an analytical essay, you need to do research. It lets the writer gather relevant information, find patterns and relationships, and come to conclusions that make sense. If you didn’t do research for your analytical essay, it wouldn’t have much substance or credibility, and the arguments you made would be weak and not backed up. You can gather information for your analytical essay from a number of different places. There are many examples, such as books, academic journals, online databases, government reports, and reputable news sources. When choosing sources, think about how relevant, reliable, and trustworthy they are. Academic sources like peer-reviewed journals and scholarly books are more reliable and credible than popular sources like blogs and social media posts.

To conduct effective research for your analytical essay, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to conduct research, as it can be a time-consuming process.

2. Use multiple sources: Gather information from a variety of sources to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

3. Take notes: Keep detailed notes on the information you gather, including the source and page number, to make it easier to cite your sources later.

4. Evaluate your sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of your sources, looking for biases or conflicts of interest that may affect the information presented.

5. Organize your research: Create a system for organizing your research, such as using annotated bibliographies or note-taking apps, to keep track of your sources and ideas.

You can conduct effective research for your analytical essay by following these tips, gathering reliable and credible information that supports your arguments and improves the overall quality of your writing.

Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is a short sentence that sums up the main argument or point of an essay. It gives the reader a clear idea of where the author stands on the subject and acts as a road map. In an analytical essay, the thesis statement is very important because it sets the tone for the whole essay and shows the writer how to analyze and evaluate the subject . In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important a strong thesis statement is. A well-written thesis statement states the writer’s main point in a clear and concise way, making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s thought process and understand the purpose of the essay. A strong thesis statement also helps the writer focus their analysis and evaluation, making sure that each paragraph supports the main point and builds on it.

To develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Start with a question: Ask yourself a question related to your topic and use the answer to develop your thesis statement.

2. Be specific: Your thesis statement should be specific and focused on the main argument of your essay .

3. Use evidence: Support your thesis statement with evidence from your research, such as quotes or statistics, to give it more credibility and strength.

4. Be original: Your thesis statement should be unique and original, providing a fresh perspective on the topic.

5. Revise as needed: As you write your essay , revisit your thesis statement and revise it if necessary to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.

By following these tips, you can develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay, providing a clear and concise statement of your main argument and guiding the reader through your analysis and evaluation of the topic.

Analytical Essay Structure

An analytical essay is made up of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, just like a regular essay. The purpose of the introduction is to give background on the topic, introduce the thesis statement, and get the reader interested. Through analysis and evaluation of the topic, the body paragraphs should support the thesis statement with evidence and examples . The conclusion should sum up the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement in a new way that makes sense.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the structure of an analytical essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should set the tone for the essay by providing background information on the subject as well as a clear thesis statement. It should also engage the reader and convey the writer’s point of view on the subject.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should be divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of the topic. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and then proceed to an analysis and evaluation of the subject matter, using evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis statement in a new and meaningful way. It should also provide the reader with a sense of closure, leaving them with a clear understanding of the writer’s point of view on the subject.

To organize your ideas in an analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Create an outline: Before you start writing your essay , create an outline that organizes your ideas and supports your thesis statement. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that each paragraph supports the main argument.

2. Use topic sentences: Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and provides a roadmap for the reader.

3. Use evidence: Use evidence and examples to support each point you make in your essay , ensuring that each paragraph reinforces the main argument.

4. Use transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to connect your ideas and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next.

By following these tips, you can organize your ideas effectively in an analytical essay, producing a well-structured and well-supported piece of writing.

Writing the Introduction Paragraph

An analytical essay’s introduction paragraph serves as a road map for the reader, providing background information on the topic, introducing the thesis statement, and engaging the reader. The introduction’s purpose is to set the tone for the essay , grab the reader’s attention, and provide a clear understanding of the writer’s viewpoint on the topic.

To write an engaging introduction paragraph for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with a hook that captures the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. This could be a surprising statistic, a provocative question, or a striking image.

2. Provide background information: Provide some context for the topic by providing background information and explaining why it is important.

3. Introduce the thesis statement: Clearly state your thesis statement in the introduction, providing a roadmap for the reader and guiding the rest of your essay.

4. Be concise: Keep your introduction concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary information or tangents.

5. Revise as needed: As you write your essay, revisit your introduction and revise it as needed to ensure that it remains relevant and engaging.

Here are some examples of effective introduction paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. “Throughout history, the concept of justice has been a subject of debate and controversy. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day philosophers, the definition and application of justice have been explored in depth. In this essay, I will examine the concept of justice in the context of criminal justice reform and argue that a more restorative approach is needed to address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism.

2. The rise of social media has had a profound impact on our society, transforming the way we communicate, share information, and interact with the world around us. However, this transformation has not been without its challenges. In this essay, I will explore the impact of social media on mental health and argue that we need to take a more proactive approach to addressing the negative effects of social media on our well-being.

3. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting everything from the environment to the economy. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, there are still those who deny the reality of climate change or refuse to take action. In this essay, I will analyze the reasons for this denial and argue that we need to take urgent action to address the threat of climate change before it’s too late.”

Writing the Body Paragraphs

An analytical essay’s body paragraphs are where the writer presents their analysis and evaluation of the topic. The purpose of the body paragraphs is to provide evidence and examples to support the thesis statement, while using clear and concise language to make the argument as persuasive as possible.

To write clear and concise body paragraphs for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Use topic sentences: Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and provides a roadmap for the reader.

2. Provide evidence: Use evidence and examples to support each point you make in your essay , ensuring that each paragraph reinforces the main argument. The evidence should be relevant, reliable, and credible.

3. Use analysis and evaluation: Analyze and evaluate the evidence you present to demonstrate how it supports your argument. This shows the reader that you have thought deeply about the topic and considered multiple perspectives.

4. Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language to make your argument as persuasive as possible. Avoid using jargon, complex sentences, or overly technical language that may confuse the reader.

5. Use transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to connect your ideas smoothly and ensure that your essay flows from one paragraph to the next.

Here are some examples of effective body paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. The first reason why a restorative approach to criminal justice reform is necessary is that it addresses the root causes of crime. Rather than simply punishing offenders, restorative justice encourages dialogue between the offender and the victim, allowing both parties to understand the harm that has been caused and work together to find a solution. This approach has been shown to reduce recidivism rates and promote healing within communities.”

2. One of the most significant negative effects of social media on mental health is the increase in anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that social media use is associated with feelings of isolation, comparison, and low self-esteem, all of which contribute to poor mental health . In order to address this issue, we need to take a more proactive approach to promoting mental health and well-being, such as limiting social media use, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and providing mental health resources for those in need.

3. One of the main reasons why climate change denial persists is due to the influence of special interest groups and political ideology . These groups use their resources to spread misinformation and discredit the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change. In order to combat this, we need to prioritize education and awareness, promote scientific literacy, and hold those who spread misinformation accountable for their actions.”

Writing the Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph of an analytical essay summarizes the author’s main points and emphasizes the significance of the thesis statement. The conclusion’s goal is to leave a lasting impression on the reader by bringing the essay to a close and reinforcing the main argument .

To write a strong conclusion for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Restate the thesis statement: The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a new and meaningful way, emphasizing its importance and relevance to the topic.

2. Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points of the essay, highlighting the evidence and examples that support the thesis statement .

3. Provide a final thought: End the essay with a final thought or reflection on the topic, leaving the reader with something to think about or consider.

4. Be concise: Keep the conclusion concise and to the point, avoiding any new information or arguments.

5. Make it memorable: Use language and phrasing that is memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Here are some examples of effective conclusion paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. “In conclusion, a restorative approach to criminal justice reform is not only necessary but essential. By addressing the root causes of crime, promoting dialogue and understanding, and fostering healing within communities, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.”

2. In order to address the negative effects of social media on mental health , we need to take a more proactive approach to promoting well-being. By limiting social media use, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and providing mental health resources, we can create a healthier and more connected society.

3. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we must take urgent action to address it. By promoting education and awareness, prioritizing scientific literacy, and holding those who spread misinformation accountable, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.”

Editing and Proofreading Your Analytical Essay

The editing and proofreading stages of the essay writing process are critical. It ensures that the essay is clear, concise, and error-free, improving overall writing quality and the credibility of the arguments presented.

To edit and proofread your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Take a break: After completing your essay, take a break before editing and proofreading it. This will allow you to approach the essay with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

2. Read it out loud: Reading the essay out loud can help you to identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and other issues.

3. Be consistent: Ensure that you are consistent in your use of language, formatting, and citation styles throughout the essay.

4. Use a checklist: Use a checklist to ensure that you have addressed all the necessary components of the essay, such as the thesis statement, evidence, and analysis.

5. Get feedback: Ask a friend or colleague to read your essay and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

Common mistakes to avoid in analytical essays include:

1. Using overly complicated language or jargon that may confuse the reader.

2. Failing to provide evidence or examples to support the thesis statement.

3. Neglecting to address counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the topic.

4. Making unsupported claims or presenting opinions as facts.

5. Failing to proofread and edit the essay thoroughly, leading to grammatical errors and typos.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can edit and proofread your analytical essay effectively, producing a well-written and error-free piece of writing.

Analytical Essay Examples

Here are some examples of successful analytical essays:

1. “The Symbolism of the Green Light in The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This essay analyzes the symbolism of the green light in the novel, arguing that it represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams and his ultimate failure to achieve them.

2. “The Rhetoric of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X: In this essay, Malcolm X analyzes his own rhetorical strategies, explaining how he uses language and persuasion to achieve his goals.

3. “The Role of Women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: This essay analyzes the role of women in the play, arguing that they are often marginalized and oppressed by the male characters.

Each of these essays follows a clear and well-structured format, with a strong thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a clear conclusion. The writers use analysis and evaluation to present their arguments, using evidence and examples to support their claims.

When using analytical essay examples to improve your writing, here are some tips to consider:

1. Choose examples that are relevant to your topic or subject matter.

2. Read the example essays carefully, paying attention to the structure, language, and evidence used.

3. Identify the thesis statement and main arguments of the essay.

4. Analyze the evidence used to support the arguments, evaluating its relevance and credibility.

5. Consider how the writer uses language and rhetoric to persuade the reader.

6. Use The examples as a guide for structuring your own essay, but be sure to use your own unique ideas and perspective.

7. Practice writing your own analytical essays and seek feedback from others to improve your writing skills.

8. Avoid copying or plagiarizing the example essays, as this can lead to serious academic consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is an analytical essay.

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter. The writer presents an argument or thesis statement and supports it with evidence and examples, using analysis and evaluation to persuade the reader.

2. What are the main characteristics of an analytical essay?

The main characteristics of an analytical essay include:

– A clear and concise thesis statement that presents the writer’s argument

– Use of evidence and examples to support the argument

– Analysis and evaluation of the evidence presented

– Clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them

– Use of formal and academic language

– Objective and impartial tone

3. What are some tips for writing an analytical essay?

Here are some tips for writing an analytical essay:

– Choose a topic that interests you and that you can analyze in depth

– Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your argument

– Use evidence and examples to support your argument, ensuring that they are relevant, reliable, and credible

– Analyze and evaluate the evidence presented, demonstrating your critical thinking skills

– Use a clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them

– Use formal and academic language, avoiding slang and colloquialisms

– Edit and proofread your essay thoroughly, ensuring that it is error-free and well-written.

To summarize, writing an effective analytical essay necessitates a thorough understanding of the subject matter, a well-developed thesis statement, strong evidence and analysis, and a clear and logical structure. To summarize the main points covered in this guide:

– The writer of an analytical essay must analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter.

– A clear thesis statement, evidence and examples to support the argument, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, a clear and logical structure, formal and academic language, and an objective tone are the main characteristics of an analytical essay.

– Choosing a relevant topic, developing a clear thesis statement, using credible evidence and examples, analyzing and evaluating the evidence, using a clear and logical structure, using formal and academic language, and thoroughly editing and proofreading the essay are all tips for writing a successful analytical essay.

An effective analytical essay demonstrates critical thinking skills as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate complex issues. It is an important skill for both academic and professional success.

Finally, practicing writing on a regular basis, seeking feedback from others, and reading and analyzing examples of successful analytical essays can all help you improve your own writing skills.

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Writing Guides  /  How to Write an Analytical Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay

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A relatively advanced type of expository essay , an analytical essay is in-depth, asking you to pick apart, dissect, and discuss anything from a work of art or literature to a public policy initiative or a historical event.

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Analytical essays ask you to put your thinking caps on. The best analytical essays are thoughtful and insightful.

Instead of summarizing the text, you critique it.

Instead of just saying what caused an event, you say why.

With an analytical essay, you are asked to read into everything with a critical eye.

Writing an analytical essay is your first step towards becoming a scholarly writer. This article will introduce you to how to write an analytical essay from start to finish.

What Is An Analytical Essay?

There are many types of analytical essays, depending on the class. The most common include:

• Rhetorical analysis
• Literary analysis
• Formal analysis
• Policy analysis
• Historical analysis

All analytical essays should follow the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay format. The five-paragraph essay format follows the following outline:

I. Introduction

II. First Body Section

III. Second Body Section

IV. Third Body Section

V. Conclusion

Remember, even if your essay does not have exactly five paragraphs, you can still create a format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Format

A rhetorical analysis asks you to analyze someone else’s argument, speech, or essay. You can also do a rhetorical analysis on an advertising campaign or a work of literature.

Rhetoric refers to the tools of argument or persuasion.

When you write a rhetorical analysis essay, you are analyzing someone else’s argument to determine its overall effectiveness, or the types of rhetorical strategies being used.

For example:

Analyze the effectiveness of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail”

Analyze how Jonathan Swift uses irony and satire in “A Modest Proposal”

Analyze the use of gender stereotypes in a car commercial.

In a rhetorical analysis, you are focusing on the primary source: the original work of art or literature, the advertisement, or the political speech.

Questions to ask yourself will be:

What rhetorical strategies or techniques does the author use?

How effective are those strategies and techniques, and why?

The three main rhetorical strategies or techniques include pathos, ethos, and logos .

Pathos refers to emotional appeals:

“All the children are dying—your donation will help save them now!”

Ethos refers to appeals to ethical credibility, which often entails celebrity:

A basketball player is the marketing spokesperson for a Big and Tall store.

Logos refers to facts, logic, and statistics:

Although they comprise only 9% of the population of Los Angeles, African Americans comprise 39% of the city’s homeless population.

The trickiest part to writing a rhetorical analysis is remembering that you are analyzing the primary source.

You are not using the primary source as a springboard to discuss your own opinions. That approach would be more like an argumentative essay or a persuasive essay.

A rhetorical analysis is a type of analytical essay that asks you to critique a primary source.

The thesis statement for a rhetorical analysis will be your strong stance on how effective the author was, or what tools the authors used to achieve his or her goals.

Literary Analysis Essay Format

If you ever take an English literature class, you will be asked to write a literary analysis at some point.

A literary analysis asks you to critically engage a work of literature—the primary source text.

However, you may also be asked to include secondary sources in your literary analysis. Secondary sources are scholarly articles that analyze the same primary source text. In the field of literature, secondary sources are referred to as literary criticism.

In a literary analysis, you will look for things like:

• Historical context
• Other works by the same author

With a literary analysis, you come up with a strong argument about the primary source.

Because her female protagonist in “ The Yellow Wallpaper ” is trapped in a children’s nursery, Charlotte Perkins Gilman overtly critiques not just patriarchy but the social institution of marriage.

With this thesis, you are letting the reader know that you are going to discuss the way Gilman uses the motif of the nursery and the symbol of a prison as a means of critiquing patriarchal norms and institutions.

Formal Analysis Essay Format

A formal analysis is commonly assigned in an art, architecture, theater, or music classes.

The term “formal” in this case refers to the form the object takes: which will of course be mainly visual in the visual arts and mainly sonic in music.

Examples of formal analysis would be:

A formal analysis of a dance performance including its choreography and stage production

A formal analysis of a famous painting

A formal analysis of a classical composition

A formal analysis of a landmark cathedral

When you write a formal analysis, you will follow the five-paragraph essay format and take a strong stance in your thesis statement.

Van Gogh’s vivid color palette and intense brush strokes contradict the otherwise peaceful nature of the still life scene, revealing the artist’s conflicted mental state when he painted “Irises.”

With visual arts including architecture and performance art, you will take into account everything your eyes can see including line, composition, color, size, shape, and movement.

With music, you will take into account instrumentation, pauses, crescendo, intensity, harmony, and rhythm.

With most formal analyses, you can also take into account culture and history in addition to the manifest content of the work of art, music, or architecture. For example:

The flying buttresses, tall spires, and ribbed vaulting make the Chartres cathedral emblematic of French Gothic architecture.

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Policy Analysis Essay Format

A policy analysis essay is common in political science courses. When you write a policy analysis, you will follow the basic elements of an argumentative essay including having a strong thesis statement.

The goal of a policy analysis exercise can be either to critique an existing policy and make recommendations for change, or to analyze a specific social or political issue and propose policy changes.

Topic examples for a policy analysis paper:

Analyze the Affordable Care Act and make recommendations for improvement.

Propose solutions to homelessness in your community.

Respond to arguments for and against gun control, making specific policy recommendations for your state.

Historical Analysis Essay Format

History classes will invariably include writing assignments related to specific people, places, and events.

Sometimes when you write a historical analysis , you may find it similar to the process of a cause and effect essay.

Topic examples:

Discuss how Hitler came to power.

How did the War of 1812 shape Canadian history, identity, and culture?

What role did the Ottoman Empire play in obfuscating the differences between Sunni and Shia communities?

A historical analysis can also be similar to a compare and contrast essay.

Some historians have suggested that the United States has been following a similar trajectory as ancient Rome; discuss.

Analyze the different effects of the War of Independence on the United States and Great Britain.

Come Up With a Topic 

You start every analytical essay with either a prompt or a general subject area. Sometimes, coming up with the topic is the most difficult part of essay writing. When you are offered a particular essay prompt, it may be easier to get started on the next step of writing: brainstorming.

When you are already familiar with the subject area, you may be able to skip the brainstorming process altogether and skip straight to outlining or perhaps right to the rough draft.

Essay Prompt Examples:

Analyze the function of magical realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Compare and contrast the different fiscal or foreign policy strategies India and China have used over the past twenty years.

Especially when you are starting with nothing but a broad subject area, you will want to brainstorm some ideas first before you actually start composing your essay.

If your instructor asked you to choose your own topic, start with what you know or are interested in. Then, start with a Google search on various subjects to see how much information you can find.

Before you actually start writing whole sentences and paragraphs, take a few minutes at least to settle and gather your thoughts.

Brainstorming and other prewriting exercises like outlining [A4]  are not wastes of time. On the contrary, these exercises save you time and trouble.

A good essay outline or brainstorming session will make your writing flow easier.

You can brainstorm any way you like: in a study group with friends, jotting down ideas, using abstract methods like drawing, or using techniques like clustering.

Analytical Essay Outline

Outlining your essay first helps you stay on track and organized. You will get much better results with your essays if you start with an outline.

In some classes, you will be expected to hand in your outline.

Analytical Essay Outline Example

A. Romantic literature frequently represented a turning away from modernization and a sentimental longing for a simpler life more connected to the natural world.

B. Mary Shelley’s dire warning of tampering with nature and playing God in Frankenstein reflects the unexpressed fears of modernization and rapid industrial development.

II. Body paragraph/section

Analytical Essay Format

An analytical essay follows the essay structure used in the five-paragraph essay as follows:

A. Lead-in or hook

B. Background information about the main ideas.

1. Main idea one

2. Main idea two

3. Main idea three

C. Thesis Statement: This happens because of main idea one, main idea two, and main idea three.

II. Body Paragraph/Section One

A. Topic sentence: The main idea for this paragraph

1. Will relate to main idea one

2. Will show how main idea one proves the thesis

B. Reason One

1. Evidence/direct citation to support reason one

2. Explanation of the evidence/citation

C. Reason Two

1. Evidence/direct citation to support reason two

D. Sum up the main idea for this paragraph to transition to next.

III. Body Paragraph/Section Two

1. Transition from main idea one (eg. “In addition to___, this is also a factor”)

2. Will show how main idea two proves the thesis

a) Use parenthetical in-text citations or footnotes

IV. Body Paragraph/Section Three

1. Transition from main idea two (eg. “In addition to___, this is also a factor”)

2. Will show how main idea three proves the thesis

D. Sum up the main idea for this paragraph to transition to conclusion.

A. Summary thesis statement: This happens because of main idea one, main idea two, and main idea three.

B. Why this matters or what it implies for future research

Although a title page is not always warranted, you may want to include a title page.

Similarly, some papers require headers, footers, or page numbers.

Almost all analytical essays will include a bibliography, such as a References or Works Cited page. All citations or in-text parentheticals used in the body of the paper will include a corresponding entry in your bibliography.

Make sure you follow all the directions and use the preferred citation style such as APA , MLA , or Chicago Style.

A. Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is more than just a work of gothic horror fiction.

B. Shelley’s novel encapsulates Romanticism.

1. The Creature symbolizes the way human beings alienate each other through the process of Othering.

2. The setting in winter symbolizes coldness in the human spirit, and the longing for warmth and comfort.

C. Mary Shelley uses powerful symbolism and imagery to show how faith in technology and science leads to alienation, isolation, and existential angst.

II. Body Section One

A. Topic sentence: The creature’s motherless birth makes it disconnected from the rest of humanity.

III. Body Section Two

A. Topic sentence: The setting of the novel is in the dead of winter, creating the perfect atmosphere of cold, isolation, and hibernation.

IV. Body Section Three

A. Topic sentence: The father’s fear of his own creation represents the failure of patriarchal norms to generate a warm and caring human race.

A. Mary Shelley shows how the vehicle of Romantic and Gothic fiction enables powerful social and political commentary, via the use of imagery and symbols related to human isolation and alienation.

Analytical Essay Example

Mary Shelley created one of the most iconic characters in literary history: Frankenstein’s creature. Although film adaptations of the story and pop culture appropriations of the original Shelley story have turned the creature of Dr. Frankenstein into a supernatural horror monster, the author’s original text sends quite a different kind of message to readers. Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is more than just a work of gothic horror fiction. In fact, Shelley’s novel encapsulates Romanticism: a return to nature and a longing for a life that is simpler than what modernity and its trappings like urbanization and industrialization provide. In Shelley’s novel, an ambitious scientist creates life: essentially an act of god. Yet the life he creates turns out to be monstrous: so ugly and hideous to the eye that his own “father” abandons him.  The Creature symbolizes the way human beings alienate each other through the process of Othering. Likewise, the Creature represents the way that science and technology can be detrimental for human spiritual and ethical growth. The setting of the novel in winter symbolizes coldness in the human spirit, and the longing for warmth and comfort. Mary Shelley uses powerful symbolism and imagery to show how faith in technology and science leads to alienation, isolation, and existential angst.

The creature’s motherless birth makes it disconnected from the rest of humanity. Born in an insolated laboratory to a self-seeking Dr. Frankenstein, the Creature is abandoned instantly after its birth. Dr. Frankenstein is repulsed by the Creature: “How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?” (Chapter 5). Dr. Frankenstein clearly does not care that the Creature he created has feelings, and hastily abandons it to the cold. When Victor Frankenstein and his Creature reunite one day in the woods, the Creature proves his humanity through heartfelt tales of his alienation and abandonment, yet nothing comes from his pleas. The only person that warms to him is a blind man, who cannot judge the creature based on his appearance alone. Also, given that the Creature was not born of a woman, he is inhuman. Shelley may also be offering a feminist message that shows that only women should have the power to bring life into the world. When men usurp that power, they end up creating monsters. Thus, Shelley shows how people alienate and isolate each other through a process of Othering.

The setting of the novel is in the dead of winter, creating the perfect atmosphere of cold, isolation, and hibernation. The Creature is the ultimate symbol of Otherness. He is not fully human, even though he has feelings. The Creature has superhuman features and the ability to destroy life with his rage. Through the Creature, Shelley shows how people who are oppressed and disenfranchised come to view life with bitterness, resentment, and despair, perhaps leading to violence and aggression. The Creature can never be accepted by his fellow beings, and ends up killing wantonly out of revenge. Yet readers sympathize a lot more with the Creature than with Dr. Frankenstein because of the way Shelley uses potent symbolism and imagery.

Science is what enables Dr. Victor Frankenstein to create life from nothing, a power that is typically considered divine and spiritual in nature. Shelley does not necessarily suggest that science is evil, but that placing too much faith in science and not enough in moral virtues can undermine the human spirit. The reader in some way admires Dr. Frankenstein’s obsession with his work, yet deplores his coldness, his inability to connect with or feel any compassion for the life that he created. The reader wonders if Dr. Frankenstein would behave the same way towards a child that was born with a genetic abnormality. The father’s fear of his own creation represents the failure of patriarchal norms to generate a warm and caring human race.

Mary Shelley shows how the vehicle of Romantic and Gothic fiction enables powerful social and political commentary, via the use of imagery and symbols related to human isolation and alienation. Through the central symbol of a creature who is not-quite-human, Shelley shows how patriarchal norms may prevent natural human connection. Similarly, Shelley sets the novel in winter to accentuate coldness and lack of compassion. Although Frankenstein is not a polemic against science, Shelley does use the vehicle of Dr. Frankenstein to warn readers about losing their humanity through an overly materialistic life.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. eBook. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm#

An analytical essay can be about almost anything. You can analyze a work of literature like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or you can analyze films, movies, songs, political campaigns, or historical events. Analysis is the process of thinking critically and creatively about your subject.

When you write an analytical essay, you take a step towards becoming a better writer. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding about what an analytical essay is and how to write one. If you need further assistance, seek help from a writing tutor.

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How to write a good analytical essay

Published September 27, 2020. Updated June 7, 2022.

Analytical Essay Definition

An analytical essay is an essay that provides an analysis of a work or issue.

Overview of Analytical Essay Writing

An analytical essay is used to analyze just about anything. Mostly, students will be asked to analyze a piece of writing, a film, or a specific issue. Topics for analytical essays should be neither too broad nor too narrow and should have enough sources to support the analysis. An analytical essay should be structured with an outline that consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Enough time should be spent writing, rewriting, and revising thoroughly. Line editing, spell-checking, and proofreading should be done carefully, and the sentence flow should be checked to create the final analytical essay.

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What is an analytical essay?

So, first things first: what is an analytical essay? Analytical essays are just what they sound like — they are, simply put, an analysis. To analyze is to “study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of something” (Merriam-Webster). An analytical essay can analyze just about anything, but most often, students are asked to analyze a piece of writing, a film, or a specific issue.

It’s important to note the difference between argumentative and analytical essays. Though they are similar, there is a distinction: argumentative papers aim to prove a point through a well-researched, persuasive argument, while analytical papers posit a question and explore possible answers.

Some analytical essays will set out to prove a point, which can make them easily confused with argumentative essays. Remember, the main goal of argumentative essays is to argue a point. The main objective of analytical essays is to analyze a work or idea. Often, a firm stance will be used as a vehicle to create a more structured analysis. But, it’s not the point of the essay.

How to prepare to write an analytical essay

Before you dive into brainstorming topics for your analytical essay, be sure to read and reread the rubric for the assignment. Depending on your field of study, the guidelines will vary. For instance, psychology, education, and the sciences tend to use APA format, while the humanities, languages, and the fine arts tend to use MLA or Chicago style.

Once you know which format to use, take heed of any specific expectations your instructor has for this assignment. For example:

• When is it due?
• What is the expected page count?
• Will your instructor expect to see an outline before the draft?
• Is there a set topic list, or can you choose your own?
• Is there someplace to look at sample analytical essays that got A’s?

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor.

How to brainstorm the perfect topic for your analytical essay

Some instructors will offer their students a set of essay topics to choose from. That makes it easy for you — just pick the topic that intrigues you the most! Since your instructor has approved all the topics, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of them being too “broad” or “narrow.”

On the other hand, many instructors expect students to brainstorm their own topics. In this case, you will need to ensure your topic is relevant and not too broad or narrow.

After you think of a topic that interests you and is neither too broad nor too narrow, make sure you can find an adequate number of reputable sources to substantiate your analysis. You’ll need to evaluate all your sources’ credibility and probably include a few peer-reviewed journal articles (tip: use a database).

Many good sources can be found online or at your school’s library (in-person and online). If you’re having trouble finding useful sources, it may be a warning sign that your idea is too broad or narrow. If you’re stuck finding sources at all, ask your librarian for help.

How to structure an analytical essay

Now that you’ve found a good topic, it’s time to get organized! Even if you prefer to write spontaneously, creating an outline (even a loose one) can help you stay on track while you draft. The traditional outline for an analytical essay looks like the following:

Introduction

• main point #1
• main point #2
• main point #3

Works cited

Let’s examine each section.

No good analytical essay is complete without a super-strong introductory paragraph. It’s like the title screen at the beginning of a movie. Without it, you’d have no idea what the movie’s about!

A good introduction should state:

• the topic of your essay
• your thesis statement (the one- or two-line gist of your paper)
• the question or idea you’ll analyze
• your research methodology

The body of your essay is not limited to three points, as shown above, but three is typically considered the minimum for a good analysis. To make your analysis more compelling, present your points and arguments in a “strong, stronger, strongest” format.

• strong supporting evidence #1
• stronger supporting evidence #2
• strongest supporting evidence #3

Many students struggle with writing conclusions for their essays. It can feel unnecessary to restate what’s already been said, right? But really, a strong conclusion does much more than repeat what’s already been said. Your conclusion should:

• restate your thesis statement
• hit on all the main points of the essay
• explore the implications of the main points

Works cited 

A works cited or bibliography page should be the final section of your paper. A works-cited page includes a list of the resources you quoted or cited within the body of your work. A bibliography includes these, plus any resources you consulted and didn’t refer to in the paper, or any resources that influenced your ideas on the topic. Check your assignment to see which of these two pages you will need to have.

How to write an analytical essay

It might not seem like it when you’re staring at that blank document and flashing cursor, but this is the easy part! If you’ve adequately researched and planned your analysis, the writing process will flow much more quickly.

Remember, it’s usually not possible to write an essay in one sitting. Don’t wait until the last minute to get started! You’ll need to factor in time for breaks, meetings with your writing tutor, and the dreaded writer’s block.

Don’t expect your first draft to be perfect. It is normal (and smart) to write multiple drafts. You may even need to change your main argument halfway through your draft. That’s okay! Be ready to re-brainstorm, re-outline, and rewrite.

How to revise an analytical essay

Revision may just be the most crucial step of the essay-writing process. Even if you brainstorm the perfect topic, create a brilliant outline, and write a strong first draft, none of that brilliance will shine through if your paper is full of typos, grammar errors, and rambling tangents.

You’ll want to complete these steps of editing, in this order:

• line editing
• spell-checking
• proofreading

Revision deals with broad issues, such as an argument that doesn’t make sense or a source that doesn’t support your thesis. Line editing, spell-checking, and proofreading have more to do with your writing, the flow of your sentences, and any spelling or grammatical errors.

After you finish, it also doesn’t hurt to check your paper for plagiarism !

Example analytical essay on folklore and current events

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Key takeaways

• An analytical essay is, simply put, an analysis of a work or issue.
• Be sure to understand your instructor’s expectations before you dive into writing an analytical essay.
• Topics for analytical essays need to be neither too broad nor too narrow and should have enough sources to support your analysis.
• The basic outline for an analytical essay consists of an introduction, body, conclusion, and works cited (or bibliography).
• Leaving yourself enough time to write, rewrite, and revise thoroughly is a vital part of writing an analytical essay that earns an A.

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analyze.

By Jolee McManus. Jolee earned a BA in English from the University of Georgia. She has several years of experience as a writing tutor and freelance copywriter and editor.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay – Easy-to-Follow Guide

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to write an analytical essay, offering insights into crafting a compelling essay. It covers the fundamentals of the writing process, from choosing a topic to research techniques and structuring the essay effectively.

The guide offers actionable tips and empowering guidance for learning what is analytical essay. It serves as a stepping stone towards mastering the art of analysis, making it a valuable companion on the journey to articulate and persuasive writing.

Discover What Is Analytical Essay

Analytical essays are academic writing that deeply delve into a specific subject or issue, focusing on analyzing and interpreting information through evidence and supporting details. Critical characteristics of analytical writing include objective analysis, a thesis-driven nature, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking. These essays require facts, examples, and quotations to support the writer’s analysis.

Mastering analytical writing is crucial for academic success as it helps students develop strong analytical thinking skills, which are highly valued in educational settings. It also contributes to career advancement, as individuals who can analyze information effectively are better equipped for decision-making roles in various professions.

Effective communication is another critical aspect of analytical writing, as it fosters the ability to articulate complex ideas and arguments coherently. Problem-solving skills are also developed through analytical thinking, as individuals proficient in analytical thinking can approach challenges methodically and break down complex problems into manageable components. Research proficiency is also linked to the structure of analysis essay, as skilled individuals can navigate and synthesize vast amounts of information effectively.

Choosing a Topic for an Analytical Paper

The selection of a topic analysis essay is crucial. It involves prioritizing relevance, narrowing broad ideas, and establishing a solid thesis statement. It involves understanding and adhering to assignment criteria, aligning with personal interest, engaging the audience, and refining the chosen topic to make it more manageable.

Initial brainstorming is essential, as it helps to write analytical essay ideas related to the general subject. Breaking broad topics into specific subtopics allows for a more in-depth and manageable analysis. Considering the scope and depth of the chosen topic is also essential, as it allows for a comprehensive analysis within the given word limit or time constraints.

In conclusion, knowing how to write an analytical essay topic involves prioritizing relevance, narrowing down broad ideas, and establishing a solid thesis statement. By adhering to assignment criteria, personal interest, and practical topic refinement, writers can set the foundation for a focused, engaging, and analytically robust essay.

Research and Gathering Evidence

To effectively gather and organize evidence, follow these tips:

• Structured Note-Taking: Create a structured outline or use digital tools to organize your notes systematically.
• Summarize Key Points: Capture the essence of each source by summarizing key points, including supporting evidence, examples, and counterarguments. Attribute information clearly to its source during note-taking to facilitate proper citation later.
• Organize by Theme or Argument: Organize your notes based on themes or arguments to provide clarity and identify patterns, trends, and connections crucial for your essay’s structure.
• Incorporating Quotes: Choose quotes that directly support your thesis statement, strengthen your argument, and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay.
• Proper Citation: Ensure accurate and consistent citation according to the required style (e.g., APA, MLA).
• Introducing and Explaining Quotes: Introduce quotes effectively and explain their significance, blending them into your narrative. Avoid overreliance on quotes; balance your original analysis while ensuring your original analysis remains the driving force of your essay.
• Paraphrasing and Synthesizing: Practice paraphrasing and synthesizing information from sources to maintain a cohesive and original analytical narrative.

By following these strategies, you can confidently embark on your analytical paper journey, knowing that the art of analysis lies in the information presented and how you synthesize and interpret it.

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Creating an analytical essay outline.

An analytical paper should follow a structured outline, starting with an introduction with a hook, background information, thesis statement, body paragraphs, evidence, analysis, transition, and anticipation of counterarguments. The introduction should include background information, a hook, evidence, analysis, and transition.

Counter arguments should be acknowledged and refuted, and the conclusion should summarize the central argument or analysis for essay. Key points discussed in each paragraph should be briefly recapped, and final thoughts should offer reflections or suggestions for further exploration. A list of sources should be provided, following the appropriate citation style.

This analytical essay outline may be adjusted based on the assignment’s requirements or preferred writing style. Each Roman numeral represents a significant section of the essay, while the letters represent subpoints within those sections.

How to Write an Analytical Essay Introduction

An analytical essay introduction is crucial for establishing a connection with the reader and setting the stage for the subsequent analysis. To create a captivating introduction, do the following:

• Start with an engaging anecdote or quote related to your topic.
• Start with shocking statistics or intriguing facts to capture attention and create urgency.
• Pose a rhetorical question to stimulate curiosity and create an interactive dimension to your introduction.
• If applicable, share a brief personal experience related to the topic to humanize the essay and provide a relatable entry point for the reader.

The thesis statement is the roadmap that guides the reader through the analytical landscape of your analytical argumentative essay, encapsulating the main argument, stance, and direction. Ensure that your statement is concise and specific, as ambiguity can diminish the impact of your analytical stance. Align the thesis with the chosen topic, previewing the analytical exploration that awaits. Communicate that the thesis serves as the framework for your analysis, with every subsequent paragraph and argument contributing to supporting or challenging the central thesis.

Remember that the thesis might evolve as you delve deeper into the research and writing process. Encourage writers to revisit and refine the thesis to ensure it remains aligned with the developing understanding of the topic. By emphasizing its pivotal role, writers set the stage for cohesive and purposeful analytical papers.

Structure of Analysis Essay Body

The body paragraphs of a critical analytical essay are crucial for guiding readers through the analysis presented. They serve as a preview, providing a clear and concise roadmap for the essay’s content. Topic sentences should be clear, direct, and aligned with the thesis, and engaging language should be used to establish unity and coherence.

The heart of the analytical essay lies in the depth of analysis applied to the presented evidence. Writers should thoroughly examine each piece of evidence, examining its layers to extract nuanced insights contributing to the overall argument. Every analysis should tie back to the thesis statement, and there should be a clear link between the evidence presented, the analysis conducted, and the overarching argument.

Exploring how to write analytical essay projects from multiple perspectives adds depth and complexity to the essay. Balancing evidence and analysis is essential, as too much without insightful interpretation can make the essay seem superficial, while excessive analysis without supporting evidence weakens the argument.

Transitions between paragraphs are essential for binding paragraphs together and maintaining reader engagement. They should facilitate a logical progression of ideas from one paragraph to the next, using transitional words and phrases to signal shifts in thought and guide the reader through the evolving analysis. Transitions help maintain focus, prevent abrupt shifts, and reinforce the central thesis.

By knowing how to write an analytical essay topic sentence, providing an in-depth analysis of evidence and smoothly transitioning between paragraphs, writers can elevate the overall quality of their analytical essays, transforming the essay’s body into a cohesive, persuasive, and intellectually satisfying exploration of the chosen topic.

Analytical Essay Conclusion

A conclusion is crucial for any writing, as it provides closure, summarizes key points, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some tips for writing an effective conclusion to an analytical essay:

• Summarize critical points: Start by summarizing the main points discussed in your essay and revisiting them to reinforce their significance.
• Restate the thesis statement: Bring the focus back to the thesis statement to emphasize the core message of your writing.
• Provide a synthesis: Offer a synthesis of the information presented, connecting the dots between different ideas or arguments to demonstrate how they collectively contribute to the overarching theme or message.
• Share insights or implications: Share any insights or broader implications of your analysis and discuss their significance in the broader context or field of study.
• Connect to the introduction: Create a sense of cohesion by connecting your conclusion to the introduction and referencing a theme, anecdote, or idea introduced in the opening.
• End with a clincher: Conclude your essay with a memorable statement or clincher that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Avoid introducing new information: Your conclusion should be a summary and reflection of what has already been discussed in the essay’s body.
• Consider the tone: Match the tone of your conclusion to the overall tone of your essay, whether academic or personal.

And finally, keep it concise. A well-crafted conclusion is succinct yet impactful.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay From Start to Finish (With Examples)

Are you struggling to compose an analytical essay? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through how to write an analytical essay step by step. Whether you're new to academic writing or just need a refresher, we'll provide practical tips and insights to help you confidently tackle this assignment.

When it comes to producing analytical essays, it's essential to understand their structure and purpose. That's why we'll break down the key components and show you the ropes of effectively analyzing a chosen topic. So, let's dive in and explore the world of analytical writing together! If time is of the essence, use our essay writing service to streamline your homework routine.

Analytical Essay Definition

What is an analytical essay? A type of academic writing requires the writer to thoroughly examine a topic, text, or idea and present an argument or interpretation based on critical analysis. Unlike descriptive or narrative essays, which primarily focus on recounting events or describing details, an analytical essay delves deeper into the subject matter by breaking it down into its constituent parts and evaluating them systematically.

It often commands the writer to analyze various aspects of the topic, such as its themes, symbolism, characters, or historical context, and provide evidence to support its thesis statement . Analytical essays typically aim to uncover underlying meanings or patterns within the subject matter, fostering a deeper understanding and interpretation.

Analytical essays serve a crucial academic purpose by encouraging students to engage critically with complex ideas and texts. An analytical essay meaning is to help readers gain insight into its significance and broader implications by examining the underlying components and relationships within a topic. Moreover, these essays enable writers to develop their analytical thinking skills, as they must carefully evaluate evidence, consider alternative interpretations, and construct persuasive arguments. Through writing analytical essays, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and coherently, honing their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Ultimately, analytical essays contribute to intellectual growth by fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us and encouraging critical inquiry into diverse subjects.

What Is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay aims to examine and interpret a piece of literature, a film, a historical event, or any other subject matter to analyze its components, understand its deeper meanings, and evaluate its significance. Unlike a descriptive essay, which primarily describes a topic, an analytical essay’s purpose is to delve deeper into the subject matter by breaking it down into its constituent parts, analyzing how those parts contribute to the whole, and providing insights or interpretations based on evidence and reasoning.

An analytical essay aims to answer "how" and "why" questions about the examined topic. It requires critical thinking, evidence gathering, and logical argumentation to support the analysis and interpretation presented in the essay. The ultimate goal is to provide readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter being analyzed.

Analytical Essay Outline

Writing an analytical essay starts with an outline, which consists of three main sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage by capturing the reader's attention with an engaging hook, providing context about the topic, and presenting a clear thesis statement that outlines the essay's main argument. The essay's main body elaborates on this argument by breaking it down into distinct points or aspects, each supported by evidence, analysis, and interpretation. The conclusion then restates the thesis, summarizes the key points made in the essay, and offers final reflections on the significance of the analysis, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its broader implications. If you haven’t started working yet but the due date is already soon, use our custom essay writing service to speed the process up.

Introduction

In an analytical essay introduction, your primary objective is to grab the reader's attention, provide necessary context, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay. An analytical essay introduction structure begins with a captivating opening sentence that draws the reader into the topic. Follow this with background information that contextualizes the subject matter and helps the reader understand its significance. Here are some useful tips on how to write an analytical essay introduction:

• Start with a captivating hook.
• Offer brief context for the topic.
• Clearly state your thesis.
• Preview your main points.
• Keep it engaging and relevant.
• Avoid repetition.
• Revise and polish before finalizing.

Finally, end the introduction with a concise and focused thesis statement that states your main argument and previews the key points you will be discussing in the essay. By the end of the introduction, the reader should clearly understand what to expect in the subsequent analysis.

The main body paragraph analytical essay authors consider the one where you delve into the analysis and provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main point or argument of that paragraph. Use the body paragraphs to present your topic analysis, examining specific aspects, examples, or evidence in detail. Support your analysis with evidence from the text, film, or other sources, and interpret the evidence to explain how it relates to your thesis. Ensure that each paragraph in the analytical essay body paragraph structure flows logically from one to the next, using transitions to connect your ideas and maintain coherence throughout the essay.

In the conclusion in analytical essay, you should restate your thesis statement, summarize the main points of your analysis, and provide some final reflections on the significance of your findings. According to an optimal analytical essay conclusion structure, you should begin by restating your thesis in different words to remind the reader of your main argument. Then, summarize the key points or arguments you made in the body paragraphs, highlighting the evidence that supports your analysis. Check out some of the best hints on how to write a conclusion paragraph for an analytical essay:

• Restate your thesis in different words.
• Summarize your main points briefly.
• Offer final insights or reflections.
• Avoid introducing new information.
• Emphasize the significance of your analysis.
• Leave the reader with a lasting impression.
• Revise for clarity and impact.

Finally, offer some closing thoughts on the broader implications or relevance of your analysis, considering its impact on the understanding of the topic or its relevance to broader themes or issues. The conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Analytical Essay Topics

Looking for good analytical essay topics? It’s always a great idea to complement your writing routine with analytical essay title examples.

• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• The causes of climate change.
• The benefits and drawbacks of online education.
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.
• Analyzing the effects of fast food on public health.
• The significance of recycling in reducing environmental pollution.
• Examining the rise of e-commerce in modern society.
• The role of technology in shaping modern communication.
• Portrayal of gender roles in media.
• Exploring the effects of globalization on culture.
• The importance of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of government policies in reducing poverty.
• The impact of automation on the job market.
• The significance of mental health awareness in contemporary society.
• The causes and consequences of income inequality.
• The role of education in promoting social equality.
• Relationships between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• The ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
• The impact of urbanization on the environment and public health.
• Challenges of multiculturalism in society.

If you find a quality topic but lack time to continue researching it, use our paper writing service to boost the turnaround.

Analytical Essay Outline Template

• Hook Statement : Attention-grabbing statement, question, or quote.
• Context: Brief background information on the topic.
• Thesis Statement: Clear and concise statement of the main argument.

Paragraphs 1, 2, 3

• Topic Sentence: Next main point or argument.
• Analysis: Examination of specific aspect, example, or evidence.
• Evidence: Supporting evidence from the text or other sources.
• Interpretation: Explanation of how evidence supports the thesis.
• Continue with additional paragraphs as needed.
• Restate Thesis: Restate the main argument in different words.
• Summary of Main Points: Brief summary of key points made in the body paragraphs.
• Final Insights: Reflections on the significance of the analysis.
• Closing Statement: Concluding remarks to leave a lasting impression.

Analytical Essay Example

Please consider this example of analytical essay about the multifaceted impact of technology on modern communication, highlighting its role in facilitating instant connectivity and access to information through platforms like social media and messaging apps. If you’d like to have a similar quality paper that only belongs to you, get help from an analytical essay writer .

Learning how to write an analytical essay is crucial for students as it equips them with essential critical thinking and analytical skills applicable across various academic disciplines and real-world contexts. Analytical essays require students to break down complex topics, evaluate evidence, construct coherent arguments, and work with referencing , fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Students learn to identify patterns, uncover hidden meanings, and develop their interpretations by analyzing texts, films, historical events, or other subjects. Moreover, analytical writing encourages students to communicate their ideas effectively, honing their ability to articulate logical arguments and support them with evidence. These skills are invaluable in academia, where analytical thinking is essential for conducting research, writing papers, and engaging in scholarly discourse. Whenever you need aid with this assignment, our analytical essay writing service is available around the clock.

Frequently asked questions

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The Ultimate Guide to Analytical Essay Writing: How to Craft an A-Grade Paper?

25 January, 2021

17 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

An analytical essay is often considered the most challenging piece of writing. However, those who have dealt with it at least once are a step closer to calling themselves masters of essay writing. This type of paper requires plenty of analytical skills to carry out an in-depth analysis of the assigned topic. Yet, the main goal of an analytical essay is not only to demonstrate your ability to learn the basics of the theme.

You also need to think critically, analyze facts, express your standpoint, and clearly show a deep understanding of key concepts. In short, your main task as an author is to prove the validity of your views by coming up with strong arguments that do not beg any questions.

The given guide provides a full analytical essay definition, as well as specifies its features and structural aspects. The following information will help you properly start your paper, choose a relevant topic, and come up with compelling conclusions. 

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a piece of writing aimed to provide a thorough analysis of a definite phenomenon using persuasive arguments and supporting assertions. Analysis in the analytical essay writing process stands for a method of research that allows one to study specific features of an object. Analytical papers also have to do with analysis of a specific problem; that is consideration of the problem itself and identification of its key patterns. The subject matter of analysis can be a well-known or little-studied scientific phenomenon, artistic work, historical event, social problem, etc.

The content of an analytical essay will totally depend on the object that has been chosen for analysis. Thus, when shedding light on any kind of scientific work, an analytical essay can be devoted to the analysis of research credibility, its relevance, or the adequacy of conclusions. When considering a work of art, an essay writer can focus on the analysis of the author’s artistic techniques or issues raised in the book. For this reason, it is essential to accurately determine the topic and subject matter of your future analytical essay.

Steps to Take Before Writing

The preparational stage of analytical essay writing cannot be omitted. It lays the basis for the A-grade paper and should be carefully completed. If you don’t know how to start an analytical essay, read a few handy tips that will ensure a solid foundation for your paper.  

Define a subject matter

You first need to clearly understand the issue you will base your essay on. Since analytical essays imply an in-depth analysis of a specific problem, you need to define its core. Try to split the analysis into several components and provide arguments taken either from a book, a research, a scientific work, or a movie (depending on the subject matter of your analysis), and support your views comprehensively.

Decide on the content of your analytical essay

If you are a student who was given an analytical essay topic, read the task several times before you are 100% sure that you clearly understand the requirements as to the analytical essay format. In case you were lucky to choose the topic of the analytical paper by yourself, make sure the theme you will be dealing with is familiar or at least seems interesting to you. 

Remember that different subject matters require a different approach to their analysis. If you examine some literature work, you can prove your opinion based on the deeds of a certain or several characters. But if you have been assigned the task to elaborate on some historic events, analyze their main causes, driving forces that have affected their course, and their global consequences.  

Take care of the proper start

Don’t forget to start your analytical essay with a thesis statement. It is a sentence or a couple of sentences that aim to summarize the key statements of your paper. A thesis statement should provide readers with a preliminary idea of what your essay is all about.  

Find extra reasoning

Make sure your thesis is supported by compelling arguments. To find enough evidence, you should carry out a thorough analysis of the assigned topic. List the crucial points of your research and ponder over the ways they can be used to prove your final opinion. 

Elaborate the outline

A sound outline elaborated at the preparation stage will help you ensure a proper analytical essay structure and make the overall writing process easier. As a rule, an analytical essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your outline plan should include the key arguments you want to discuss in each paragraph. 

Analytical Essay Thesis

A thesis statement represents the central idea of your paper and must serve as strong proof of your standpoint. While elaborating your thesis statement, it is crucial to include it at the end of the first paragraph and thus set a direction for the overall paper. 

Analytical Essay Outline

An outline is not a required element of analytical essays writing and should not be included in the text, but it can greatly facilitate the whole process of paper writing.

The analytical essay structure looks as follows:

Introduction

In the introduction of an analytical essay, you will need to identify your paper’s subject matter. Mention the purpose of your work and specify its scope of research. Don’t forget to include a thesis to let readers know what your work is about.

Body Section

As has already been mentioned, the body section covers three or more main paragraphs, each being supported with arguments and details. Besides, you need to provide a small conclusion to each statement to make your essay sound professional and persuasive. 

At this stage, you need to summarize the points elucidated in your paper and make sure there is a smooth and logical transition from the body section to the concluding part of the text. If you don’t know how to conclude an analytical essay, try to restate the thesis statement without copying it word for word.  

Analytical Essay Examples

Writing an analytical essay may seem to be a thorny way. If you are still not sure how to properly craft one, try to find some examples that will help you go in the right direction. Below, there are some great examples of analytical essays. Take a look at their structure and try to write something similar based on your views and ideas:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeR4i4RIZIj448W3KVFyHP-eS3QPN7gW/view

https://stlcc.edu/docs/student-support/academic-support/college-writing-center/rhetorical-analysis-sample-essay.pdf

https://www.germanna.eduhttp://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/tutoring/handouts/Literary-Analysis-Sample-Paper.pdf

30 Analytical Essay Topics

If you were allowed to choose the theme for your paper by yourself, check on the following analytical essay topics. Each of them can bring you the highest score:

General topics

• The influence of social networks on the life of teens
• Are salaries of football players too high?
• Wearing uniforms in schools should be banned
• A person in society: the problems of loneliness and privacy
• Sociology of corporate relationships
• Does the observation of space need more investments?
• Should the voting age in the UK be decreased?
• Reasons why capital punishment should be brought back in the UK
• A world with no rules: a new human era or a road to the global collapse?
• Life without technologies: will modern people survive?
• Should scientists test drugs on animals to fight cancer?
• The problem of keeping the balance between career and family life
• The importance of listening to your body 
• Problems caused by the lack of communication
• Food addiction and the problems it causes
• Problems of vaccination in the XXI century
• Does evil really rule the world?
• How does body size affect life quality?
• Pros and cons of video games 
• The role of a family model in the life and career of a person

Analytical Essay Topics on Literature

• “Robinson Crusoe”: fantasy vs reality
• Observation of the artistic uniqueness in the comedy by W. Shakespeare “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 
• Observe the social problems in the novel by John Steinbeck “The Grapes of Wrath”
• Convulsions and death of the “little man” in the networks of impersonal, alienated forces in the novel “The Metamorphosis”
• Observation of the problems of a man on a plagued land in the novel “The Plague”
• Revolt of the protagonist in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Observation of friendship and love in the fate of humanity in the XX century
• The triumph of immorality in the novel by F. Sagan “Hello Sadness”
• Observation of the personality of an American student in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Eternal tragedies of humanity in the tragedy by W. Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”

How to Write a Well-Structured Analytical Essay With a Solid Argument

Writing an analytical essay with a clear structure might be challenging unless you are thoroughly prepared. We decided to help you out and create a detailed guide listing the main things to consider when creating an analytical essay outline. You need to explain your main idea in a concise way to bring your point across. As analytical writing has high requirements, it pays off to find an analytical essay example and analyze how this text was written. It will allow you to understand the analytical essay format better and learn how to provide substantive analysis on various topics. Read on to learn how to write a top-level analytical paper and submit it on time.

Main Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay should provide a comprehensive analysis of a chosen topic. What makes an analysis essay different from other assignments is that it includes a personal opinion of an author. This is why analytical writing should be persuasive.

Below, we have rounded up the key tips you need to follow when producing an analytical essay outline and the main body of your text. Read on to learn more about the analytical essay format and create a text that will fully meet the requirements.

Select an Analytical Essay Topic

Before creating an analytical essay outline, make sure to pick a topic that you are interested in. It should be provocative enough to engage your readers. A widely-debated topic will help you write an analytical essay that grabs the attention of a wide audience.

Consider your goals and conduct thorough research to see if you have enough sources to support the main thesis of your analysis essay.

Come Up With a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement

When writing an analytical essay, start by formulating a thesis statement that includes the topic and the main goal of your text. It will help you create an analytical essay outline and show your readers what you will discuss in your analysis essay.

Add it to the last paragraph of your analytical essay introduction. Due to this, your analytical essay outline will look better structured. Look at any analytical essay example to see how you can introduce your subject. In most cases, one sentence will suffice to state your analysis essay’s goal. However, a complex analytical essay outline might require you to use two sentences for a thesis statement.

Write an Analytical Essay Body with a Clear Structure

Your analytical essay outline should include 3-4 paragraphs. However, a literary analysis essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. When it comes to analytical writing, it is important to cover a different point in each section of the main body of an analysis paper.

After writing an analytical essay, check whether each paragraph contains an introduction and the main point. Besides, it should contain evidence. An expertly written analytical essay outline will help you reach out to your target audience more effectively.

Conduct Research Before Writing an Analytical Essay Outline

While this step is preparatory, it is a must for those who want to write a well-grounded analytical paper.

• First, select the best ideas for your essay
• Then, emphasize the problems with works written by other researchers
• Finally, write your analytical essay outline to demonstrate what approach you want to take

Examine the context and find examples to illustrate the scope of the issue. You may draw parallels to emphasize your point and make your topic more relatable.

Analyze the Implications of the Evidence

After listing your pieces of evidence and demonstrating how it is related to your thesis, show why it is important. You need to explore it deeply and use it to support your argument. It will make your analytical essay outline well-grounded facts.

Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion

Whether you write a literary analysis essay or other types of assignments, there is no need to add any new data at the end of your analysis paper. Instead, summarize the arguments you mentioned in your analytical essay outline. The conclusion of your analysis essay should be short and clear. Here, you need to demonstrate that you have achieved your goals.

Analytical Essay Writing Tips

If you want to get the highest grade for your analytical essay, you need to know a little bit more than just the basics of paper writing. Read these handy tips to write a perfect essay you will be proud of:

• Double-check your paper for spelling and grammar mistakes. In case your essay contains too many errors, neither an in-depth analysis nor the elaborate writing style will make it look any better. Situations when essays of great value in terms of research and a message they convey are poorly assessed because of the abundance of mistakes are not rare. Make sure you have enough time to proofread your paper before submission. Also, you may consider asking somebody to take a fresh look at your essay and check it for you.
• Reading your analytical essay out loud helps you discover all types of errors or weak phrases. This method might seem a bit uncomfortable, but it has proved to be very effective for many students. Note that silent reading of your paper isn’t even half as helpful as reading it aloud. 
• Another great idea to check on the rhythm and flow of your paper is to ask someone to read it for you. While listening to the text, you could perceive it from another perspective and discover even more inconsistencies and mistakes.  
• Double-check the facts you use in your analytical essay. The names of people, books, research, publications, as well as dates of historical events are too important to be misspelled. Things like these show your professionalism and the way you treat your readers.

Write an Analytical Essay with HandmadeWriting

Writing an analytical essay requires time, strong writing skills, great attention to detail, and a huge interest in the assigned topic. However, life can be unpredictable sometimes, and students might find themselves at risk of failing their creative assignments. Stress, family issues, poor health, and even unwillingness to work on a certain topic may become significant obstacles on their way to the A-grade work.

If you have similar problems, there is no need to compromise your reputation and grades. You can always refer to HandmadeWriting professionals who are ready to help you with a paper of any type and complexity. They will understand your individual style and totally devote themselv

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How to Write an Analytical Essay: A Complete Guide & Examples [UPD 2024]

Have an analytical essay to write? Not an easy assignment. We are ready to provide you with several insights on how to write a successful paper. If you have a school or a college assignment, this article is just for you. Continue reading it, and you’ll find out:

• What is an analytical essay?
• Secrets of a perfect analytical essay.
• What is a literary essay?
• A piece of practice: A Literary analysis essay example and an analytical essay example.
• 📝 Analytical Essay: Definition
• 🖊️ How to Write an Analysis?

🔢 Analytical Essay Topics

• 💡 Analytical Essay Example
• 📚 Literary Analysis Essay
• 📓 5 General Tips

📝 What Is an Analytical Essay?

You can write an analytical essay on any topic. It could be politics, art, economics, music, etc. The goal of analytical writing is to analyze the issue. Before writing such an essay, writers review the topic. They study the question from different points of view. Then, they express their opinion in the paper.

Components of an Analytical Essay

🖊️ How to Write an Analysis? 3 Key Steps

1. pick a good analysis essay topic.

Choosing an excellent analytical essay topic isn’t an easy task. We are here to offer you several working strategies:

• Study your subject. Before analyzing any topic, it is helpful to study it. You need to become a real expert on the subject. Then you will realize that analysis is easy.
• Try to find examples of similar essay topics. It would be great to find sample essays on similar topics. Use websites of different schools and libraries. They can help you to understand the structure of your work better. They can give you inspiration about the ideas you might discuss in your work.
• Don’t keep silent. If you need any help – ask for it. Teachers are happy to answer the questions of interested students. You could discuss problematic points with your classmates. They might have similar problems, and group thinking could be a big deal of help.

2. Develop an Analytical Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main idea of your work. You can express it in one sentence and support it with arguments.

An analytical essay statement’s goal is to answer two key questions:

• How does something do what it does?
• Why is it as it is?

A working thesis statement helps the readers with the structure of your paper. It provides them with the central point of your work. They also get to know the main arguments supporting the idea. It declares a position about the subject that needs discussing and proving.

Sometimes you generalize your thesis statement. Try to use more specific words and ideas. To answer a how or why question, use such words as “by” or “because.”

3. Create an Analysis Essay Outline

Any written assignment needs thorough planning. Analytical essays are no exception. Before starting your writing, make a well-structured outline of your work. The outline should include every paragraph’s essential points.

An analysis essay consists of three parts. They are an introduction, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s look into these parts in more detail.

Analysis Essay Introduction

The goal of the introduction is to catch the readers’ attention. To bring this focus to your subject, you need to start with a hook. The hook can be in the form of a rhetorical or provocative question. It can look like a quotation or a bold statement. A good introduction includes the question you will discuss. Apart from that, it states the position you are taking. Background information on the topic is in the intro too.

Analysis Essay Main Body

The main body is an essential part of an essay. Its goal is to provide the reader with the central idea’s development. In this section, you need to support your thesis with evidence. Usually, this part consists of at least three paragraphs. The number of paragraphs depends on how broad the thesis statement is. Writers take the evidence from different textual resources. It may be a summary, a direct quotation, or even a paraphrase.

Don’t forget about topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph! It should contain the main idea of the paragraph. It is essential to express its connection to your work’s central position.

It is vital to support everything you claim in the thesis statement. That is why you need to have a narrow thesis statement. The broader your thesis is – the more paragraphs the main body will contain.

Analysis Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph aims to give your paper a sense of completeness. Its purpose is to mark the end of your work. It is vital to stick to your point in the conclusion. Do not introduce any new topics or ideas. The goal here is to restate the thesis. You need to summarize the central issues you have discussed. An ideal conclusion reminds the reader of how you proved your argument. It leaves some space for an open discussion.

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• The Dodd-Frank Act: federal policy analysis
• Analysis of the Riordan Manufacturing System
• Benihana Tokyo: the company analysis
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• Internet financial reporting analysis
• Novels Renaissance analysis
• Child poverty in Canada problem analysis
• Childhood obesity issue analysis
• Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
• Chronic disease: diabetes analysis
• The analysis of Wallada’s poetry
• Coca-Cola: company analysis
• Theory of planned behavior analysis
• Analysis of Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
• Cultural assessment models analysis
• Canonization of the Bible analysis
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin analysis
• Health system reform analysis in Canada
• Nintendo – strategic analysis
• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: plot analysis

💡 Writing an Analytical Essay: A Wonderful Example

📚 Literary Analysis Essay: Example & Guide

What is a literary analysis essay.

When writing a literary essay, we analyze literature. Sometimes you need to analyze only a particular character. Or you will talk about one aspect of the work. When you study literary work elements, you’ll understand the piece of literature better.

Literary Analysis Essay Components

Literary Analysis Essay: How Does It Look Like?

A literary analysis is not a summary of writing. On the contrary, it is a debate about the work. It conveys a writer’s analysis of the work. It should include analysis and assessment of the piece of writing. To accomplish this goal, writers use different literary devices. The idea of literary analysis is to discuss writers’ thoughts.

Literary Analysis Essay Example

📓 5 General Tips to Get Your Analytical Writing Done

Don’t neglect the outline before you start writing.

You need to organize your thoughts and ideas. It will help you remember the order of the essay components. Also, it will prompt the main ideas that the author has to mention.

Check Your Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the stem of your paper. You need to discuss it further and support it with evidence. Before writing the main body, make sure that your statement is clear. It is essential to make your thesis statement assertive. In this case, the readers will understand your perspective. They will also believe what you are saying.

Review the Paper’s Structure

When you have done the first rough draft, revise the structure of your literary analysis. First, you need to check your thesis statement’s position. Don’t forget to check the arguments. Secondly, review the use of sentence structures, try to use a variety of different constructions. It is vital that you use the third-person perspective in the essay. Remember to include reliable sources.

Don’t Forget about Transitions

Literary analysis essays consist of several paragraphs. Different paragraphs discuss different ideas. So it is crucial to make the transitions between the sections smooth. Try not to jump from one fact to another. Use logical connectors instead. The essay should be coherent, with one idea following the previous one.

Use Academic Language

When discussing a work of literature, it is essential to remember your work’s style. Try to avoid informal style, slang, and jargon words. Use your dictionary or online resources if you need help with word choice. Remember that you are writing an academic paper. Academic papers require appropriate vocabulary.

Now you know all the excellent tips for writing an analytical essay. Why wait? Start writing your own paper! We wish you good luck!

🔗 References

• Elements of Analysis – Purdue University
• Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay – Stetson University
• How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay – Bucks.edu
• Writing an Analytical Essay – Utoronto.ca
• Organizing Your Analysis – Purdue University
• Analysis versus Description – Monash University
• Analytical Thesis Statements – University of Arizona
• Literary Analysis Sample Paper – Germanna Community College
• Styles of Writing – University of Reading
• Example Essays – University of Sussex
• Using Evidence: Analysis – Walden University
• Structuring the Essay – Monash University
• How Can I Create Stronger Analysis? – University of Michigan
• Thesis Statements – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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What Is an Analytical Essay? A Writing Guide With Examples

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• SOURCE Edwin Tan / E+ / Getty Images / via Getty created by YourDictionary
• PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

Analysis is one of those ubiquitous words that can mean anything. You can analyze a piece of literature , or you can analyze a beautiful puppy’s eyes as it smiles directly at you. An analytical essay might not be as cute as that, but it can potentially be as fun or elucidating, as long as you know what you’re looking for.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a type of essay that involves looking at a subject of interest and explaining what it is saying.

Analysis can mean a lot of things here, but analyzing something usually involves dissecting it into its discrete parts and interpreting what each of those parts means, individually and as a whole.

For example, your analytical essay may involve a close-reading of a poem where you break it down line by line and discuss the metaphors , word choice, and other language elements that the text is working with.

Analytical essays are common in school, but they also appear in magazines, newspapers , and scholarly periodicals. These essays can cover a broad range of subjects, from pieces of art and media to historical events and scientific theories.

The Difference Between Analytical Essays and Critical Analysis Essays

Students and educators alike tend to confuse analytical essays and critical analysis essays , and for good reason. There’s a lot of overlap in that both require you to analyze something. Like an analytical essay, a critical analysis essay will involve breaking down a text.

One big difference is objectivity. Analytical essays are objective in nature, so you’re not really writing about your own opinions. While it’s generally fine to state a thought of your own in an analytical essay, any larger opinions or arguments about the text should come from the subject or the author of the subject.

Essentially, it comes down to taking that next step. With an analytical essay, it’s “Let’s analyze what this text is saying.” With a critical analysis essay, it’s “Let’s analyze what this text is saying, and here’s what I think about what it’s trying to say.”

General Structure and Format of an Analytical Essay

Analytical essays can come in a few different forms with their own structures. Cause and effect essays are a type of analytical essay that looks at the cause of one thing and its effect on other things. Compare and contrast essays are a type of analytical essay that looks at the similarities and differences between two pieces (or elements within a single piece).

A “straightforward” analytical essay will generally include the main parts of an essay :

• An introduction to grab the reader’s attention, provide some basic context, and state a thesis describing what you plan to analyze
• Body paragraphs that go into the actual analysis as stated by the thesis
• A conclusion that briefly restates your thesis and looks forward or beyond what you discussed in your paper, like with a call to action or rhetorical question

Analytical Essay Example

As much as we appreciate you, we can’t write your essay for you, but it’s only because we want to help you exercise your analytical abilities (and we don’t advocate cheating). However, along with all the information and tips for writing an analytical essay , seeing a simple example of one might help you figure out how to build out an essay of your own.

• DESCRIPTION full analytical essay example with lables
• SOURCE Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary
• PERMISSION Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary 

Analytical Essay Introduction Example

Like nearly every other essay form, you want your analytical essay introduction to be captivating in some way, without diverging too far from the actual topic at hand. No matter how great your analysis, you want to give people a reason to even start reading your essay in the first place.

Unlike other essays, the thesis statement in your introduction doesn’t have to really be an argument. It is much more about stating what you intend to interpret in a text or work, as opposed to stating an opinion about it (even if it might seem like an opinion).

No one can truly understand the sensation of jumping directly onto a turtle, but this is just one of many characteristics bestowed upon the main character in the book Super Plumber Guy . The book depicts a brightly lit world of wonder, fungi, and amphibians in varying biomes. While the main character, Mr. Plumber, is depicted as an everyman, his distinct look, style, and behaviors as described in the book show that he is anything but.

Analytical Essay Body Paragraph Example

You’ll want to spend most of your time on the body paragraphs. This is where you’ll really dive into the content and dissect the topic. Unlike other essays, an analytical essay typically doesn’t require outside texts or sources to support your argument — specifically because you’re not arguing anything. Your sole focus is the text at hand, so don’t be afraid to really get in there.

Mr. Plumber was originally written as something of an everyday character that the reader could embody. He has no true personality, nor does he have a voice, often allowing secondary characters around him to fill in the gaps. The reader does know that he wears a brightly colored hat, jumps high, and enjoys mushrooms. These are humble characteristics that bring out the humanity of the character. Most people are not a list of unique characteristics but a mosaic of smaller idiosyncrasies.

Analytical Essay Conclusion Example

It can be really easy to overthink a conclusion . Don’t worry about saying something profound or summing up the entirety of human existence by way of your analysis. Instead, consider further questions or things that you might be wondering.

Super Plumber Guy remains a popular read containing a human character that many might consider boring or free of personality. However, Mr. Plumber is an exceedingly human character who acts as a blank slate for the reader. Diving deeper into other characters and their interactions with him may glean further insight into Mr. Plumber’s motivations and inner psychology.

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 How to Write a Perfect Analytical Paragraph

8-minute read

• 30th January 2023

If you are looking up how to write an analytical paragraph, you are most likely writing an argumentative or analytical essay. Analytical essays are similar to other essays, such as descriptive essays, in that you have a central idea, organize supporting ideas into body paragraphs, and make conclusions.

However, analytical essays differ from other essays because the writer must go further. They require the writer to interpret and analyze a given text or information using evidence to support their central idea or thesis statement. This analysis takes place in analytical paragraphs, or body paragraphs, if you are writing an analytical essay .

In this article, you’ll learn the components of a perfect analytical paragraph: the topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and conclusion. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is an Analytical Paragraph?

An analytical paragraph is a paragraph that breaks down a piece of literature, an idea, or a concept into smaller parts and analyzes each part to understand the whole. Being able to write an effective and successful analytical paragraph reflects a writer’s critical thinking and organizational writing skills. All in all, like any other type of writing, writing an analytical paragraph requires skill and practice.

Write the Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is usually the first, or sometimes second, sentence at the beginning of anybody paragraph. Your topic sentence should contain one main idea related to the thesis statement . If it is not related to your thesis statement, then you are likely off topic.

Pro Tip: If your topic sentence is the second sentence of your paragraph, then your first sentence should be a transitional sentence .

Let’s look at a thesis statement and some topic sentences to get a better idea.

Topic: Examine and analyze the marriages in George Eliot’s Middlemarch .

Thesis Statement: Eliot uses three different marriages to give depth to everyday people and show the reader the struggles of marriage within the nineteenth century’s societal standards of submissive roles, class range, and financial status.

Topic Sentence 1: Lydgate and Rosamond had a terrible marriage in Middlemarch , like all other marriages during this time.

This topic sentence is not effective because it is not specific enough and does not directly relate to the thesis statement. It does not mention how their “terrible” marriage is related to submissive roles, class range, or financial status. Additionally, the overly generalized language of “all” marriages being terrible marriages during this time is a weak argument.

Topic Sentence 2: Financial matters play a huge role in the Lydgate and Rosamond marriage, as Lydgate has no money and Rosamond is a big spender.

This topic sentence is effective because it directly supports the thesis statement. It is focused on the financial status of this marriage.

Provide Evidence

The type of evidence you use to support your topic sentence will largely depend on the topic of your analytical essay. For example, if you are writing an essay related to a work of literature, you will need to provide direct quotes, paraphrasing, specific details, or a summary from the work to support your main idea. If your topic is related to analyzing data, then you may use figures, statistics, or charts and graph evidence to support your topic sentence.

Regardless of what type of evidence you provide, it must be appropriate and directly relate to and support your topic sentence.

For example, if we take the above thesis and topic sentence, we might select direct quotes, paraphrases, or summaries from the novel Middlemarch that depict the marriage’s financial stress.

Pro Tip: When using direct quotes, make sure you always provide an in-text citation and use correct punctuation to ensure your essay is neat and clean.

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Once you have provided evidence, you should analyze it to illustrate its significance and how it relates to the topic sentence. In your analysis, you can discuss how an author uses certain literary devices to emphasize character traits, themes, patterns, and connections in a literary work.

Be sure that your analysis always connects to the topic sentence/main idea of the paragraph. Avoid introducing new ideas in this section. Save those for later paragraphs or consider creating a new one to explore and analyze the new point.

Conclude Your Paragraph

When closing an analytical paragraph, you can consider doing two things:

●  Briefly emphasize the main point your reader should take away after having read the paragraph.

●  Begin a transition if the analysis continues into the next paragraph. (This strategy may be more suitable for longer, more in-depth analytical essays).

Using the above example topic sentence, we might conclude the paragraph as follows:

Notice how this concluding statement not only emphasizes the main points from the paragraph but also ties back into the thesis statement.

Writing Tips For Analytical Paragraphs

Leave out first person language.

Avoid using language such as “in my opinion,” “from my perspective,” or “I think.” While the analysis is your interpretation of a text or information, you should rely on and focus on using evidence to support your ideas. Overall, you should aim to maintain an objective tone .

Instead of saying “I think Rosamond is manipulative,” you should use evidence from the text to show that she was manipulative. For example, “Rosamond shows a pattern of manipulation throughout Middlemarch , specifically toward her husband. For instance, she says, ‘…’”

Do Writing Exercises

When writing, especially in the early drafts of an essay, it is typical to find the main idea of a paragraph at the end. This is a natural course for our thinking process. However, the main idea should be presented as your topic sentence at the beginning of this paragraph. Additionally, most students leave this main idea at the end because they do not identify it as the main idea.

To overcome this dilemma, try a looping prewriting exercise . In this exercise, you write continuously for a designated time (maybe 10 minutes, your choice). At the end of that time, read over what you’ve written and circle the main idea of the text (this is usually at the end). In the next cycle, you start with this main idea at the beginning and further examine and analyze it.

This is a wonderful exercise to help you pick out main ideas and delve deeper into your analysis.

Get Feedback

If you are a student, there are several options to get feedback for free. Ask a friend to read your essay. Go to your writing center to get feedback and help with your writing. Go to your professor’s office hours with your writing or questions to get detailed advice. More often than not, they are happy to see you take advantage of their expertise.

As a working professional, writer, or author, you can look to fellow authors or bookish friends to read your work. You can find free beta readers online from sites such as Goodreads to get feedback from your target audience. You can also find writing groups on social media platforms.

Proofread Your Work

It can be easy to finish writing an essay and think “Finally, I’m done!” Unfortunately, that is only half the process. Be sure to always read and reread your writing before hitting submit. Check for stray commas, spelling errors, or awkward sentences to make your main ideas and hard work shine. Learn about 6 Quick and Easy Tips for Proofreading you can do at home.

Writing an analytical paragraph doesn’t have to be stressful. Be sure to include a topic sentence at the beginning of your paragraph that connects to the thesis statement. Provide a variety of evidence to support your main idea, analyze the text by highlighting literary devices used, themes, and patterns, and end with a brief concluding statement.

If you need more help with writing analysis, descriptive essays, or any other type of essay, then Proofed is here to help. Try our free trial today!

What Is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence goes at the beginning of a body paragraph and clearly states the main idea of the paragraph.

How Do I Organize an Analytical Paragraph?

An analytical paragraph has four components: topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and conclusion. The topic sentence is the most important part of any body paragraph because it establishes the main idea of the paragraph and relates to the thesis statement.

What Makes a Good Analytical Paragraph?

A good analytical paragraph has a clear topic sentence, strong evidence, and a thorough analysis that reflects the writer’s critical thinking and writing skills. It should conclude by emphasizing the main idea of the paragraph and how it supports the essay overall.

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Outlining and Writing an Analytical Essay

A blank page is every writer's enemy . Whether you're a professional writer or a rookie at the task, the blank page is intimidating—especially when you're assigned an analytical essay. That's why an outline is a writer's best friend, even if you're only a writer for the day. By using an outline, you have a place to start and a format to follow. Not writing an analytical essay? This outline will still do most of the hard work for you in the writing process.

What is an analytical essay?

An analytical essay is an essay that specifically analyzes a document , which is generally textual or visual media. It concentrates on how something is done, specifically how a text is written or how a work is made. It can go by different names, such as Rhetorical Analysis or Critical Essay, but it's important to remember that an analytical essay is not a summary and it is not an argumentative essay. You are not trying to convince anyone to change his or her mind. You are explaining how an author or creator portrayed an aspect of his or her work.

For example, you could write an analytical essay about how George Lucas used color to reflect a character's innocence in the original Star Wars trilogy . This will lead you to analyzing different colors the main characters are wearing, such as black, white, gray, brown, or a mixture. Once you conduct the research to gain a thorough understanding of the topic, you can begin using the outline to shape your essay.

What does an analytical essay look like?

An analytical essay is basically an expanded five-paragraph essay containing an introduction, body, and conclusion, with specific components required for each section.

Introduction

The introduction's significance in any essay shouldn't be underestimated. Your first goal in writing it is attracting the reader's interest with a hook. Then, you should use it to lay the groundwork for what is to come, plainly state your thesis, and provide a brief explanation of what evidence you found to help you arrive at that thesis.

Your introduction should have three parts:

The hook is the very first sentence in your essay and has a simple yet important role of "hooking" your readers into reading further. Often, the hook is a great place to add background details that will interest your readers, such as a statistic or anecdote. You could also pose a question, state relevant facts, or introduce controversy.

Many writers often find it easier to determine the hook after everything else is written. By doing so, you have a more complete view of your essay and can find a fitting hook that encapsulates it in its entirety.

For example, if you were writing the Star Wars-based analysis that was proposed earlier, you could say:

"Black and white are often colors portraying good and evil throughout literature and film, and the original Star Wars trilogy was not exempt from this visual symbolism."

This example introduces the essay topic of visual symbolism and explains the background of color symbolism in texts and media. Once these things are firmly established, you are ready to propose your thesis.

The thesis statement

The thesis statement is the most important sentence in your entire essay because it narrows your broad topic into a specific purpose . Writing a strong thesis will also help you to outline the rest of your essay and to tell your reader what to expect.

How do you write a great, cohesive thesis statement? You do it by combining the goal of your essay with your analysis, and how you're going to back it up.

Returning to our Star Wars analytical essay example:

"George Lucas uses color to reflect a character's innocence and characterization in the original Star Wars trilogy through dressing innocent characters in white, those on the dark side in all black, and neutral characters in both black and white."

In every five-paragraph essay, you need to include a brief statement of supporting facts as part of the thesis statement to show how you are going to back up your thesis. Keep in mind that in longer essays, the thesis statement may be more than one sentence. In these cases, each supporting fact may have its own sentence or sentences. Please note that these supporting facts must be further detailed in the rest of your essay.

It does not matter how many supporting facts your essay has or how many paragraphs go into each reason in the body of the essay. This is dependent on what you need to say, how in-depth the essay should be, and if the essay has a required length. Remember that every supporting fact mentioned in your thesis should be included in further detail within the body of your essay.

The body is the framework or support structure for your thesis statement, and will be a significant part of your essay's word count. However, don't attempt to make the body one big section; it can be broken down into mini sections and paragraphs to make it more logical and readable. These mini sections are dependent on the supporting facts you are using to back up your thesis statement. If your analytical essay uses a five-paragraph essay model , then each supporting fact (or mini section) should be one paragraph long.

Additionally, each paragraph should have four components:

However, if the essay is longer than a traditional five-paragraph essay, each supporting fact will be more than one paragraph long, but each paragraph should still contain the four components.

A claim is the topic sentence for the paragraph, and usually opens it. Often, it is a reworded version of a supporting fact from the thesis, but in longer essays it may be something else. For our example topic, you might write:

"Lucas often dresses his innocent characters in white clothing."

This would tell the reader that the rest of the paragraph would be about Star Wars characters who wore white.

Evidence is what supports your claim and thesis through details of information you've gleaned while researching. This is the meat of your essay and will provide a solid framework for your thesis.

As an example for our topic, you might write:

"In Return of the Jedi, Luke wears black, as he confronts the truth about his father."

The connection, or "the why," is what follows a piece of evidence. You should never use a quote, paraphrase, or example without explaining why it is important. This connection is what ties the evidence and claim together to make a cohesive analysis.

For our example topic, you might draw a connection this way:

"This signifies that Luke was allowing the dark side to influence his thoughts and actions."

After you have connected your evidence and claim, you are ready to move on to the next claim or paragraph. To do so, you must include a logical transition. This transition can be at the end of your prior paragraph, or at the beginning of the new one, depending on the flow of your paragraphs.

In our example, we might use the following as a transition at the beginning of the next paragraph.

"Likewise, we see Anakin under this same dark influence when he first appears in the color black."

The conclusion is the final punch of your analytical essay. This is where you will wrap up your essay, restate your main points, and often reword your thesis with the understanding that the reader has seen your evidence. This is the last thing your reader will read, so make it powerful .

For our example topic, you might write something like this:

"Throughout Star Wars, visual symbolism reflects a character's personality and innocence to the reality of the evil in the world. Often, characters who wore white, such as Luke and Leia, were portrayed as innocent in comparison to Darth Vader, who wore black. To show this, as Luke became more aware of evil, Lucas moved his costume through a color scheme of white to neutral and finally to black, as a reflection of his loss of innocence. Lucas uses this powerful visual technique to represent a character's journey symbolically."

After working through the various components of an analytical essay, the actual writing process should go smoothly (and quickly!). In fact, the components of the essay don't even have to be written in chronological order once you've written a solid introduction with a good thesis, and have researched the topic thoroughly.