An Analytical
Summary
Information compiled by Mrs. Shoulders
Definition
• An analytic summary is an essay that both summarizes
and analyzes a particular aspect of a text, using
specific textual evidence to support that analysis.
Unlike a traditional summary, which summarizes the
text as a general whole, an analytic summary is
focused on one aspect of the text that may or may not
go across the text in its entirety.
• Definition given from TNCore website.
Sample
• Please read “The Woman Called Moses” by Walter
Oleksy and Meg Mims. In this text, the authors
develop several central ideas.
• After you have read, determine one central idea from
the text and write an essay that both summarizes and
analyzes how that central idea is conveyed through
particular details. Cite evidence from the text to
support your analysis. Follow the conventions of
standard written English.
Important Features
• The first sentence should state the writer’s name, the title of the piece
and a thesis statement.
• Only include major ideas, with examples that are of primary
importance.
• Your intention should be evidence throughout the piece. Make sure it
is part of your thesis statement.
• Events should be mentioned in the order that they occur in the text.
• Paraphrase mostly but you can use a few quotes as evidence.
• Write in present tense, third person singular.
• Your paper will be shorter than the original text.
Caveats
• As outlined in the directives, there may be more than one possible central
idea. Students are given some latitude in the idea they choose. However, it
must be clearly conveyed by details from the text. Selecting a weak,
unsupported idea from the text will not lead to a successful response.
• Responses that do not address a central idea will be unable to achieve an
adequate score in Development or Focus & Organization, as they will not
have completed the task directives.
• Responses that simply summarize the text, without providing an explanation
of how the selected details convey or support the chosen central idea, will be
unable to achieve an adequate score in Development or Focus &
Organization.
• Responses that rely heavily on direct copying of the text will be unable to
achieve consistency in Language or Conventions. Only original student
writing can adequately show consistent skill.