Analytical Writing
Key concepts to review
Formatting
• Heading: TOP RIGHT CORNER
Name
Date
• Always provide a creative title.
• The title should be in the center
of your paper.
• DO NOT UNDERLINE, BOLD,
OR ITALICIZE YOUR TITLE
• 12 pt. Times New Roman Font
HEADER
HERE
Title
Indent and begin writing assignment here. This
is now where you will begin your paper.
Central Idea = ARGUMENT

The argument your paper is going to make.

This idea could be based upon:
–
Characters, setting, plot, economic conditions,
circumstances of gender, point of view,
symbolism, etc.
CENTRAL IDEA EXAMPLES:
1. Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love.
2. Ralph is a hero.
Thesis Statement = CENTRAL IDEA + TOPICS OF EVIDENCE

A sentence that will organize all of your topics of
evidence that support your CENTRAL IDEA.

A thesis statement must:
–
–
–
1. State an opinion as a fact; it must be debatable.
Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love.
2. Have several topics of evidence (most likely 3).
3. Introduce each topic in the order in which you plan to discuss
it in your body paragraphs.
Thesis Statement Example:

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Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love
because they move too fast, they keep
secrets, and they hurt each other.
How to Structure Essays
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
Introduction
–
Introduce the text, author, and your thesis statement at the end.

Body Paragraph 1
–
1st topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 2
–
2nd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 3
–
3rd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Conclusion
–
Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence
–
Reiterate how you got there
–
So what? What connections can be made?
How to Structure Essays

Introduction
THIS IS YOUR FIRST PARAGRAPH
The introduction must include the following information:
1. Start with a lead to capture your reader’s attention.
2. Introduce the text, author, and allude to (hint at) your central idea.
3. Provide background information on characters, setting,
themes, vocabulary… that is critical to understanding your idea.
4. Your last sentence is your THESIS STATEMENT
that contains your central idea and topics of evidence.
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How to Structure Essays
8

Introduction
–
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

Body Paragraph 1
–
1st topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 2
–
2nd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 3
–
3rd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Conclusion
–
Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence
–
Reiterate how you got there
–
So what? What connections can be made?
How to Structure Essays

Body Paragraphs
–
–
–
Topic sentence should connect to each topic of evidence in your
thesis statement.
You should include context and logic leading up to your textual
evidence. THIS SHOULD BE A FEW SENTENCES.
Textual evidence:

•
Explanation of quotation and how it connects to your thesis
statement:
•
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Gatsby tells Daisy, “I’m right across from you” (118).
Gatsby tells Daisy, “I’m right across from you” (118). Gatsby purchases
a mansion in West Egg that overlooks Daisy’s home across the bay in
East Egg. Gatsby hopes that Daisy will catch sight of one of his
lavish parties and decide to venture over.
How Do I Quote?

Introduce
–

Quote
–

Provide Context: Who is the speaker? To whom is the speaker speaking?
What is occurring in the plot at this time?
Seamlessly blend the quotation into your text.
Explain
–
How does this quote support your central idea?
This is ANALYSIS!
DO NOT BEGIN YOUR EXPLANATION WITH:
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“This quote shows…”
“This quote is important because…”
“In this quote…”
Textual Evidence

Cite quotations “quote.” (I.iii.76)
That is shorthand for: Act I scene iii line 76

Always include textual evidence in analytical
essays.
Why?
–
–
It will make your argument stronger.
No one will be able to dispute your claims if you
are able to back them up.
Example of Textual Evidence

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When Romeo reaches Juliet’s garden, Juliet
appears and says to herself, “…be but sworn my
love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” (II.ii.37-38)
Juliet, who thinks she is in love with Romeo,
would defy her family so that she can be with
Romeo and have love. Love is so forceful that it
can make Juliet ditch her family for a charming
boy she just met a few hours ago. This love,
however, isn’t really love for Romeo.
How to Structure Essays
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
Introduction
–
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

Body Paragraph 1
–
1st topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 2
–
2nd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 3
–
3rd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Conclusion
–
Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence
–
Reiterate how you got there
–
So what? What connections can be made?
How to Structure Essays
 Conclusion
Reiterate your central idea.
– Stress the importance of your topics of evidence.
DO NOT RESTATE YOUR THESIS STATEMENT IN THE
SAME WORDS THAT YOU USED IN YOUR
INTRODUCTION.
– Leave the reader with one final impression that answers
the question, “So what?”
–

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
This should connect your paper to a broader topic, concern, or
theme.
DO NOT USE A CLICHÉ.
How to Structure Essays
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
Introduction
–
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

Body Paragraph 1
–
1st topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 2
–
2nd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Body Paragraph 3
–
3rd topic of evidence
–
Include one-three pieces of textual evidence

Conclusion
–
Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence
–
Reiterate how you got there
–
So what? What connections can be made?
Key Factors for Writing
1.
2.
3.
Write in the third person.
Write in the present tense.
Avoid using pronouns such as:
“I” “you” “we” “us” “me”
4.
5.
Avoid using slang.
Avoid generalizations such as:
“everyone who reads this book”
6.
“anyone can see that”
Avoid weak language such as:
“it seems” “attempts to”
“tries to”