analytical writing key concepts to review. heading: top right corner name date always provide a...

Analytical Writing

Key concepts to review

• 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

Formatting

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:

Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love because they move too fast, they keep secrets, and they hurt each other.

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How to Structure Essays

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?

The order in which you present

your arguments is a m

atter of style.

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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.

RARELY BEGIN YOUR INTRODUCTION

WITH A RHETORICAL QUESTION!

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Introduction– Introduce the text, author, and your central idea




Conclusion– Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence– Reiterate how you got there – So what? What connections can be made?

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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:

Gatsby tells Daisy, “I’m right across from you” (118).

• Explanation of quotation and how it connects to your thesis statement:

• 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.

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How Do I Quote?

Introduce– Provide Context: Who is the speaker? To whom is the speaker speaking?

What is occurring in the plot at this time?

Quote– 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:“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

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.

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Conclusion– Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence– Reiterate how you got there– So what? What connections can be made?

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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?”

This should connect your paper to a broader topic, concern, or theme.

DO NOT USE A CLICHÉ.

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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. Write in the third person.

2. Write in the present tense.

3. Avoid using pronouns such as: “I” “you” “we” “us” “me”

4. Avoid using slang.

5. Avoid generalizations such as:“everyone who reads this book” “anyone can see that”

6. Avoid weak language such as:“it seems” “attempts to” “tries to”

THINGS YOU

ALWAYS WANT

TO DO WHEN

WRITING:

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