8 RJ Analytical Essay Structure

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An analytical essay is one thatanalyses, that is,

itinterprets orexamines something.

Analytical essays make meaning of a text. (i.e.

Romeo & Juliet).

Analytical essays require you to examine yourresponse to, and thoughts about, the reading you

have done.


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A standard5-paragraph analytical essay should

have threeparts:

The introduction

The body - three paragraphs

The conclusion


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Introduces the main idea of your essay

Looks at the issues raised by the essay question

Summarizes the issues to show an understanding

of the question

Outlines the main issues you will present

ANSWERS THE QUESTION!


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In other words, it should flow from thegeneralto thespecific

and contain:

1. General Statement- about one of the topics or ideas

related to the text or context of story

2. Plot Summary- in one sentence

3. Text and the author

4. Thesis - your position on the question/statement

5. Preview of main points - outline topics/arguments for

body paragraphs


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Your thesis shouldANSWER THE QUESTION!

Your thesis should be a brief statement neither too long nor

too short that qualifies or quantifies the statement orquestion you have been given.

All of your arguments mustrelate back to your thesis.

It is a good idea to use the wording of the question to

formulate your thesis/answer.

YourTHESIS=your position on the question or statement and

what you will set out to prove in the body of your essay.


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Your thesis statement is introducedafteryou establish

the general topic andbefore you outline your arguments.

DO NOTwrite any of the following sentences in yourintroduction:

In this paper I will...

This paper will show you that...

The purpose of the paper is to...

So how do you write an introduction?


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It is said that Shakespeares plays are appreciated across

generations because they deal with the human condition. Romeo

and Juliet is a tragedy that explores two teenagers infatuation

with each other. As these titular characters belong to feuding

families, they feel compelled to hide their relationship from their

parents. It is this duplicity that directly and indirectly results

in their ultimate deaths , reinforcing the notion that children

should not deceive their parents. Romeos attendance at the

Capulets party despite knowing that his parents would not

condone it, Juliets duplicity with the Nurse behind her parents

back and Juliets failure to disclose her marriage to Romeo to her

father in spite of her knowing that he has promised her hand to

Paris, all resulted in a tragic ending for the young lovers.

General Statement

Plot Summary

Author/Novel

Thesis

Preview of mainpoints/ arguments

To whatextent? You are

completely agreeing

with the statement.


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The body consists of supporting paragraphs, logically arranged

to develop your main ideas.

List the points/arguments you wish to develop,place each

point in its own paragraph, and expand on each point with

supporting facts, details and examples.

Remember to use transition and link words (like however,

therefore, similarly, in comparison...)


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In other words, each of your body paragraphs should contain:

Topic sentence (point) - identify main idea of paragraph,

introduce first argument (briefly) Explanation - explain your point in a bit more detail/ introduce

the example

Evidence - evidence from the text - direct quote or paraphrased

Explanation - of what this example shows / proves

Linking sentence - sums up the argument and links to the thesis

(Link = Point + Thesis)


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ointA short and succinct topic sentence that introduces

the new point to be made in the paragraph.

xplanation In 1-2 sentences, explain in more detail the point youare making.

vidence

Using quotations, examples or other evidence,

support your explanations. (1-2 sentences)* Remember to explain what this evidence shows/proves.

inking

sentence

This final sentence should link back to support the

main thesis.


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The conclusion draws together the ideas and information presented in the

essay. It summarises or restates the main idea, argument or findings.

The conclusion:

- gives a restatement of the answer to the central question,

- summarises the main points in the essay, and

- points out what the evidence suggests.

The conclusion is vital. Its the last impression the reader has of the essay.

Make it a strong statement, confidently answering the question,

summarising your position, and reviewing the topic.


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In contrast to the introduction, the conclusion should flow

from thespecific to thegeneraland:

T

(hesis) - Restate the thesis.

A (rguments) - Summarise the arguments from eachbody paragraph in a sentence each.

G(eneral Statement) - Concluding statementon thegeneral issue or the relevance of the issue to the real world.

*Never include new information or examples in the conclusio


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Include the following in your conclusion:

A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number one.

A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number two.

A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number three.

A sentence that refers back to your argument.


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Read the question carefully, making sure you understand

the task.

Have an idea that holds your essay togetherfrom start to

finish and make a statement about it at the beginning of the

essay.

Dontwrite down everything you know on the topic.

Take time toplan your essay.

Proof-readyour essay carefully.


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Avoid abbreviations (e.g. i.e., etc.)

Avoid use of brackets (except for your references)

Use formal, academic language, not conversational

language

Do not use contractions (i.e. dont use dont)

Once you have mentioned the authors name once, refer

to them by their surname thereafter

Do not use first person


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Use margins in your work

Leave a line between paragraphs

Underline titles and punctuate with capital letters

You may use pen or pencil but make sure you write

clearly

Do not use ampersands (&)

Try to make your handwriting as neat as possible

if I cannot read it, I cannot mark it!

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8 RJ Analytical Essay Structure