Analytical Essay Writing

What is an analytical essay?An analytical essay, as you would assume, analyses an event, person, or text. Generally, an analytical essay is centred on an argument or idea, with supporting paragraphs to prove the argument analytically.

Unlike a persuasive essay, the arguments within an analytical essay can be wrong. Rather than give your opinion to convince an audience, you are exposing elements of the text to inform your audience. You

achieve this through using evidence and logic.

Your language should be purposeful and formal.

Essay structureThesis (Introduction)

Introducing the topic

and indicating the

writer’s point of view.

Argument

Support the thesis

using facts and

evidence from sources

Reiteration (Conclusion)

Restating the thesis.

summary/conclusion of what

has been stated before in the

previous paragraphs.

Argument

Support the thesis

using facts and

evidence from sources

Argument

Support the thesis

using facts and

evidence from sources

Thesis statementYour thesis statement (main idea, focus) must be clearly stated in your introductory paragraph. It will be based on your chosen question.

The thesis should be fairly broad. Stay away from narrow statements or facts that can be easily proven or disproven. Give yourself a challenge – and the reader will be engaged. Usually the thesis statement is the sentence that ends your introduction.

A bad thesis

Broad, biased statement

Informal language

Ponyboy is more mature than Johnny because he has a better family who supports him and Johnny don’t.

No opportunity for argument

Ponyboy’s maturity is reflected in The Outsiders to a

large extent, especially in comparison to characters like

Johnny. His ability to reflect critically on his own

emotions and thoughts allow him to make informed

decisions that demonstrate a high level of maturity.

A good thesis

Explanation with room for

further argument

Re-worded question

Formal language

Your turnRespond to the following question by writing

one bad and one good thesis.

In The Outsiders, how is the theme of love represented through Ponyboy’scharacter?

Body paragraphsApproximately three paragraphs – these paragraphs should answer the question ‘why?’They need to give evidence to support your thesis. Include the following in each paragraph:

– Specific examples to prove your point– Quotations from the novel, passages, descriptions

and comparisons– Explanation of the significance of your examples in

terms of the thesis statement. How do they fit in with your main ideas – why are they relevant?

– Link your ideas back to your thesis in each paragraph.

Teel structure

Topic sentence: this is where you state your argument

Explain: This is where you explain what your argument is about (this can sometimes be 2 - 3 sentences long)

Example: this is where you provide an example justifying your point of view on the argument

Link: this is where you sum up this point and link it to your next point (this can also be between 2 –3 sentences)

Your turnSort the following sentences into TEEL

structure, matching them against their

appropriate heading -

Ponyboy portrays the theme of love in The Outsidersthrough his friendship with Johnny.

As the two youngest members of the Greasers, Ponyboy and

Johnny spend a lot of time together and become close.

This is shown when Johnny kills rival gang member, Bob, and

Ponyboy protects him by fleeing and hiding with him.

Ponyboy’s loyalty under a stressful and life-threatening

situation demonstrates his love for his friend.

Conclusion

One paragraph only – here you need to tell the reader what you told them throughout the essay and leave them with something to think about. Include the following:

• Restate your thesis, emphasise the main points that you have made;

• Provide a summary of the three main points of your body paragraphs

• Put these together using words like – In conclusion, it is evident, it is obvious, clearly…

• Leave the reader with something to think about.

Referencing quotes

When using quotes (which you will, because this is your evidence), you need to reference and format them

correctly. If your quote is one or two lines, they will

look like this –

Ponyboy describes the Greasers’ signature look in saying, “I am a greaser and most of my neighbourhood

rarely bothers to get a haircut” (Hinton, 1967, p.1)

Make sure you use quotation marks around the quote,

reference source author, year and page number in brackets at the end of the quote, and if your quote is in

a sentence, use commas properly.

Referencing quotes

If your quote is more than 40 words, it will look like this –

In describing the Greasers’ signature look, Ponyboy says,

I only mean that most greasers do things like that, just like we wear our hair long and dress in blue jeans and T-shirts, or leave out shirttails out and wear leather jackets and tennis shoes or boots. I’m not saying that either Socs or greasers are better; that’s just the way things are (Hinton, 1967, p. 3).

Then continue your paragraph down here without indentation.

Your turnChoose two quotes from the novel – one short quote and one long quote.

Practice using these quotes within sentences, using appropriate referencing conventions.

Analytical Writing skills

Warm up activityFill in the blanks for the following sentences using which or that -

Ponyboy’s parents passed away, ______ is why he lives with

his two older brothers.

The Socials are the gang ______ beat up Johnny.

The theme of violence, ________ is represented through the

two gangs, is prevalent in The Outsiders.

the following quote from chapter three represents love

______ is portrayed through ponyboy and his brothers

Fix

the p

unct

uation in t

his

sente

nce

as

well!

High modality languageIt is important to use high modality language in your essay so that you convince your readers of your

argument. High modality language leaves no doubt or uncertainty. Some examples of high modality words are -

Must No Doubt It is Vital Definitely

Absolutely Surely Outrageous

Shall definitely Evidently Agree

Always Certainly Never

Certainty Guarantee Will Strongly Have To Am Without a doubt

Your turnChange the following sentences to become more

convincing by using high-modality words.

Dally might be the most supportive character in the novel.

The Greasers don’t leave their friends behind.

The Outsiders is a good book for some teenagers.

Ponyboy is sad after Johnny dies.

Connectives

Connectives are words used to join two ideas

or sentences together. They can be used

within sentences, or at the beginning of sentences. Try using a

variety of connectives

to avoid repetition and create interest within

your essay.

editingEditing your own work for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and flow is incredibly important. Simple

mistakes in your essay can be the difference between receiving a B or an A, or can completely change the presentation of your arguments. If you do not read over your work before submission, you risk not being

able to demonstrate your knowledge and ability.

• Use spellcheck to assist your spelling

• Check for any green or red underlined words

• Read your work out loud – does it make sense?

• Send your work to someone else to edit

Your turn

Write a short review of

The Outsiders without using

proper grammar,

punctuation, spelling, or

flow, and then send it to a

friend to edit!