The Analytical Essay

Ms. Marootian

The Introduction Paragraph Hook: First sentence of essay, catches readers

attention (quote from outside source, song lyric, poem line, anecdote)

Connection to hook: Second sentence of essay connects hook to novel (Example: This reflects Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird because)

Summary: 2-3 sentences summarizing novel (catered to your thesis)

Avenues: How you are going to prove your thesis? and Thesis: What you are going to prove to the reader?

THE HOOK Searching the internet for a hook is

a good technique to do after thesis is determined

Example: In the words of philosopher William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist).

Connection to hook Now you must connect your hook to the

novel for a smooth seamless transition.

Example: In the words of William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist).

Harper Lee explores this humble concept in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird through the character of Atticus Finch. Malala Yousoufzai, young Pakistani hero and education activist, displays this as well.

Summary A small summary (2-3 sentences) is needed to

reacquaint your reader with the novel at hand. Example: In the words of William Pascal,

“Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist). Harper Lee explores this humble concept in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird through the character of Atticus Finch. Written in 1960, the novel exposes the difference in the lives of the inhabitants in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930’s. It introduces the idea of how prejudices and racism can be overcome step by step by education and kindness.

Avenues: 2 in this case

Topics of each body paragraph

Example:

Atticus Finch courageously represents Tom Robinson in order to teach a lesson to his kids.

Malala Yousufzai courageously stands up for the rights of women in order to make a change.

Thesis Final sentence (for now). What you are

going to prove in your essay

Example: While both heroes make significant changes to society, Malala is more heroic because she risked more than just her reputation, she risked her life.

The Body Paragraph

Ms. Marootian

Three Components in Each Paragraph

1. Topic Sentence (first sentence in body-Avenue #1)

2. Textual Support (Embedded Quotes- at least 3 per paragraph)

3. Further Analysis of Quote Repeat Above 2 steps THREE

times/paragraph

Topic Sentence Body Paragraph must begin with a solid

topic sentence to show the reader what you are going to prove in the paragraph.

It is basically your 1st avenue repeated

Example: F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays women as foolish regardless of class.

Textual Support After the topic sentence is where you begin

embedding quotes to prove your point

Example: Myrtle is seen as easily fooled when she reveals that she “thought she married a gentleman” but found out he wasn’t “fit to lick her shoe” (39).

Further Analysis After you embed the quote you must

further analyze it to be fully effective.

Example: Here the reader can see Myrtle’s inability to discern truth from reality due to the blinders placed upon her by society.

Concluding Sentence

Each of your body paragraphs needs a concluding sentence

It should be connected to thesis, mirror the topic sentence- but be more analytical

The Conclusion Paragraph

The function of the conclusion paragraph is to leave the reader with something interesting and memorable

A conclusion is essential to the essay because it shows the reader why the essay was important.

The conclusion should be an “answer” to the bigger question: So what? (ie. Why did you just write this piece?)

Aim to: Answer the question "So What?”

Show them that your paper was meaningful and useful.

Synthesize, don't summarize : Don't simply repeat things that were in your paper. They have read it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used fit together.

Aim to: Redirect your readers: Give your reader

something to think about, perhaps a way to use your paper in the "real" world. Think globally.

Create a new meaning: You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the paper is worth more than its parts.

Good Conclusion Techniques

Restate thesis and avenues only

Compare ideas to a modern experience from the media (news, TV, film)

Or Offer a personal connection to what you proved (you may use “I” here)

No-Nos Do not begin with “in

conclusion”, the reader knows it it your conclusion

Do not simply restate your ideas from intro, that is unnecessary and extraneous