Keys to a Strong Analytical

Essay

preface

Skill-Sets for Success in

Today’s Economy

Analytical

Communication(incl. writing and speaking)

and / or…

A 98-MPH fastball

Keys to a Strong Analytical

Essay

Preparation

• Note down significant details (and page #’s) as you read your sources

• Read the essay Q closely and highlight its key parts

• Write an outline before you start your essay

Thesis

Thesis

• Clear and plausible

• Insightful, sophisticated, original

Analysis

Analysis

• well-supported with specific evidence

• transcends simple observation, offers original insights

Logic and Argumentation

1st

Logic and Argumentation

• Analysis is clear to see

• Shows an understanding of the essay assignment

• Evidence is clearly related and supports the argument

Logic and Argumentation

2nd

Logic and Argumentation

• Anticipates and defends against counter-arguments

• Raises new questions and insights on the topic

Traps!

Assertion

vs.

Argument

Assertion:

Humpty Dumpty was foolish. Sitting on a wall can be a dangerous activity. Later generations could indeed learn from Humpty Dumpty, avoiding not only the walls but also the great falls to which they contribute.

Assertion:

Humpty Dumpty was foolish. Sitting on a wall can be a dangerous activity. Later generations could indeed learn from Humpty Dumpty, avoiding not only the walls but also the great falls to which they contribute.

Argument:

Humpty Dumpty was foolish. His lack of care can be seen not only in his frenetic assumption of a seat on the wall but also in period accounts of his uncontrolled frivolity as noted by Francis Dinkelhoffer, one of the so-called ‘Merry Old Men’ [Dinkelhoffer (1483): 45]. Indeed, as one emergency room report from the incident also recounted, Dumpty “toppled from a great height with injuries worsened via slam dancing and extreme intoxication.” [Old King Cole Hospital Report, 22 March 1481, p.84, cited in E. G. G. Benedict (2004): 348]. We can see from this evidence that Humpty Dumpty did not always utilize his full faculties of wisdom or forethought.

Narrative

vs.

Analysis

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Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Your voice. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail. Too much detail.

Supporting Detail?

Be selective.

Don’t retell the whole story… structure your essay w/ analysis + evidence.

Structure?

• Intro Paragraph: including clear statement of thesis

• Body: paragraphs framed by analysis, with supporting evidence

• Conclusion: Revisit thesis, raise further questions or implications…

More Traps!

Evidence

• Does it actually support your analytical points?

• Is it thorough throughout the essay?

• Could it support a counter-argument?

And don’t forget…

Mechanics

• Avoid spelling mistakes, passive voice, run-on sentences, fragments, and comma splices…

• Use proper punctuation

• Use a consistent citation format

And always…

always…

always…

proofread

Overwhelmed?

UMW Writing CentersVisit us!

http://academics.umw.edu/writing-fredericksburg/

http://academics.umw.edu/writing-stafford/

Need help on a History Paper?

Visit our UMW History and American Studies Resources Page at

http://bit.ly/HISA-Resources

“Keys to a Strong Analytical Essay” by Susan Fernsebner / susanfernsebner.org

Image Credits

Papelbon Pitches – Waldo Jaquith - http://www.flickr.com/photos/waldoj/126362372/

Outtake – Nooo! [Overwhelmed] – Andres.thor - http://www.flickr.com/photos/andresthor/3963368371/