Analytical Writing

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.Jonatahn Livingston is not about..
2.Hamlet..

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.

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?

How to Structure Essays

Introduction
THIS IS YOUR FIRST PARAGRAPH
The introduction must include the following information:

1. Start with a lead to capture your readers 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.
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How to Structure Essays

Introduction
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

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?

How to Structure Essays

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, Im right across from you (118).

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

Gatsby tells Daisy, Im right across from you (118). Gatsby purchases a mansion in

West Egg that overlooks Daisys 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:
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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.

How to Structure Essays

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Introduction
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

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?

How to Structure Essays

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 CLICH.
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How to Structure Essays

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Introduction
Introduce the text, author, and your central idea

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?

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

anyone can see that

tries to