Writing an Analytical Essay

1
Writing an Analytical Essay
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Organization

• 5 paragraphs! (this is across the board for all
  English 9 classes)
• Balanced the introduction and/or conclusion
  should never outweigh the body paragraphs in
  length or importance. (hand analogy)

3
The Thesis Statement

• The LAST sentence of the FIRST paragraph/intro.
• This maps out the focus of your essay.
• Is a statementnot statementS. One sentence
  for a thesis statement.
• Each body paragraph should connect back to the
  thesis.

4
Quoting from the Literature

• Comes from the text, excerpt, novel, play, etc.
• Supplies the necessary EVIDENCE to PROVE your
  thesis statement. (Courtroom analogy.)
• Analysis and/or synthesis of the quote must
  follow.
• Quotes should NEVER end a paragraph. This forces
  assumption on the reader and lacks analysis and
  synthesis.
• Refer to handout on proper quoting!!!!

5
Tense and POV when writing about Literature

• POV is third person only. No 1st (I, me, my, we,
  our) or 2nd (you, your, youre) person is to be
  used!!
• When referring to the action taking place in a
  piece of literature, PRESENT tense should be used
  because the action always continues. (Music card
  analogy)

6
The PowerParagraph!
A Visual Representation
Indent
1
Paragraph
2
Topic sentence that states the main idea of the
paragraph
These groups should refer to the thesis
throughout
Commentary, statements, observations (your own
words)
Supporting evidence from text (quote)!!
Analysis and/or synthesis of the importance of
the quote
Concluding idea that connects back to the thesis
statement
For thoroughness, it is a good idea to include an
extra set of red, yellow, and green in your
paragraph. This will provide depth and
additional evidence to prove your thesis.