How to write an analytical essay…step by step
Make sure to read the essay prompt or question you are answering in your essay first so you know what you are supposed to be talking about. Next brainstorm on that idea and make a rough outline of those ideas so you know how you will organize your essay. Next write out a rough draft and have someone else read it for ideas and proofreading. Finally type your essay in MLA format and do one last check for proofreading errors before you turn it in.
Introduction paragraph
The first sentence of an introductory paragraph should hook the reader into reading your essay. It should provide some kind of interesting or relevant quote, thought, or statistic.
The next two to three sentences should give sufficient background information so that your thesis statement will make sense. The background information should include the title, and author’s name as well as relevant information for the book. Only a little bit of plot summary is necessary as I have read the book and don’t need to read it again J.
In between the background information and the thesis statement should be a transitional sentence. This sentence helps the reader connect the book to a larger theme or idea that you will be talking about.
The thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph and it should answer the teacher’s questions or prompt. A thesis statement is an opinion that you will prove in your essay. A thesis statement is never plot. A strong thesis statement should take a stand on your issue, justify discussion, express one main idea, and be specific.
Good examples:
“Oedipus Tyrannus conveys the powerful concept that humans do not control their own destiny, and no matter what heights they achieve, they cannot escape the will of the Gods.”
or
“Because the Internet is filled with tremendous marketing potential, companies should exploit this potential by using web pages that offer both advertising and customer support.”
Not so good examples:
“Night was a powerful book with many examples of cruetly.”
or
“There are some negative and positive aspects to the Banana Herb Tea Supplement.”
Body paragraphs
Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. A topic sentence is telling the reader what that paragraph will be about. Topic sentences are never plot, but are a thought or an idea that you will prove. All ideas and quotations introduced in this paragraph should relate to this topic.
(L) The next sentence should lead into your quotation. This sentence helps the reader know what your first point will be.
(Q) Using a quotation is to prove your idea or point. Make sure the quotation is not too long and does actually prove your point. Make sure to check your MLA handout for how to cite it correctly.
(A) After your quotation comes your analysis of or commentary on the quotation. Commentary is your own thoughts on the topic, not just a restatement or rephrasing of the quotation. This is the heart of your essay where you explain your ideas. Here is where you say why the quotation is important to your point. Your analysis or commentary should be at least 2 sentences per quotation.
Your next sentences are a repeat of the pervious format with one sentence to lead into your next quotation (L), your quotation (Q), and your 2 sentences of analysis (A).
End each body paragraph summing up your points with a concluding statement. The conclusion ties all your ideas for this paragraph.
Concluding paragraph
The concluding paragraph should begin with a general statement, which ties back into your main thesis statement.
The next three to four sentences should restate the points of your essay (never plot summary or new quotations in concluding paragraph). This is where you answer the “so what does this all mean” question and explain the significance of your topic to the book.
The last sentence or two should be powerful with your theme tying into the larger world. What does this theme have to say about the world or the human condition?
Tips to remember for your writing…
Always have a creative title (not the title of the book)
No double double spacing!
No no words; never use these…
This (quote) shows…
This is important because…
So…
As you can see…
In conclusion/In summary…
I’m going to show…
For example…
I think/In my opinion/I believe…
The reason is because…
An example is when/where…
In this novel/in this book