An analytical essay is one that analyses, that is, it interprets or examines something. Analytical essays make meaning of a text.

(i.e. Romeo & Juliet). Analytical essays require you to examine your response to, and thoughts about, the reading you have done.

A standard 5-paragraph analytical essay should have three parts:

The introduction The body - three paragraphs The conclusion

Introduces the main idea of your essay Looks at the issues raised by the essay question Summarizes the issues to show an understanding of the question Outlines the main issues you will present ANSWERS THE QUESTION!

In other words, it should flow from the general to the specific and contain: General Statement - about one of the topics or ideas related to the text or context of story
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Plot Summary - in one sentence Text and the author Thesis - your position on the question/statement

Preview of main points - outline topics/arguments for body paragraphs

Your thesis should ANSWER THE QUESTION! Your thesis should be a brief statement neither too long nor too short that qualifies or quantifies the statement or question you have been given.

All of your arguments must relate back to your thesis. It is a good idea to use the wording of the question to formulate your thesis/answer. Your THESIS = your position on the question or statement and what you will set out to prove in the body of your essay.

Your thesis statement is introduced after you establish the general topic and before you outline your arguments. DO NOT write any of the following sentences in your introduction:
In this paper I will... This paper will show you that... The purpose of the paper is to...

So how do you write an introduction?

General Statement Author/Novel Plot Summary Thesis

It is said that Shakespeares plays are appreciated across generations because they deal with the human condition. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that explores two teenagers infatuation with each other. As these titular characters belong to feuding families, they feel compelled to hide their relationship from their parents. It is this duplicity that directly and indirectly results in their ultimate deaths , reinforcing the notion that children should not deceive their parents. Romeos attendance at the Capulets party despite knowing that his parents would not condone it, Juliets duplicity with the Nurse behind her parents back and Juliets failure to disclose her marriage to Romeo to her father in spite of her knowing that he has promised her hand to Paris, all resulted in a tragic ending for the young lovers.

To what extent? You are

completely agreeing with the statement.

Preview of main points/ arguments

The body consists of supporting paragraphs, logically arranged to develop your main ideas.

List the points/arguments you wish to develop, place each point in its own paragraph, and expand on each point with supporting facts, details and examples.

Remember to use transition and link words (like however, therefore, similarly, in comparison...)

In other words, each of your body paragraphs should contain:

Topic sentence (point) - identify main idea of paragraph, introduce first argument (briefly) Explanation - explain your point in a bit more detail/ introduce the example Evidence - evidence from the text - direct quote or paraphrased Explanation - of what this example shows / proves Linking sentence - sums up the argument and links to the thesis (Link = Point + Thesis)

oint xplanation

A short and succinct topic sentence that introduces the new point to be made in the paragraph. In 1-2 sentences, explain in more detail the point you are making. Using quotations, examples or other evidence, support your explanations. (1-2 sentences)
* Remember to explain what this evidence shows/proves.

vidence inking sentence

This final sentence should link back to support the main thesis.

The conclusion draws together the ideas and information presented in the essay. It summarises or restates the main idea, argument or findings.

The conclusion: - gives a restatement of the answer to the central question, - summarises the main points in the essay, and - points out what the evidence suggests.

The conclusion is vital. Its the last impression the reader has of the essay. Make it a strong statement, confidently answering the question, summarising your position, and reviewing the topic.

In contrast to the introduction, the conclusion should flow from the specific to the general and:

T (hesis) - Restate the thesis. A (rguments) - Summarise the arguments from each
body paragraph in a sentence each.

G (eneral Statement) - Concluding statement on the

general issue or the relevance of the issue to the real world.
*Never include new information or examples in the conclusio

Include the following in your conclusion:

A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number one. A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number two. A re-stated sentence from body paragraph number three. A sentence that refers back to your argument.

Read the question carefully, making sure you understand the task. Have an idea that holds your essay together from start to finish and make a statement about it at the beginning of the essay. Dont write down everything you know on the topic. Take time to plan your essay. Proof-read your essay carefully.

Avoid abbreviations (e.g. i.e., etc.) Avoid use of brackets (except for your references) Use formal, academic language, not conversational language Do not use contractions (i.e. dont use dont) Once you have mentioned the authors name once, refer to them by their surname thereafter Do not use first person

Use margins in your work Leave a line between paragraphs Underline titles and punctuate with capital letters You may use pen or pencil but make sure you write clearly Do not use ampersands (&) Try to make your handwriting as neat as possible if I cannot read it, I cannot mark it!