Writing

The Analytical Paragraph

What is an Analytical Paragraph?
 A paragraph is a written text (roughly 7 – 10
sentences in length) based on the development of a
single idea which may stand alone or relate to a larger
topic (lengthier essay).

 Rhetorical or style analysis asks the writer to explain

how a writer uses stylistic or rhetorical devices to
convey certain thoughts, ideas, or feelings.

Paragraph + Analysis = Analytical Paragraph

(A written text based on the analysis of a subject)
STRUCTURE
A. Topic Sentence
B. The Introduction of Evidence
C. The Evidence
D. Analysis
E. Transition
F. Repeat Steps B - D  you should have at
least two solid examples to support your
topic sentence
G. Concluding Sentence
A. TOPIC SENTENCE
Introduces what the paragraph is
going to be about; establishes a
guideline for the paragraph

ANALYTICAL TOPIC SENTENCE

In (title) the author uses (diction,
imagery, details, metaphor, point of view, etc.) to
(reveal, show, explore, portray, emphasize, suggest)
(tone, theme, purpose).
INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE
 Introduce the example you are going to use
from the text  provide the reader with a
context, frame of reference, for the
evidence you are going to provide
 Should include: who is involved in the
example/quote, why it happened, what is
going on in general, when it all happened
(in terms of the story) and/or where it is all
taking place
EVIDENCE
Cite direct evidence from the text that
supports your assertion in the topic sentence
and allows for elaboration (analysis)

 Do NOT over-quote. Use only what is needed

to make the point.
 Avoid quotes that simply repeat what you
have already said
 Avoid quotes that are too complex to
support one idea or don’t have anything to
do with the topic sentence in the first place
ANALYSIS (Commentary)
 This is the part where you tell the
reader why you think the example you
chose supports your point (in the
topic sentence)
 The commentary demonstrates your
knowledge or understanding as to
WHY THE AUTHOR CHOSE to use this
particular language or rhetorical device.
You might write: The writer uses this word
to suggest that…; By this simile, the
author intends to show that…
NEVER SAY: “In this quotation…”
Analysis continued…
 Commentary functions as a bridge
between your evidence and the topic
sentence
 CONNECT your example to the purpose
you stated in the topic sentence
 Aim for two or more sentences of
commentary – the more analysis you
do, the more credible you seem to the
reader.
TRANSITION
 A good analytical paragraph will have at
least two solid examples to support the
main idea and you can’t just slap another
example in after the analysis of the first.
Therefore, you must show the connection
between the previous example and the one
you’re about to provide…hence, the
TRANSITION to the next example…(can be
a word, phrase or complete sentence)
 What are some transition words and
phrases you know?
REPEAT
 Introduction of 2nd piece of evidence
(quotation or example)
 2nd piece of Evidence (quotation or
example)
 Analysis of 2nd piece of evidence
(quotation or example)
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
 Tie it all together for your reader so
that he/she knows exactly what you
are talking about and is left with
something to think about
 Do not simply restate your topic
sentence
 Make your concluding sentence more
specific
 When asked to write an Analytical Paragraph,
you are more than likely being asked to
the author’s choices
determine what
reveal about his/her intent.
 Writers make choices. Analysis is the ability to
understand WHY a writer made particular
choices, e.g.:
 Why use that word? (diction)
 Why use that simile? (figurative language)
 Why include certain details?
 Why use intentional repetition? (syntax)
 To write a literary analysis, an individual must
understand the connection between what an
author means to say and the choices s/he has
made.
What if?
If your topic sentence was:
In “Passage”, Roderick uses
intense, vivid imagery to portray
the speaker’s voice.

 What kind of evidence are you

looking for?
 What two examples (quotations; text
evidence) from the poem could you use?
What if?
If your topic sentence was:
In the poem “Passage,” Roderick uses
horrific diction and strategic
onomatopoeia to convey the poem’s
theme.

 What kind of evidence are you looking for?

 Which one will come first?
 What two examples (quotes/text evidence) from
the poem could you use?