Descriptive Vs Analytical.

How to get a big score on Criterion C

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 EE Rubric, Criterion C: Descriptive Essay.
1-3 Analysis is limited.
• There is limited analysis.
• Where there are conclusions to individual points of analysis these are limited
and not consistent with the evidence.

Discussion/evaluation is limited.
• An argument is outlined but this is limited, incomplete, descriptive or narrative
in nature.
• The construction of an argument is unclear and/or incoherent in structure
hindering understanding.
• Where there is a final conclusion, it is limited and not consistent with the
arguments/evidence presented.
• There is an attempt to evaluate the research, but this is superficial.
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 EE Rubric, Criterion C: Analytical Essay.
9 – 12 Analysis is excellent.

• The research is analysed effectively and clearly focused on the research question; the
inclusion of less relevant research does not significantly detract from the quality of the
overall analysis.
• Conclusions to individual points of analysis are effectively supported by the evidence.

Discussion/evaluation is excellent.
• An effective and focused reasoned argument is developed from the research with a
conclusion reflective of the evidence presented.
• This reasoned argument is well structured and coherent; any minor inconsistencies do
not hinder the strength of the overall argument or the final or summative conclusion.
• The research has been critically evaluated.
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 Secrets of outstanding analysis:

1. Refer back to your research question regularly throughout your essay.

Your essay is a narrative that is answering your question.

2. Only include data/information that helps you address the research question.
Irrelevant data or information lowers your grade and detracts from your narrative.

3. Follow analytical essay paragraph and essay structure.

Clarity in structure means ease of writing.

4. Answer your research question, but briefly discuss why your answer may not be
complete.
This demonstrates higher-level critical thinking.

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Referring to your question in your Introduction:

“To fully address the research question, it is necessary to firstly provide a

background of [the significance of Shakespeare’s illustration of Hamlet].
Following this, [a broader view of insanity archetypes in literature] will be used
to scaffold an analysis of [the connection of criminality to insanity in modern
popular culture].
The first part of your lit review/discussion/Essay

The second part of your lit review/discussion/Essay

The connection to your question https://registrar.byu.edu/academic-reporting

Referring to your question in your essay body: (sentence starters)
1. Examining this evidence through the lens of the essay question [clearly
illustrates the role of stable electrical infrastructure as a contributor to
economic growth.]

2. This clearly demonstrates [the role of temperature as a contributing factor in

reaction rates…]

3. Linked to the research question, it can be shown that [children’s food

preferences rely partly on acculturation between the ages of one and seven.]

4. Superimposing this idea over the research question subsequently reveals the
direct link between [playing rock guitar and being superior to vegans, and
people who like Kanye West or Lil Wayne]
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Only include relevant data/information
1. By stating how it refers back to the research question, you will make
sure to include only relevant information.

2. If you are utilising tables of data, only present a summary of the data
in your text.

3. Don’t state the same point twice. Repetition is unnecessary and

irrelevant.

4. Avoid floating tables or graphs:

A floating table or graph has no accompanying heading, description
or analysis.

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3. Follow analytical essay structure: Universal Academic Paragraph Structure.

Three essential components:

1. Some information, usually from your research, or a statement based on

your research. Usually referenced.

2. A statement that describes what this information means or why it’s

important in more general, or easier terms.

3. A statement analysing what this information means to your argument or

your research question.
This is the MOST important part of your paragraph. This is your
analysis. This statement or idea will also appear in your conclusion.
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3. Example: Universal Academic Paragraph Structure.

“Firstly, higher levels of education have shown to support higher levels

of economic growth, and greater health outcomes in terms of life
expectancy (UNDP, 2015). This mirrors research showing education
attainment as a key driver of law and order in developing countries (St
Pierre, 2012). It follows then, that education is positive contributor to
social wellbeing. In terms of the research question, foreign aid
investments in education can be seen to have a far greater effect of
supporting development than food aid alone.”

Information Synthesis statement from data

Critical thinking and reference to RQ **

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4. Answer and Evaluate: Writing your conclusion.

Viewed holistically, foreign aid investments in education can be seen to

support economic development. Likewise, managing environmental
pollution can be seen to support healthy communities. The argument for
universal education is also supported by….”

** your conclusion is where you aggregate your various critical thinking

points.

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4. Answer and Evaluate: Writing your conclusion.

“Though a strong case can be made [describe the answer to your

question], some key criticisms of research design, and their impacts, must
be acknowledged…”

• Did you have access to up to date statistics?

• Was your sample size large enough/ representative/ appropriate
• Was there room for error in your experiment or recording of results?
• Did ethical constraints limit you in any way?
• Did you make any assumptions that may not be accurate?

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