Analytical essays

An analytical essay takes a narrower focus on a piece of writing and looks at the author's key arguments. Instead of merely summarizing the work, the essay explores areas such as literary devices used, major themes featured, and how the arguments are constructed and supported by the author.

In this article, we explain the process of crafting an analytical essay by breaking down the key factors that it should have. Read the guide to find out what you must include when writing your analytical essay.

What is an analytical essay?

Analysis implies making dissection of the whole. In literature, analytical essays break down literary texts into parts. However, unlike with argumentative and persuasive essays, the purpose is not to convert the reader but rather enhance their understanding. When writing an analytical essay, you certainly want the readers to agree with your argument, but instead of using strong persuasive language, you use analysis and examples.

An analytical essay is not a synopsis. The analysis is done through definition, process, comparison, and contrast or classification and division.

Types of Analytical essays

Analytical essays have a broad scope. They use varying approaches and analysis techniques to describe different topics and ideas.

Here are four types of analytical essay examples:

1. Analytical expository essay: This type of essay should communicate your explanation of an issue, idea, or theme.
2. Analytical History essay: In this type of essay, you are required to analyze a historical event and provide your position alongside supporting information.
3. Persuasive analytical essay: This type of essay requires you to make a claim and provide relevant evidence and supporting arguments to persuade the reader.
4. Analytical comparison essay: In this type of essay, you must compare different texts, books, or ideas and provide an informed conclusion.

Analytical essay topics

When writing an analytical essay, the topic is the first thing that you have to consider. Your essay topic directly influences the context and quality of your paper. A quality essay must have an engaging and compelling topic.

How do you choose the right analytical essay topic?

1. Define your objectives for the essay before choosing a topic
2. Choose a topic that you are interested in and knowledgeable about
3. Pick a theme that is neither too narrow nor too broad.
4. Gather enough topic-related material
5. Avoid uncommon topics since they end up being too complicated.
6. If you re-use a topic, make sure you have a different perspective.

Examples of good analytical essay topics include:

• Are tests in school necessary?
• Should kids watch TV shows?
• Is inequality an issue we can avoid?
• Bullying in schools
• Pros of health insurance during covid-19
• Communication between genders
• The concept of freedom in the film Captain America: Civil War

Writing an Analytical Essay

The object of the analysis is the primary difference between analytical essays. Whether you are assigned to analyze a book, movie, phenomenon, or problem, your essay will follow the general structure, with the only difference being the context

The outline of an analytical essay is similar to many other essays. It generally features an introduction, the body, and a conclusion. Making a good outline before starting your analytical essay helps you create a clear and logical paper that looks appealing and is easy to understand.

1.   Introduction

The introduction is the map of your analytical essay. It should contain:

• A hook
• Background information
• Thesis statement

Your introduction should capture your audience's attention without being too overzealous. It should provide some context without summarizing your essay. It is best to state your argument concerning the topic and provide background information that helps your readers understand the argument.

The thesis statement in your essay makes an assertion that needs proving in the body. It should provide the reader with a clear focus on how to view the subject.

2.  Body

In your essay's body, you should provide well-researched, well-thought-out, convincing arguments that support your thesis statement. Divide the body into paragraphs. Most teachers are comfortable with the standard 5-paragraph essay that has three paragraphs for the body. Some prefer a longer body that explores the topics more in-depth. Your analytical essay should be long enough to discuss your topic adequately.

Each paragraph in the body should have:

• A topic sentence that offers a glimpse of what the paragraph is about. The sentence presents the argument you intend to discuss in the paragraph.
• An analysis of the text demonstrating how your argument proves your thesis.
• Evidence to support your thesis statement and analysis. Provide context for your argument by showing relation to a quote or a specific incident in society.
• A closing sentence that summarizes the whole paragraph and provides a transition to the next.

Although an argument can speak to multiple issues, it is best to discuss one argument per paragraph.

3.   Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize your essay by reminding the reader of your argument and how you supported it. Reiterate critical points in the essay and rephrase your thesis statement. Your conclusion should also show the relevance of your argument in broader issues in society.

Final Thoughts

Analytical essays require you to define and analyze a problem, make an argument in relation to the topic, and support it with compelling evidence.

Writing an analytical essay can seem challenging. With proper planning and the tips provided above, you can create an impressive essay. Analytical essay examples can give you a better sense of what is required in terms of structure and what to include. When you learn how to write a quality analytical essay, you can master vital skills like critical thinking and objective analysis.

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