Analytical essay is a way of sharing your insight about a book, a study in science, or a historical incident.
What is an analytical essay?
Analytical essays are written pieces that provide a thorough analysis of a subject. Other topics that can be covered in analysis papers are art, philosophy, music or literary works. They are also published in newspapers, magazines, academic journals and trade journals. A good analytical paper can contextualize and explain basic information to the reader’s benefit.
What is the purpose for an analytical essay?
It is important to note that analytical essays have two functions: they serve the reader as well as the writer. Students are assigned analytical papers by college and high school professors to improve their writing and thinking skills. Analytical essays improve the writing abilities of students and their understanding of a topic.
The readers also gain from analytical essays. The editors of newspapers and magazines regularly publish analytical essays to help readers understand the current news. These essays are a great way for experts to share their knowledge with their fellow citizens.
What is the difference between an analytical essay and a descriptive essay?
The author’s perspective is what sets apart an analytical essay from a description essay. The argument in an analytical essay is supported by evidence. Descriptive essays, on the other hand, are usually book summaries. A strong descriptive paper will include its main ideas, structure the topic into body paragraphs, and use logical connections. In the end, though, analytical essays are more focused on interpretation, while descriptive essays focus on facts.
How to write an analytical essay in 7 steps
The best essays are those that have a clearly defined point of opinion, are well-structured around a single idea, deal with opposing arguments and provide ample support from primary and second hand sources. Here’s a guide on how to write an analytical essay.
- Select a point-of-view. Prepare your entire essay to revolve around your thesis statement.
- Create an introduction paragraph that ends with a thesis. Take extra care with your introduction paragraph. The best intros are those that start with an intriguing hook, like a provocative question or bold assertion. They then set the context for your essay and answer questions you’ll be answering. A good introduction ends with a statement of purpose that will guide the essay.
- Make sure to organize your essay. Divide your essay into paragraphs based on specific topics after your introduction paragraph. Each body paragraph should support your thesis by supplying background information, examining details or contrasting views. The number of paragraphs in your essay will depend on its scope. It is important to take time planning each body paragraph.
- Use topic sentences that are clear. Topic sentences should be used to introduce each paragraph and tie it back to the main thesis.
- Add evidence to your essay. The essay’s main body should contain a combination of analysis and substance. Your audience won’t be convinced if you don't back up your statements with evidence. To support your main arguments, you will need to use textual evidence from both secondary and primary sources. You can use endnotes or footnotes if necessary.
- Allow for opposing opinions. Acknowledging another viewpoint can strengthen an argument. You can still use the body paragraph even if it is a perspective that you disagree with. Then, you can refute the argument using additional evidence and reasoning to strengthen your thesis.
- Conclude your essay with a summary paragraph. You can wrap up an analytical essay by reiterating your main points in the concluding paragraph.
It is not appropriate to present new evidence in the concluding paragraph. Your conclusion should be the swan song of your essay. It should remind your readers of your main points and give them some final words.
