analytical paragraph A how-to guide

What is it? In an analytical paragraph a writer analyzes a particular topic and breaks it down into logically flowing sentences. This is the backbone of how you respond “critically” to literature and history. It is how we’ll attempt to "explain, argue and persuade" in English 8.

How do I write one? For your analytical paragraph you’ll need: 1.Topic Sentence (TS = what the paragraph will be about) 2.Concrete Detail (CD = fact, statistic, quote, evidence, support ) 3.Commentary (CM = 2 commentary sentences per CD) 4.Concluding Sentence (CS)

Say what? Follow these steps: 1.Create a topic sentence (TS) 2.Introduce your evidence (CD) 3.Comment on/Analyze your evidence (CM) 4.Create a closing/transitional sentence (CS)

example Question/Prompt: Choose one of the main characters (Billy or the landlady) and write about their most important, strongest or weakest trait.

Step 1: topic sentence Billy’s weakest trait was being too trusting.

Step 2: Introduce evidence – this is the “what” sentence and is a fact that shows “what” your “proof” will be. It should be either facts, examples, evidence, support, quotes, paraphrases, etc. It should be a concrete detail and often starts with a transition. One example of this is that Billy initially senses that the landlady is a bit dotty or strange. Billy’s weakest trait was being too trusting.

Step 3: commentary sentence – where you comment on/analyze your evidence. This sentence contains no facts but is a comment from you, the writer, about the fact presented in the CD. This is where the writer (you) explain how the CD helps prove your point (TS). This shows that although Billy feels something is off in regards to the landlady he still foolishly trusts her enough to rent a room. Billy’s weakest trait was being too innocent and trusting. One example of this is that Billy initially senses that the landlady is a bit dotty or strange.

Billy’s weakest trait was being too trusting. One example of this is that Billy initially senses that the landlady is a bit dotty or strange. This shows that although Billy feels something is off in regards to the landlady he still foolishly trusts her enough to rent a room. This is important because Billy’s trusting nature leads to his downfall at the hands of the sinister landlady. Step 4: 2 nd commentary sentence (CM) – this additional commentary helps prove that your evidence (CD) proves your point (TS). * There will be 2 CM for each CD in your paragraph!

Step 4: concluding sentence – wraps up your TS and sums up your paragraph. Gives insight into next paragraph if appropriate. Therefore, trust is a great quality to have but one must always trust their instincts as well. Billy’s weakest trait was being too trusting. One example of this is that Billy initially senses that the landlady is a bit dotty or strange. This shows that although Billy feels something is off in regards to the landlady he still foolishly trusts her enough to rent a room. This is important because Billy’s trusting nature leads to his downfall at the hands of the sinister landlady.

analytical paragraph - diagrammed TS – CD – CM – CM - CS Billy’s weakest trait is that he is too trusting. One example of this is that Billy initially senses that the landlady is a bit dotty or strange. This shows that although Billy feels something is off in regards to the landlady he still foolishly trusts her enough to rent a room. This is important because Billy’s trusting nature leads to his downfall at the hands of the sinister landlady. Therefore, trust is a great quality to have but one must always trust their instincts as well. Topic Sentence Introduce Evidence Comment on/Analyze evidence Concluding Sentence

TS – CD - CM - CM - CS That’s great, but does it work for more complicated questions?

Question: How does Shakespeare approach the concept of fate in Romeo and Juliet?

TS – CD - CM - CM – CD - CM - CM – CS YES! Shakespeare makes fate a central concern for the characters in Romeo and Juliet. As early as in the prologue, the chorus says “from forth the fatal loins of these two foes.” “Fatal loins” indicates that the conflict of the parents will be passed to Romeo and Juliet through birth. As such, they are destined, or fated, to have trouble. The prologue continues with “a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.” Here, “star-cross’d” refers to the ancient belief that the heavens directed the order, or path, of people’s lives. In other words, they are fated by God. By its early and frequent mention in Romeo and Juliet, fate is revealed to be an important theme in the play. Topic Sentence Concrete Detail Comment on/Analyze evidence (2) Concluding Sentence Concrete Detail Comment on/Analyze evidence (2)