Writing the Analytical Paragraph

What is an Analytical Paragraph? A paragraph is a text that is written (about 7-10 sentences) for the purpose of developing a single idea It may stand alone or It may relate to a larger topic Paragraph + Analysis = Analytical Paragraph (A written text based on the analysis of the subject.)

Analytical Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence Embedded Text Evidence Analysis of Text Evidence Transition Repeat steps 2 & 3 (You should always have at least two pieces of textual evidence to effectively support your topic sentence.) Concluding Sentence

“George Milton is a good man.” or “George Milton is not a good man.” 1.Topic Sentence Establishes what the paragraph is going to be about Topic sentence should address T.A.G. Title Author Genre Example: Choose which statement you agree with the most: “George Milton is a good man.” or “George Milton is not a good man.” NOW, complete the position with T.A.G.: In the novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, the character of…

2. Embedded Text Evidence Introduce textual evidence by providing context, or a frame of reference, for the quote (This should be the sentence in which you embed the first piece of textual evidence.) Possible ways in which to introduce the evidence. You could include: Who is involved in the example or quote Why it happened What is going on in general Where it happens When it all takes place

Embedded Text Evidence (Cont.) Provide context for your textual evidence in a way that flows with your paragraph. Example: In “I wandered lonely as a Cloud,” William Wordsworth shows the reader the value of natural places in our lives. The poem shows how some “golden Daffodils” help him feel joyful because of their “dancing in the breeze.” Make sure to work to select direct evidence from the text that supports your claim in the topic sentence and allows for elaboration.

IMPORTANT NOTE about quoting DO NOT OVER-QUOTE Directly quote only what is needed to make your point. Avoid quotes that simply restate what you have already written. Avoid quotes that are too complex to support just one idea. Avoid quotes that having nothing to do with your topic sentence. Avoid quoting something that is many, many, many lines long. Instead considered paraphrasing the quote in your own words.

3. Analysis (Commentary) Every piece of textual evidence must be explained (analyzed). The explanation (or analysis) will demonstrate how the evidence supports your topic sentence. This explanation (analysis) is your commentary and it indicates your knowledge and understanding of your topic and how the evidence relates to that topic. Your commentary should give the reader a clear understanding of how you related the textual evidence to the topic statement. NEVER introduce your analysis with the words, “In this quote…”.

4. Transition A strong analytical paragraph must have two relevant examples that support the main idea (thus, the topic sentence). You can’t just throw another example in after your analysis of the first. You must have a transition. The transition from the first to the second quote can be any of the following: a single word, a phase, or a complete sentence. Thus, you must show a connection between the first example that you gave and the second that you will introduce.

5. Repeat Steps 2 &3 Remember! Always repeat steps 2 & 3 You should always have at least two pieces of textual evidence to effectively support your topic sentence.

6. Concluding Sentence Finish your paragraph with one sentence that summarizes the position you took and supported in your paragraph. DO NOT just restate your topic sentence.