Writing an Analytical Body Paragraph

What is it? It is a tool that can help you organize your thoughts and ideas when you are analyzing a subject.

A Trick to Remember the Steps/The Formula Tigers – Topic Sentence In – Intro. to Evidence Egypt – Examples (Quotes) Are - Analysis Colorful – Concluding Sentence

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Though the very idea of man hunting man is interesting enough on its own, Connell’s writing style, including his use of literary devices such as foreshadowing and suspense, is what draws the readers in and makes the story even more interesting to read.

1. The Topic Sentence It is the most important part of the paragraph because it is the first thing a reader reads. It also is the guideline for the rest of the paragraph.

B. If the paragraph is to be part of the essay… Then, the topic sentence should follow the guidelines above. But, it should also be directly connected to the thesis (located in the first paragraph of your essay).

Although there are many happy scenes, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I.

2. The introduction of Evidence We often think the quotes or examples we choose to back up our thoughts speak for themselves, THEY USUALLY DON’T! We know what we are thinking but the reader doesn’t.

A. Provide the reader with context… Context = frame or reference This should indicate (show) who is involved in the quote/example, why this happened, what is going on in general, when this is all happening (in terms of the story), and/or where this is all taking place.

B. But, it isn’t necessary… To include who, what, why, when, AND where. (In other words, you don’t have to include them all.) Pick and choose what you believe is necessary to create a smooth flow for your readers.

Although there are many happy scenes throughout the play, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I. Even though she doesn't have much to use, Anne makes handcrafted gifts for the rest of the family and uses every resource she can to bring enjoyment to everyone. Mrs. Frank dismisses the thought of presents. However, Anne tells her no and begins handing out presents. A true act of happiness is when Anne hands Mr. VanDaan his gift – cigarettes!

3. The Support/Examples When choosing the proper piece of the text to support your topic sentence (and this is ALL about supporting the topic sentence), it is important to choose wisely.

A. Choosing Quotes Choose quotes that expand upon your main point (the topic sentence) and allow for elaboration (explanation) or analysis. In other words, choose quotes about which you have something to say.

Quotes to Avoid Quotes that simply repeat what has already been said Quotes that are too complex to support one idea Quotes that have parts removed in order to make your point Quotes that simply don’t have much or anything to do with your topic sentence

Although there are many happy scenes throughout the play, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I. Even though she doesn't have much to use, Anne makes handcrafted gifts for the rest of the family and uses every resource she can to bring enjoyment to everyone. Mrs. Frank dismisses the thought of presents. However, Anne tells her no and begins handing out presents. A true act of happiness is when Anne hands Mr. VanDaan his gift – cigarettes! “Everyone watches intently as Mr. VanDaan cautiously lights it. The cigarette lights up. Everyone laughs” (404).

4. Analysis This is where YOUR ideas come into play. You will tell the reader why you think the example/quote you have chosen supports your point – thus, proving it!

A. Analyzing Your Quote While analyzing your quote, clearly explain the connections you see. Remember, the reader may not see this connection – your job is to make it as clear as possible!

4B. When you analyze a quote… Be sure NOT to simply re-state what the quote says. Also, AVOID phrases like “this quote shows,” “this proves that,” etc. Unless you tell us, we don’t know what it shows or HOW it proves.

Although there are many happy scenes throughout the play, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I. Even though she doesn't have much to use, Anne makes handcrafted gifts for the rest of the family and uses every resource she can to bring enjoyment to everyone. Mrs. Frank dismisses the thought of presents. However, Anne tells her no and begins handing out presents. A true act of happiness is when Anne hands Mr. VanDaan his gift – cigarettes! “Everyone watches intently as Mr. VanDaan cautiously lights it. The cigarette lights up. Everyone laughs” (404). Anne chose a wise gift for Mr. VanDaan and brought a moment of joy and laughter to the group.

7. Concluding Sentence When you end your paragraph, you are leaving your reader with your ideas. This should be a final statement that sums up your argument for this paragraph, and explains how it connects back to the thesis.

7A. This statement can be more specific than our topic sentence. But, avoid repeating every idea you have just said.

Although there are many happy scenes throughout the play, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I. Even though she doesn't have much to use, Anne makes handcrafted gifts for the rest of the family and uses every resource she can to bring enjoyment to everyone. Mrs. Frank dismisses the thought of presents. However, Anne tells her no and begins handing out presents. A true act of happiness is when Anne hands Mr. VanDaan his gift – cigarettes! “Everyone watches intently as Mr. VanDaan cautiously lights it. The cigarette lights up. Everyone laughs” (404). Anne chose a wise gift for Mr. VanDaan and brought a moment of joy and laughter to the group. By handing out gifts to everyone and specifically in the case of Mr. VanDaan, Anne helps everyone find contentment and happiness in an otherwise depressing situation - a tremendous feat.

7B. DO NOT simply re-state your topic sentence!

Although there are many happy scenes throughout the play, the first big one is the one depicting Hanukkah, right at the end of Act I. Even though she doesn't have much to use, Anne makes handcrafted gifts for the rest of the family and uses every resource she can to bring enjoyment to everyone. Mrs. Frank dismisses the thought of presents. However, Anne tells her no and begins handing out presents. A true act of happiness is when Anne hands Mr. VanDaan his gift – cigarettes! “Everyone watches intently as Mr. VanDaan cautiously lights it. The cigarette lights up. Everyone laughs” (404). Anne chose a wise gift for Mr. VanDaan and brought a moment of joy and laughter to the group. By handing out gifts to everyone and specifically in the case of Mr. VanDaan, Anne helps everyone find contentment and happiness in an otherwise depressing situation - a tremendous feat.

A Trick to Remember the Step (One more time!!) Tigers – Topic Sentence In – Intro. to Evidence Egypt – Examples (Quotes) Are - Analysis Colorful – Concluding Sentence