What is it and how to do it properly Analyzing What is it and how to do it properly

What does “analyze” mean? To explain what that something means To explain how something does what it does To explain why it is as it is AKA: SPELLING “IT” OUT FOR YOUR READER

Analyzing is NOT Summarizing You know at this point that writing a plot summary is not the same thing as writing an analytical paper. Plot summaries describe what happens in texts. analytical papers make arguments, or prove points, about texts.

A little bit of summary is ok! Does that mean you cannot use any descriptions of plot or form in your analytical paper? Of course not. A brief description of what a work is about can provide context. A formal description is textual evidence that can help you to make your argument.

Think of a Court Room You are the prosecutor. You present your “evidence” to the jury. (AKA examples from the text) You do not want the jury to misinterpret your evidence. You don’t want the jury to think one thing about your evidence, when you meant something else. If you do not explain to the jury exactly what the evidence means, then the evidence is worthless. Why even mention it?

How to write an analysis Step 1 : State your claim. Make a statement in which you will later set out to prove. John Smith is guilty of the breaking into Chase Bank.

STEP 2: State your Evidence: There were footprints in the dirt by the window. STEP 3 Analysis: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? SPELL IT OUT FOR THE JURY! The footprints match the shoes John Smith owns. This shows that John Smith was at the scene of the crime and is therefore guilty of committing the crime.

Key Phrases to use in your analysis Introducing Evidence (Facts from the text) Analysis (SPELLING IT OUT) In the reading, the purpose of the robot was to complete a job. This shows robots are designed to be helpful in different ways. The author stated, that the wind could shatter a window. This means the wind was very strong. Strong enough to cause damage to items that are normally considered resistant. For instance, in the text, Sally visited the ocean whenever she could. This proves Sally loved the ocean. If she did not like the ocean, she would do whatever she could to avoid being near it. However, Sally chose to make being near the ocean a priority, thus proving her love for it.

According to Jane Doe, a professor of education at Michigan State University, “….” Notice how the person and the person’s title/job were mentioned. By explaining what the person does, it helps your reader to see that the person is knowledgeable on the subject. However, using if their position does not have anything to do with the topic you are writing about, this shows that perhaps the person is not a good source).

Other Phrases for Introducing Evidence For example, According to the author, According to the text, The research from…. states… Paul Smith, a New York Times reviewer, argues… F. Scott Fitzgerald condemns… A recent poll suggest… In the reading… The author/speaker stated…

Words and Phrases That Indicate Analysis Due to the fact that.. This proves.. This shows.. This indicates.. This is why.. Which allowed for.. Thus.. Furthermore, since.. This means..

Teens are in no rush to drive Teens are in no rush to drive. PROVE THIS STATEMENT WITH EVIDENCE FROM THE ARTICLE. 3 pieces of evidence. Create your own chart. Highlight the key phrases you used to introduce your evidence. Highlight the key phrases you used to start your analysis. Introducing Evidence (Facts from the text) Analysis 1.Explain what evidence means 2. Then, explain how evidence impacts the claim. In the reading, This shows The author stated, This means According to John Smith, a teacher at Achieve Academy, …… This proves

Claim: A school in Matteson felt it best to eliminate homework. Write a paragraph supporting this claim. Cite and analyze your evidence. HIGHLIGHT KEY PHRASES. Part 2: What evidence supports the use of homework? Cite and analyze your evidence.