Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

What does it mean to analyze? Analyze means “to separate a subject into its parts (analyze), or the act or result of doing so.” The process of analyzing involves breaking an object/subject into its parts and examine those parts.

The Purpose of an Analytical Paper To inform or demonstrate knowledge about a particular topic. To compare, contrast, and/or link concepts and ideas To demonstrate how well you craft your ideas through writing. To evaluate the writer's ability to...  Craft a cohesive argument  Follow directions  Show his/her knowledge of the material

Thesis Statement Decide on a topic. Review your material for details, relationships, differences, etc. regarding your topic. Generate ideas; be creative; be cautiously bold. Narrow down your idea into statements. Craft a sentence that sums up what you will be analyzing or evaluating throughout the entirety of the paper.  Place at the end of the first paragraph.  Never frame your thesis as a question.  Do not write in first-person.

Developing Your Argument A thesis statement conveys to the reader the points and/or arguments you wish to make in a paper. It serves as a road map by telling the reader the direction of your argument or analysis and how you will interpret the importance of the subject. In the most simplest of terms, a thesis statement answers the question, "What is this paper about?" Some writers believe that thesis statements are best crafted AFTER you have evaluated your examples. The “thread” (your idea) that links all examples is your thesis!

Explain Develop your argument by explaining your idea or perspective. Your argument can …  be a unique observation about a detail, relationship, connection, similarity, difference or contradiction (avoid the obvious!).  explain how or why something happens.  explain the cause and effects of certain events.

Outline Your Essay Once you have developed a thesis statement, organize the order in which you will present your idea. Order your ideas logically. Decide the order and content of your paragraphs. Use the Schaffer method as a guide.

Basic Elements of the Paragraph Topic Sentence. Make your point about an idea or perspective. Give evidence and/or examples. Explain how the examples relate to your idea or perspective. Commentary. Paragraphs link through effective transitions. Use transition words!  Furthermore, moreover, in addition, as an illustration, similarly, for instance, more importantly, consequently, therefore, for this reason, incidentally, eventually, lastly, overall, etc.  Google: “Transition Words”

Paragraph Structure (Schaffer method) Ratio 2:1 For every one (1) concrete detail you should include two (2) commentary sentences “Superior” Paragraph includes: * Topic sentence clearly addresses the topic (thesis) * Includes 2 examples (citations), along with 2+ commentaries for each example * Superior pattern of organization of examples; logical sequencing * Effective, fluent style; written in literary present; 3 rd person * Free from errors

Topic Sentences! Always begin your paragraphs with a topic sentence. Make it clear what the whole paragraph is about. Examples:  “Observably, Red Deer's behavior can be explained by two articles which present similar concepts in different ways.”  “The results of two studies can be clearly linked to Carl's personality in Men of Honor.”  “There is a unique distinction between the effects and results of stereotyping.”  “Cameron's most significant life changing events can be explained through the notion of stereotype threat.”

Reminders: Proofread your work Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman 5-paragraph essay preferred Include a creative title Use proper MLA heading Avoid dropped quotes (a quotation contained in a single sentence without explanation). Use character names (not actor's names) Include punctuation inside quotation marks (“... the world.” NOT “... the world”.) (The same for commas)

MLA Paper Heading

This is the fun part because now it's time to generate your own ideas, to be original and to be creative. Good luck!

Paragraph Transitions Transitions help you carry over a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another with words or phrases. Transitions link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Transitions help you move logically from one idea to another.