Analytical Papers Organization

Analysis is what again? Break down the subject Observe the parts Evaluate –from a defined perspective: you’re observing and evaluating in a certain way –come to a conclusion about the parts –come to a conclusion about the whole Present BOTH the breakdown AND evaluation to your audience.

Basics The basic analytical essay is the basic 5 paragraph essay: 1. Introduction with thesis 2. 1 st body paragraph in support of thesis 3. 2 nd body paragraph in support of thesis 4. 3 rd body paragraph in support of thesis 5. Conclusion Paragraph, includes new thesis

What goes in the introduction? Thesis: –Names the subject, issue, event, etc. of analysis –Presents the perspective of the writer Context: –background information for the reader –what aspects of the subject do they need to know to understand your analysis?

What goes into a body paragraph? Develop each part of the evaluation in separate body paragraphs Could have more than three… the length of the paper will change that number Transition statements: the paragraphs develop their own idea but then reach out to connect to the next idea

What goes into the conclusion? Summarizes the key points of the essay Presents “new thesis” –Introduction presented the broad perspective from which the writer made the evaluation –Conclusion sharpens the broad perspective, brings it into focus –Introduction is regular TV, conclusion is TV in HD

Example: Topic: Animals at Play Introduction –Perspective: Every type of animal participates in “playful behavior” with other animals. defines what the writer means by “playful behavior” –Evaluation revolves around this point –Paper will discuss three types of animals to illustrate Each body paragraph breaks down the “behavior” of a different type of animal (lizard, bird, polar bear), evaluates it as “playful” Writer concludes with a “new thesis” or “sharpened perspective”

Example topic cont. The body paragraphs present the observations about “playful behavior” through the perspective of participating in “play,” which creates the evaluative part of an analysis paper Don’t just list observations, they must all be relevant to a specific point.

When making an outline for an analysis paper… Write topic and perspective on a note card Write ideas for body paragraphs on separate note cards. Rearrange them looking for a logical progression or order