Analytical Paper: Key Elements

The analytical paper An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.

Key Elements Published research Introduction – Thesis Body Paragraphs – Support Conclusion

Published research Helps you to build an argument Use an appropriate number of sources Use various sources Incorporate into text with quotations and paraphrases pport/academic/genres_analytical.htm

Published research Cite all sources in text Use a reference or Works Cited page to document all sources

Introduction The introduction paragraph is meant to grab your reader’s attention. Here, you will set the stage of your argument and lay out the plan that the readers will follow as they read through your paper. Begin with an interesting hook about your topic. Tell your reader about your topic. Finally, end with the thesis statement.

Introduction Grab your reader’s attention!!Thesis Single argument that you will prove through research Appears as a single sentence (usually) May be refined as you work Appears at the end of the paragraph

Body paragraphs At least 3 body paragraphs Each paragraph relates to thesis Each paragraph relates to one major support – Begin with a strong topic sentence – Include minor support

Conclusion Reinforces the thesis Return to your thesis Pull it all together Make broader implications A shorter paragraph (3- 5 sentences)