1. Analytical Essay
Mrs. Miller / Ms. van Lier

2. What is an analytical essay?
Analysis does not mean retelling the story. Many students fall into the trap of telling the reader what is happening in the text instead of analyzing it. Analysis aims to explain how the writer makes us see what he or she wants us to see, the effect of the writing techniques, the text’s themes and your personal response to these.

3. Introduction Give the overall picture Define the subject matter
Give brief background
Write a thesis statement that makes the reader want to read the rest of the essay!

4. Introduction
The introduction of an essay (especially a literary essay) consists of the following:
Broad opening statement (2-3 sentences)
Do not mention the literature
Plot summary (1-2 sentences)
Thesis statement

5. Introduction: Broad to Specific
Broad Opening
Statement
General background of book/
specific historical events
Transition to thesis statement

6. Introduction Don’ts Write directly about the assignment In this essay…
Use the “dictionary definition” opening
Merriam Webster defines power as….
Ask generic questions
Questions are good but they need to be intelligent and thought-provoking!
Use broad, empty generalizations
Since the beginning of time…, In all of literature…

7. Introduction Example
The deliberate choice an author makes to implement a certain point-of-view in a novel affects how the reader interprets the text in multiple ways.When a young man with Autism is characterized to share his story from his perspective, the reader is able to directly connect with his highs and lows throughout the plot. In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon uses first-person point of view to demonstrate the protagonist, Chris Boone’s, unique characteristics; with a first-person perspective, the reader gains specific insight into Chris’s mind, understands the reasoning behind his decisions in the novel, yet is sometimes hindered by the perspective, having the inability to fully understand what the other characters are thinking.

8. Closer Look
Broad Statement: The deliberate choice an author makes to implement a certain point-of-view in a novel affects how the reader interprets the text in multiple ways.
Summary: When a young man with Autism is characterized to share his story from his perspective, the reader is able to directly connect with his highs and lows throughout the plot.
Thesis Statement: In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon uses first-person point of view to demonstrate the protagonist, Chris Boone’s, unique characteristics; with a first-person perspective, the reader gains specific insight into Chris’s mind, understands the reasoning behind his decisions in the novel, yet is sometimes hindered by the perspective, having the inability to fully understand what the other characters are thinking.

9. Creating a Thesis Statement

10. Thesis According to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary:
A position or proposition that a person advances and offers to maintain by argument
Simply said: A clear and concise way to state and support your opinion on a specific topic.

11. Thesis Statement Asks What will your essay be about?
What is the main idea of your essay?
What idea or concept do you want to introduce to your reader?

12. Thesis Sentence
focuses and directs the essay
can be found in the introduction (usually the last line)
Your opinion + Support
is a statement NOT A QUESTION!!!

13. A thesis sentence NEVER
announces itself  "I'm going to talk about . . ."
personalizes  "I think . . ."  or " I believe . . ."
questions   "Is English hard to learn?"

14. Thesis Statements in a Formal Essay
Never uses first/ second person
I, ME, MY, MINE, YOU, YOUR, YOURS
WE, US, OUR,OURS

15. Important Parts of your Thesis Statement
Writer’s purpose: Your particular position
Author Credentials:
Author
Genre of literary work
Title of literary work
Subtopics: 3 supporting examples

16. Let’s Practice!
Write a thesis statement answering the following question: Why is your favorite movie/book the BEST movie or book? Give two reasons.
It may help to use this model:
The book/movie _____ uses/emphasizes/displays _______, making it the best movie/book of its (insert genre).
**Please note: this is not something you need to do, you can certainly make it more detailed/arguable.

17. Sample Thesis
Tim Burton’s Nightmare before Christmas uses unique animation and a compelling soundtrack to emphasize a comical connection between two popular holidays, making it one of the greatest animated films of the 20th century.
Note: it doesn’t just say “this movie is great” but rather, provides detailed reasons of why it is great (think--animation and comedy)
Note: my full subtopics would be written in a separate sentence, after the thesis

18. Sample Intro Paragraph
The spooky hayrides and abundance of candy which make Halloween such a popular holiday typically is not readily compared to the tradition and spirit associated with the Christmas season. Tim Burton, a director known for his dark, yet imaginative, film style, understands the delicate balance between horror and joy. When a complacent Halloween King feels inspired to take on the role of Saint Nick, he is faced with unanticipated challenges while trying to please two very different worlds. Authentic holiday songs and whimsically draw connections between a gruesome Boogeyman to an innocent Santa Claus. Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas uses unique animation and a compelling soundtrack to emphasize a comical connection between two popular holidays, making it one of the greatest animated films of the 20th century.

19. Writing an Analytical Body Paragraph
THE TOPIC SENTENCE
The Topic Sentence: This sentence will create a guideline for the rest of the paragraph.
Transition
Writer’s Purpose (Should be directly connected to the thesis if part of an essay)
Subtopic (Should be directly connected to the thesis if part of an essay)
NOT: Plot Summary
IS: straight to the point

20. Topic Sentences
Introduces the topic of a paragraph without announcing it.
Hooks the reader
Plants questions in the reader’s mind
Uses thought-provoking words
Provides a TRANSITION from the previous paragraph

21. Is it an effective topic sentence?
One way to print digital pictures is to submit them to an online printing company.
YES – This Paragraph will discuss “one way”; the rest of the essay will discuss other ways
Playgrounds are dangerous.
NO – Too general
Women should lift weights to strengthen their bones.
YES – One idea that will be supported with specific reasons.

22. Is it an effective topic sentence?
To register online you need a PIN.
NO – Too specific
Walking is another good way to get exercise.
YES – Paragraph will give reasons why walking is a good form of exercise

23. Body Paragraph
The Introduction of Evidence: The quote or textual evidence you choose must directly support your topic sentence.
Provide the reader with context, a frame of reference, for the evidence you are going to provide
This should indicate:
Who is involved in or with the quote?
Why this happened?
What is going on in general?
When this is all happening?
Where this is all taking place?
Pick and choose what you think is necessary to create a smooth flow for your readers

24. Body Paragraph
Textual Evidence: Choose quotes that expand upon your main points (topic sentence)
Pick quotes you have something to say about
Pick quotes you can dissect to prove your points
Avoid quotes that simply repeat what has already been said
Avoid quotes that are too complex to support one idea
Avoid quotes that have parts removed to make your point
Avoid quotes that have nothing to do with the topic sentence

25. Body Paragraph
Analysis: This is where your ideas should reveal themselves. This part is where you show the reader how your quote proves your main point or topic sentence
Clearly explain the connections that you see.
Assume the reader has no idea what you are trying to prove.
DO NOT: restate the quote in your own words (that is plot summary)
AVOID: “this quote shows” and “this proves that”

26. Body Paragraph
Closing Sentence: Be sure to tie all your ideas together for the reader with your closing sentence.
DO NOT simply restate the topic sentence
End with a transition into the next paragraph

27. Examples
EX: (Topic-leads into the rest of the paragraph) Love is expressed in many different ways; Christopher demonstrates his affection via unique and deliberate actions. When Christopher’s mother is believed to be in the hospital, Christopher decides to make his mother a card. (provides prior knowledge of what is happening before the quote takes place) Christopher explains (lead-in, signal phrase), “I colored all the cars in with red paint to make it a Super Super Good Day for Mother” (Haddon 27). When Christopher makes all his cars red, he is sending his mother the best possible luck in her recovery. This is because Christopher believes the color red to be good luck. By Christopher sending his mother good luck in her recovery, it shows that he values his mother’s life and wants her to return home healthy. This value of his mother shows that Christopher has the capacity to love. Since Christopher loves his father as much as his mother, he is hurt when he discovers his father has been lying to him.

28. Conclusion Reinforce information stated in the beginning
Echo your thesis (don’t just restate it in the same words)
Provide a sense of scope
Give the reader a sense of “looking back” at what has been covered
Leave the reader with a final, lasting impression
Suggest larger implications, show how your thesis applies to the future

29. Conclusion Echo thesis (NOT copy and paste!) Reflect on the plot
The conclusion paragraph format is the reverse of the introduction format.
Echo thesis (NOT copy and paste!)
Reflect on the plot
Broad closing statement
Zinger!!
Statement that either connects your topic to modern society or offers a personal connection to the topic; it is your reader’s last look at your paper!

30. Conclusion Do’s Restate (echo) thesis Restate subtopics
Restate the sources

31. Conclusion Don’ts EVER start with In Conclusion….
Just repeat exactly what was in your intro and thesis
Echo --- not repeat!!
Cram in content you couldn’t fit into the body of the essay
Use a quote
End with your own words

32. Final Thoughts ALWAYS keep your thesis in mind
Don’t get sidetracked; stay focused!
Don’t retell the plot
NEVER describe what happens; ANALYZE what happens
Develop your ideas; don’t just repeat them
Don’t feel compelled to write every word that enters your mind
EDIT!!!!!
Ask yourself: how does what I’m writing advance my argument?
Use formal English