how to write an introduction for analytical essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Steps

An analytical essay is an essay that meticulously and methodically examines a single topic to draw conclusions or prove theories. Although they are used in many fields, analytical essays are often used with art and literature to break down works’ creative themes and explore their deeper meanings and symbolism . 

Analytical essays are a staple in academics, so if you’re a student, chances are you’ll write one sooner or later. This guide addresses all the major concerns about how to write an analytical essay, such as the preferred structure and what to put in the outline. Let’s start with an in-depth answer to the question, what is an analytical essay? Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is an analytical essay?

One of the seven main types of essay , analytical essays intricately examine a single topic to explain specific arguments or prove the author’s theories. They commonly deal with creative works like art, literature, film, or music, dissecting the creator’s artistic themes and revealing hidden meanings. However, they can also address other issues in realms like science, politics, and society. 

Analytical essays are a type of expository essay , so they’re not supposed to express bias, opinions , or persuasions . Even when the author is trying to prove their own theory (or disprove an opposing theory), their argument should stick solely to facts and logic and keep the author’s personal feelings to a minimum. 

An analytical essay example could be a deep dive into the character of Hamlet, but this topic itself could have multiple interpretations. Your essay could focus on whether or not Hamlet truly loved Ophelia, question the motives for his constant hesitation, or even attempt to prove the theory that he was mentally ill—after all, he did see apparitions! 

How to structure an analytical essay

Although analytical essays tend to be more detailed, specific, or technical than other essays, they still follow the same loose essay structure as the rest:

1 Introduction

3   Conclusion

The introduction is where you present your thesis statement and prepare your reader for what follows. Because analytical essays focus on a single topic, the introduction should give all the background information and context necessary for the reader to understand the writer’s argument. Save the actual analysis of your topic for the body. 

The body is the nucleus of your essay. Here you explain each separate point and offer evidence to support the thesis, breaking up your argument into paragraphs. While the introduction and conclusion are each usually just a single paragraph, the body is composed of many different paragraphs and often stretches out over pages, thereby making up most of the essay. 

Every paragraph in the body still relates to your chosen topic and your thesis, but each paragraph should make a different point or focus on a different piece of evidence. For example, if your topic is about how Edgar Allan Poe uses the theme of death in his writing, one paragraph could explore the use of death in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” while a different paragraph could explore death in “The Raven,” and so on. 

Finally, the conclusion wraps everything up. Conclusions usually don’t introduce new evidence or supporting details but instead reiterate the previous points and bring them all together to strengthen your original thesis. At this point your reader has sufficient background to understand the topic. With your evidential examples in mind, they’ll be more receptive to your main argument when you present it one last time. 

How to write an analytical essay in 6 steps

The process of writing an analytical essay largely follows the same guidelines as all essay writing . Here we break down each individual step from start to finish. 

1 Choose your topic

This step may be optional if your topic has been given to you as an assignment. If not, though, you should choose your topic with care. 

Your topic should be specific enough that you’re able to discuss it thoroughly. If you choose a broad topic like “love in novels from Victorian England,” it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cover all Victorian novels in a single analytical essay (or even ten analytical essays!). However, narrowing the topic down to something such as “love in Jane Austen novels” makes your task more achievable. 

That said, don’t be too specific, or you won’t have enough material to cover. Try to find a good middle ground: specific enough that you can discuss everything but general enough that you’ll be able to find enough research and supporting evidence. 

2 Research your topic

Once you know your topic, you can begin collecting data and evidence to discuss it. If your analytical essay is about a creative work, you may want to spend time reviewing or evaluating that work, such as watching a film closely or studying the details of a painting. It’s also useful to review other people’s critiques of that work to inspire new ideas or reveal details you hadn’t noticed before. 

Don’t forget to write down where you get your information, including page numbers for books or time codes if you’re watching visual media. You may need to reference these in your essay, so making a quick note about where you find your information while researching saves time later when you’re citing your sources . 

It helps to know your thesis from the onset. However, you may realize during your research that your original thesis is not as strong as you thought. If this happens, don’t be afraid to modify it or choose a new one. In any case, by the time your research is finished, you should know what your thesis will be.  

3 Create an outline

An essay outline gives you the opportunity to organize all your thoughts and research so you can put them in the optimal order. Ideally, you’ll have finished your research by now and made notes of everything you want to say in your analytical essay. The outline is your chance to decide when to talk about each point. 

Outlines are typically broken up by paragraph. Each paragraph should explore an individual point you’re making and include your evidence or statistical data to back up that particular point. Be careful about trying to squeeze too much information into a single paragraph; if it looks excessive, try to break up the information into two or more paragraphs. 

Feel free to move around or rearrange the order of paragraphs while outlining—that’s what this step is for! It’s much easier to fix structural problems now in the outline phase than later when writing. 

4 Write your first draft

Now is the time you sit down and actually write the rough draft of your analytical essay. This step is by far the longest, so be sure to set aside ample time. 

If you wrote your outline thoroughly, all you have to do is follow it paragraph by paragraph. Be sure to include each piece of evidence and data you had planned to include. Don’t worry about details like choosing the perfect wording or fixing every grammar mistake—you can do those later in the revisions phase. For now, focus solely on getting everything down. 

Pay particular attention to how you start an essay. The introduction serves different purposes, such as telling the reader what to expect, providing background information, and above all presenting your thesis statement. Make sure your introduction checks all those boxes. 

Likewise, be extra careful with your conclusion. There are special techniques for how to write a conclusion, such as using a powerful clincher and avoiding certain cliches like “in summary.” Conclusions usually hold more weight than the other paragraphs because they’re the last thing a person reads and can leave a lasting impression on them. 

Finally, don’t forget to include transition sentences in between your body paragraphs when needed. Moving abruptly from one topic to the next can be jarring for the reader; transition sentences improve the essay’s flow and remove distractions.  

5 Revise your draft

Your first draft is never meant to be perfect. Once you have all your ideas down on paper, it’s much easier to go back and revise . Now is the perfect time to improve your phrasing and word choice and edit out any unnecessary or tangential parts.

When you revise, pay particular attention to details. Try to find areas that you can remove to make your essay more succinct or passages that aren’t clear that need more explanation. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: Will someone with no background knowledge still understand your points? 

6 Proofread your essay

Last, it’s time to fix any grammar and spelling mistakes by proofreading . While it’s tempting to do this at the same time as your revisions, it’s best to do them separately so you don’t split your attention. This allows you to focus only on word choice, phrasing, and adding/removing content while revising and to concentrate solely on language mistakes during proofreading. 

If you’re not confident in your grammar or spelling expertise, you can always use an app like Grammarly . Our app highlights any spelling or grammar mistakes directly in your text and gives proper suggestions on how to fix them. There are even features that help you choose the perfect word or adjust your writing to fit a certain tone. You can also copy  and paste your writing to check your grammar and get instant feedback on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mistakes you might have missed.

Analytical essay outline example

If you’re having trouble, here’s an analytical essay example that shows how a proper outline or structure should look. The format here uses a five-paragraph essay structure, but for more complicated topics, you can add as many body paragraphs as you need. 

Topic: Who is the real villain: Macbeth or Lady Macbeth?

Introduction

• Briefly describe the plot of Macbeth for those who aren’t familiar with it
• Thesis statement : Lady Macbeth is the real villain of Macbeth because she manipulates her husband into committing an atrocious crime 

Body Paragraph 1 

• Murdering the king is all Lady Macbeth’s idea
• Macbeth is initially against it until Lady Macbeth convinces him

Body Paragraph 2

• Lady Macbeth has her own individual character arc where she is driven mad by her guilt
• Her guilt insinuates she knows her actions are villainous, with appropriate consequences
• Cite quotations from her “Out, damned spot!” speech

Body Paragraph 3

• Macbeth decides to listen to Lady Macbeth, so he is still guilty
• Speculate that he still would not have murdered the king if not for Lady Macbeth
• Macbeth remains the main character because most scenes revolve around him, but the person acting against him most is Lady Macbeth
• Remind reader that Macbeth didn’t want to murder the king until Lady Macbeth convinced him
• Clincher : Macbeth is still the hero albeit a tragic one. But his main antagonist is not Macduff or the king or even the prophecy itself; it’s his wife. 

Analytical essay FAQs

An analytical essay is an essay that deeply examines a single topic, often a creative work, to reveal certain conclusions or prove theories held by the essay’s author. 

How is an analytical essay structured?

Analytical essays are structured like most other essays: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, the body paragraphs have a stricter emphasis on facts, logic, and empirical evidence compared to other essays. 

What are the steps to writing an analytical essay? 

As with all essays, you first research and then organize all your points into a working outline. Next, you write the rough draft with all the data and evidence collected during your research. Revise the rough draft when it’s finished to improve the phrasing and add/remove certain parts. Last, proofread the essay for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

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• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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How To Write an Analytical Essay

If you enjoy exploring topics deeply and thinking creatively, analytical essays could be perfect for you. They involve thorough analysis and clever writing techniques to gain fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding of the subject. In this article, our expert research paper writer will explain what an analytical essay is, how to structure it effectively and provide practical examples. This guide covers all the essentials for your writing success!

What Is an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay involves analyzing something, such as a book, movie, or idea. It relies on evidence from the text to logically support arguments, avoiding emotional appeals or personal stories. Unlike persuasive essays, which argue for a specific viewpoint, a good analytical essay explores all aspects of the topic, considering different perspectives, dissecting arguments, and evaluating evidence carefully. Ultimately, you'll need to present your own stance based on your analysis, synthesize findings, and decide whether you agree with the conclusions or have your own interpretation.

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How to Structure an Analytical Essay

Crafting an excellent paper starts with clear organization and structuring of arguments. An analytical essay structure follows a simple outline: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Begin by grabbing the reader's attention and stating the topic clearly. Provide background information, state the purpose of the paper, and hint at the arguments you'll make. The opening sentence should be engaging, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, present your thesis, summarizing your stance in the essay.

Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence guiding the reader and presents evidence supporting the thesis. Focus on one issue per paragraph and briefly restate the main point at the end to transition smoothly to the next one. This ensures clarity and coherence in your argument.

Conclusion: Restate the thesis, summarize key points from the body paragraphs, and offer insights on the significance of the analysis. Provide your thoughts on the topic's importance and how your analysis contributes to it, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Meanwhile, you might also be interested in how to write a reflection paper , so check out the article for more information!

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Simple Steps

Once you've got a handle on the structure, you can make writing easier by following some steps. Preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and improve your essay's flow. Here are some helpful tips from our experts. And if you need it, you can always request our experts to write my essay for me , and we'll handle it promptly.

Step 1: Decide on Your Stance

Before diving into writing, it's crucial to establish your stance on the topic. Let's say you're going to write an analytical essay example about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work. Before you start writing, you need to decide what your opinion or viewpoint is on this topic.

• Do you think remote work offers flexibility and improved work-life balance for employees?
• Or maybe you believe it can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased productivity?

Once you've determined your stance on remote work, it's essential to consider the evidence and arguments supporting your position. Are there statistics or studies that back up your viewpoint? For example, if you believe remote work improves productivity, you might cite research showing increased output among remote workers. On the other hand, if you think it leads to isolation, you could reference surveys or testimonials highlighting the challenges of remote collaboration. Your opinion will shape how you write your essay, so take some time to think about what you believe about remote work before you start writing.

Step 2: Write Your Thesis Statement

Once you've figured out what you think about the topic, it's time to write your thesis statement. This statement is like the main idea or argument of your essay.

If you believe that remote work offers significant benefits, your thesis statement might be: 'Remote work presents an opportunity for increased flexibility and work-life balance, benefiting employees and employers alike in today's interconnected world.'

Alternatively, if you believe that remote work has notable drawbacks, your thesis statement might be: 'While remote work offers flexibility, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in collaboration, necessitating a balanced approach to its implementation.'

Your thesis statement guides the rest of your analytical essay, so make sure it clearly expresses your viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 3: Write Topic Sentences

After you have your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work, you need to come up with topic sentences for each paragraph while writing an analytical essay. These sentences introduce the main point of each paragraph and help to structure your essay.

Let's say your first paragraph is about the benefits of remote work. Your topic sentence might be: 'Remote work offers employees increased flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to better manage their work-life balance.'

For the next paragraph discussing the drawbacks of remote work, your topic sentence could be: 'However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation and difficulties in communication and collaboration with colleagues.'

And for the paragraph about potential solutions to the challenges of remote work, your topic sentence might be: 'To mitigate the drawbacks of remote work, companies can implement strategies such as regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.'

Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work and provide a clear focus for the paragraph that follows.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Now that you have your thesis statement and topic sentences, it's time to create an analytical essay outline to ensure your essay flows logically. Here's an outline prepared by our analytical essay writer based on the example of discussing the benefits and drawbacks of remote work:

Step 5: Write Your First Draft

Now that you have your outline, it's time to start writing your first draft. Begin by expanding upon each point in your outline, making sure to connect your ideas smoothly and logically. Don't worry too much about perfection at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and polish your draft later.

As you write, keep referring back to your thesis statement to ensure that your arguments align with your main argument. Additionally, make sure each paragraph flows naturally into the next, maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

Once you've completed your first draft, take a break and then come back to review and revise it. Look for areas where you can strengthen your arguments, clarify your points, and improve the overall structure and flow of your essay.

Remember, writing is a process, and it's okay to go through multiple drafts before you're satisfied with the final result. Take your time and be patient with yourself as you work towards creating a well-crafted essay on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 6: Revise and Proofread

Once you've completed your first draft, it's essential to revise and proofread your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here's how to approach this step:

• Check if your ideas make sense and if they support your main point.
• Make sure your writing style stays the same and your format follows the rules.
• Double-check your facts and make sure you've covered everything important.
• Cut out any extra words and make your sentences clear and short.
• Look for mistakes in spelling and grammar.
• Ask someone to read your essay and give you feedback.

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

Analytical essays aim to analyze texts or topics, presenting a clear argument. They deepen understanding by evaluating evidence and uncovering underlying meanings. These essays promote critical thinking, challenging readers to consider different viewpoints.

They're also great for improving critical thinking skills. By breaking down complex ideas and presenting them clearly, they encourage readers to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.

This type of essay also adds to academic discussions by offering fresh insights. By analyzing existing research and literature, they bring new perspectives or shine a light on overlooked parts of a topic. This keeps academic conversations lively and encourages more exploration in the field.

Analytical Essay Examples

Check out our essay samples to see theory in action. Crafted by our dissertation services , they show how analytical thinking applies to real situations, helping you understand concepts better.

With our tips on how to write an analytical essay, you're ready to boost your writing skills and craft essays that captivate your audience. With practice, you'll become a pro at analytical writing, ready to tackle any topic with confidence. And, if you need help to buy essay online , just drop us a line saying ' do my homework for me ' and we'll jump right in!

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay: The Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever gotten a writing assignment that is just so boring you could scream? You know the kind, where you have to analyze some epic poem about a bunch of long-dead kings and dictators whose names you can’t even pronounce, or write an exposé on the effects of pollution on the everglades. These are the essays that make you want to just give up on writing altogether. But despair not, young essay-writer. By following a few handy steps and utilizing the guide provided below, you’ll be writing like a pro in no time!

See also: How to Write a Personal Essay

In this article, I’m going to take you through the process step-by-step, giving you some tips to make the writing process go faster and smoother.

Why write an analytical essay?

What is an analytical essay, step 1: pick your subject, step 2: do research, step 3: form an opinion, introduction, body paragraphs.

You might wonder why in the world you would want to do such a thing. I can’t blame you. Essay writing isn’t the most fun thing to do in the world. In fact, some of you may be considering just opting out of this assignment and go play some video games instead.

But analytical essays can open up a whole new world for you, baby! No, I’m not talking about Narnia (although if you’re into that sort of thing, more power to you). I’m talking about college and future jobs!

You might think that in this modern-day and age, analytical writing isn’t necessary. Everyone has a keyboard or touch screen device and can just type out a quick email or message. But not everyone can do that.

For one thing, some people are just incredibly awkward when it comes to wording things. The “literacy gap” is still a problem in our society, and there are people who need help saying what they mean without all the “umms” and “likes” and other verbal tics. There is also a higher education gap in our society as well. Not everyone goes to college or even graduates high school. Some people need to learn good writing skills in order to advance in their jobs.

An analytical essay is an essay in which you are REQUIRED to analyze the material. This can be pretty broad and cover anything from history to science to literature to movies. The purpose of this kind of essay is to teach you how to read material (whatever it may be) and then give your opinions on it.

And since this is just an introduction to the basics, this will be a pretty easy essay. Don’t get used to it though! 😀

So without further ado, let’s begin!

The writing process

See also: Difference Between Paraphrasing and Summarizing

This is the easy part. Your teacher will give you a topic, or you can pick your own. If you pick it yourself, make sure it’s appropriate for your grade level! If you’re in high school and your topic is the role of bees in the local environment, be prepared to do a lot of research.

Once you have your topic, move on to step 2!

If you need to, look up information about your topic. If it’s a writer, read some of their work and about them. If it’s a historic event, learn what you can about the facts surrounding it and the people involved. If it’s a concept, learn about its origins and how it has evolved over time.

Doing research is one of the most important parts of writing an analytical essay, so make sure you do it!

This is where most of you will probably struggle. Coming up with your opinion on a subject can be a hard thing to do, and even harder to do well. Once you have decided on your topic and done any research that you need to do, it’s time to form an opinion on the subject.

You need to pick a stance on the subject. Are you for it? Or are you against it? Whatever you think, back up your opinion with evidence from your research.

For example, let’s say that your topic is capital punishment (the killing of criminals or terrorists by the state as punishment for their crimes). You could be for it, meaning you believe that it reduces crime and leads to safer communities. You could be against it, meaning you believe that it doesn’t reduce crime and just leads to innocent people being put to death.

You need to pick one of these views and back it up with facts. Let’s go with the against viewpoint for this example. You could do your research and find out that many criminals sent to prison end up becoming more connected to learn from others inside and grow their criminal careers.

If they were still out on the streets, they wouldn’t have been able to commit more crimes!

The against viewpoint has a lot of research behind it, but it’s still just one viewpoint on the matter. Make sure you can argue both sides if asked!

Step 4: Writing

This is where you actually get to write your essay. Be creative with the formatting and order that you present your information in. You want to keep the reader interested!

Here’s what I would do, though it’s just one option out of many:

The first paragraph should include your thesis statement. This is a one-sentence answer to the question that you’re answering in your paper. For example, if you were writing an essay about whether or not capital punishment decreases crime, your thesis statement would be something like:

“The idea that the death penalty saves lives is pure fantasy, and has no basis in fact.”

Your first body paragraph should contain a quote from someone important related to your topic. (In this case, pro-capital punishment) Here’s an example of one:

“The only way to deter crime is through swift and sure execution” – Judge Justice Washington

This is to help prove that your opinion is valid. If people who made careers out of this stuff also think that your viewpoint is correct, there’s a good chance that you’ve picked the right argument to back up!

Next, your body paragraphs should describe facts and statistics that back up your view.

For example:

The average time between sentencing and execution is 10 years. That’s a lot of time for criminals to sit and think about their actions. Also, some criminals are so dim that they continue committing crimes while in prison! In fact, more criminals are killed each year by fellow prisoners than the total number of criminals that were executed that year. If the death penalty was a deterrent at all, it would surely be for those in prison as well!

Finally, your conclusion should reiterate your thesis statement and finish on a high note. It’s also common to see an opposing argument in the conclusion and then refute it quickly.

This is what I would do:

The death penalty does nothing to stop crime. It’s just the lazy solution that liberals came up with to make themselves feel better. If they really wanted to save lives, they’d put more money into the police force and the education system.

That’s it! You’re all finished!

Well… Almost. Now you have to proofread and edit your paper. This is the MOST important step, and it’s often the one that’s forgotten! Check your grammar and spelling over carefully. Do this at least three times to make sure you haven’t made any mistakes.

Once you’re confident that it’s correct, you can turn it in! Congratulations! 😀

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Writing An Analytical Essay: Exhaustive Guide To Prepare An Excellent Essay

Do you know how to write an analytical essay? If there is one thing you always do a lot of in college, it is writing. In particular, there are always lots of assignments that involve analytical essay writing. Of course, a lot of students find this difficult because it can take a lot of time and energy. This is particularly true if it is on subjects and different topics that you are not that knowledgeable about.

An analytical essay is the most common paper you will have to write as a student. That is why it is best to learn what it is all about now so that you can achieve the good grades that you want. Of course, knowing the structure and how to start writing is the most difficult part. So, that is why we have created this guide. It is an exhaustive guide that is going to take you through how to write an analytical essay. So, let’s get started.

What is an Analytical Essay?

First of all, it is important to understand what this paper is about so you can know how to write an analysis. After all, there are lots of  types of essays  for college. So, what is an analytical essay? Well, this is a paper that requires students to write their response to an idea, topic or body of work.

The idea is that the student analyzes and examines that information critically and comes to their own conclusions on it. Perhaps they agree with the work, or maybe they disagree. Often, this will be on topics that can go either way and you can choose what you think is the right answer. The point is that the student has to persuade the reader into their thinking.

There are lots of analysis essay topics, which means it does not matter what you are studying, you are likely to come across this kind of paper.

Choose and Explore Analysis Essay Topics

The first step in writing an analytical essay is choosing the topic. While a lot of people rush through this stage, it is actually one of the most important parts. After all, you have to be interested in it and be able to analyse the topic well to succeed.

Of course, there is going to be a lot of topics you can choose from in your discipline. Unless you have been automatically assigned one by your teacher, you will need to brainstorm and think about a topic you want to cover. It is important to ask questions and think about the topic from a different angle. Can you see how this topic can be challenged? Are there two sides to the story? Once you have come up with your subject, it is time to start on your analytical essay structure.

Write an Analytical Essay

Writing an analysis essay involves creating an analytical thesis statement. This is what guides your reader through your work. Essentially, it demonstrates what you are going to show in your paper. Therefore, it should be concise and to the point, showing your side of the argument.

The next step is time-consuming – researching your ideas. This involves reading and writing good notes from different sources, and they should be reliable sources to make sure you are gathering trustworthy information. There are a lot of  writing tips  that will make this part easier, but the best one is to take your time and make sure you look at your topic from all angles. If you need to edit your thesis statement to make it perfect, you can do that. Just make sure you are happy with your topic and statement before you proceed to start writing.

We always recommend creating an analysis essay outline before you start writing. This will help you understand what you are writing about and in what order. Take some time to make some notes and create an analytical essay template. The point is that when you start writing, you do not get lost.

Prepare Well Structured Analytical Essay

The way you can create a good college paper is by making sure it is well structured. This means starting out with an analytical essay introduction and ending with a conclusion. Having a good flow and well-researched body of paragraphs will score you the highest grade.

So, start off with your introduction. You want to hook the reader and make them read your paper in the introduction. You also want to share your thesis statement, so everyone knows what they are going to read about.

Then you have your body paragraphs. This is where all your research and analysis goes. You want to make a strong point in paragraph one with examples and make sure it relates to your thesis statement. In each paragraph, make a good point that demonstrates why your thesis statement is correct. This should always include examples and transition into the next paragraph.

Of course, you want to end by having a conclusion that reminds readers of the thesis statement and summarize the points you have made. By the end, the reader should feel they have more knowledge about the topic and your thesis statement is correct. This is how to write an analytical essay and the structure you need to get a good grade.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you have better knowledge of how to write an analytical essay. It can take some time to get used to. But do not forget to proofread your work after you finish. A lot of students forget this part, and this is how you lose marks. During proofreading, you can stop and correct mistakes, as well as make some edits to make the essay better.

The most important part of any analytical essay is to have a good structure. This is what gains you marks. So, the best way to do this is to create an introduction, body and conclusion outlines. You should always repeat and tie in your points of your thesis statement and use examples to back up your points.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay: Full Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction to Analytical Essays:

Definition and purpose of an analytical essay.

An analytical essay dissects an idea or a topic into its key components. It examines the subject by breaking it down into parts and understanding its complexities. The purpose is not to re-narrate what is already known, but to offer a new perspective and insight into the subject matter.

Importance of Analysis Over Summary

Analysis involves a deep exploration of the subject, discussing the ‘how’ and ‘why,’ and looking at the implications of the findings. In contrast, a summary simply recounts what has happened or what is presented in the work. An analytical essay should synthesize information to reveal patterns, contradictions, and connections that go beyond mere summary.

Choosing a Topic:

Tips on selecting a suitable topic.

• Pick a topic that interests you, as your engagement will come through in your writing.
• Ensure there is enough material on the subject to analyze.
• Choose a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for in-depth analysis without being overwhelming.

Formulating a Clear, Arguable Thesis Statement

• Your thesis should present a clear argument or claim that you will support with evidence.
• It should be specific and manageable within the scope of your essay.
• Your thesis is the guiding star of your essay; every paragraph should relate back to and support this statement.

Research and Evidence:

Conducting research and gathering evidence.

• Start with a broad search to understand the general landscape of your topic.
• Narrow down to specific sources that provide detailed analysis and perspectives.
• Keep track of your sources for citation and reference.

Evaluating Sources for Credibility

• Assess the author’s qualifications and reputation.
• Check the publication date to ensure relevance.
• Evaluate the objectivity of the source, looking for any signs of bias.

Integrating Evidence Effectively

• Use evidence to support your claims, not just as a decoration.
• Quote sparingly and only when the author’s exact wording is necessary.
• Paraphrase effectively, ensuring you’re still presenting the original idea accurately.
• Always interpret the evidence and explain how it supports your thesis.

Structuring the Essay:

Outline of an analytical essay structure.

• Engaging hook
• Background information
• Clear thesis statement
• Topic sentences
• Transitions
• Summarizing the analysis
• Reiterating the thesis
• Implications or suggestions for further research

Introduction: Crafting an Engaging Hook and a Clear Thesis

• Start with a hook: a fact, question, quote, or anecdote relevant to your topic that grabs the reader’s attention.
• Provide necessary background information without diving into the main analysis.
• End with a clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument or perspective.

Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentences, Analysis, Evidence, and Transitions

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph.
• Follow with analysis that interprets the evidence and explains how it supports your thesis.
• Introduce evidence to back up your analysis, ensuring it is relevant and well-integrated.
• Use transitions to smoothly connect paragraphs, maintaining the flow of your argument.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Analysis and Reiterating the Thesis

• Briefly summarize the main points of your analysis.
• Reiterate your thesis in light of the evidence and analysis provided.
• Conclude with a final thought or call to action, suggesting implications or potential areas for further research.

Writing the Analysis:

Techniques for critical analysis.

• Question underlying assumptions and explore different viewpoints.
• Look for patterns, contradictions, and changes in the subject.
• Apply theoretical frameworks or concepts to deepen your analysis.

Balancing Evidence with Original Thought

• While evidence is crucial, your own insights should drive the essay.
• Discuss the significance of your evidence and what it reveals about your topic.
• Offer a unique perspective or argument that builds on the evidence you’ve presented.

Avoiding Common Analytical Essay Pitfalls

• Don’t simply summarize the source material; always add interpretive value.
• Avoid using evidence without analysis; always connect it back to your argument.
• Stay objective and avoid letting personal bias unduly influence your analysis.

Editing and Proofreading:

Strategies for revising and refining the essay.

• Take a break before revising to look at your essay with fresh eyes.
• Read your essay out loud to catch errors or awkward phrasing.
• Check for clarity, coherence, and consistency in your argument throughout the essay.

Grammar and Style Checks

• Use grammar checking tools, but don’t rely on them completely.
• Be consistent in tense, voice, and point of view.
• Ensure your writing is concise and free of jargon or unnecessarily complex language.

Use of Editing Tools or External Help

• Consider software tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor for initial checks.
• Ask peers, mentors, or professional services for feedback.
• Make sure your essay adheres to the required style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

With this structure, you can construct an analytical essay that is clear, coherent, and convincingly argued. The emphasis throughout should be on critical thinking, structured argumentation, and the insightful integration of evidence.

Formatting and Presentation:

Proper formatting guidelines (apa, mla, chicago, etc.).

• APA : Used commonly for social sciences. It includes a title page, abstract, in-text citations with author-date format, and a reference list.
• MLA : Preferred for humanities. It features parenthetical in-text citations with author-page format and a Works Cited page.
• Chicago : Offers two systems—notes-bibliography (common for literature, history, and the arts) and author-date (used in the social sciences). This style includes footnotes or endnotes, along with a bibliography or reference page.

Title Page, Headings, and Pagination

• Title Page : Should have the title of your essay, your name, the course title, instructor’s name, and the date.
• Headings : Use headings and subheadings to organize the content, especially for longer essays. Follow the specific style guide for the level of headings.
• Pagination : Page numbers should be included on each page, with specific placement as per the chosen style guide.

Reference List and In-text Citations

• Ensure all sources cited within the text are included in the reference list or bibliography.
• Follow the specific formatting rules for each type of source in the style guide you are using.
• In-text citations should allow the reader to locate the source in the reference list easily.

Example of an Analytical Essay:

An example essay would demonstrate:

• An engaging introduction with a hook and a thesis statement.
• Several body paragraphs that each introduce a point with a topic sentence, provide evidence and analysis, and link back to the thesis.
• A conclusion that summarizes the arguments, restates the thesis in light of the discussion, and perhaps poses questions for further research. Due to the constraints of this format, providing a complete essay example is not feasible, but students can find numerous examples online or in academic writing guides.

Conclusion:

Final thoughts and advice for essay writers.

• Carefully plan your essay and make a detailed outline before you begin writing.
• Stick to the chosen formatting and citation style throughout your essay.
• Understand that writing is a process; drafts are your friend, and revision is key to clarity and coherence.

Encouragement to Practice and Refine Analytical Writing Skills

• Regular practice is essential for honing your analytical writing skills.
• Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or writing centers.
• Embrace constructive criticism and use it to improve your writing.

In summary, analytical essays require meticulous attention to detail, both in the analysis and presentation of arguments. Following formatting guidelines enhances the professionalism and credibility of your work. With practice and dedication, the craft of writing analytical essays becomes an invaluable skill in your academic toolkit.