analytical essay help writing

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.

Wondering How to Impress Your Professor with Your Essay?

Let our writers craft you a winning essay, no matter the subject, field, type, or length!

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
Body paragraph 1
Body paragraph 2
Body paragraph 3
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:

Introduction
Benefits of Remote Work
Drawbacks of Remote Work
Solutions to Challenges of Remote Work
Conclusion

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!

Do Analytical Essays Tend to Intimidate You?

Give us your assignment to uncover a deeper understanding of your chosen analytical essay topic!

How to Write an Analytical Essay?

What is an analytical essay.

Daniel Parker

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.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write an Analytical Essay

Last Updated: August 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,995,278 times.

Writing an analytical essay can seem daunting, especially if you've never done it before. Don't worry! Take a deep breath, buy yourself a caffeinated beverage, and follow these steps to create a well-crafted analytical essay.

Prewriting for Your Essay

• For example, "Stanley Kubrick's The Shining uses a repeating motif of Native American culture and art to comment on America's history of colonizing Native Americans' lands" is an analytical thesis. It is analyzing a particular text and setting forth an argument about it in the form of a thesis statement.

• If you're writing an analytical essay about a work of fiction, you could focus your argument on what motivates a specific character or group of characters. Or, you could argue why a certain line or paragraph is central to the work as a whole. For example: Explore the concept of vengeance in the epic poem Beowulf .
• If you're writing about a historical event, try focusing on the forces that contributed to what happened.
• If you're writing about scientific research or findings, follow the scientific method to analyze your results.

• Look for repeated imagery, metaphors, phrases, or ideas. Things that repeat are often important. See if you can decipher why these things are so crucial. Do they repeat in the same way each time, or differently?
• How does the text work? If you're writing a rhetorical analysis, for example, you might analyze how the author uses logical appeals to support her argument and decide whether you think the argument is effective. If you're analyzing a creative work, consider things like imagery, visuals in a film, etc. If you're analyzing research, you may want to consider the methods and results and analyze whether the experiment is a good design.
• A mind map can be helpful to some people. Start with your central topic, and arrange smaller ideas around it in bubbles. Connect the bubbles to identify patterns and how things are related.
• Good brainstorming can be all over the place. In fact, that can be a good way to start off! Don't discount any ideas just yet. Write down any element or fact that you think of as you examine your topic.

• This is an analytical thesis because it examines a text and makes a particular claim.
• The claim is "arguable," meaning it's not a statement of pure fact that nobody could contest. An analytical essay takes a side and makes an argument.
• Make sure your thesis is narrow enough to fit the scope of your assignment. "Revenge in Beowulf could be a PhD dissertation, it's so broad. It's probably much too big for a student essay. However, arguing that one character's revenge is more honorable than another's is manageable within a shorter student essay.
• Unless instructed to write one, avoid the "three-prong" thesis that presents three points to be discussed later. These thesis statements usually limit your analysis too much and give your argument a formulaic feel. It's okay to state generally what your argument will be.

• Example of supporting evidence : To support a claim that the dragon’s vengeance was more righteous than Grendel's mother's, look at the passages in the poem that discuss the events leading up to each monster’s attack, the attacks themselves, as well as the reactions to those attacks. Don't: ignore or twist evidence to fit your thesis. Do: adjust your thesis to a more nuanced position as you learn more about the topic.

• If you're not quite sure how all your evidence fits together, don't worry! Making an outline can help you figure out how your argument should progress.
• You can also make a more informal outline that groups your ideas together in large groups. From there, you can decide what to talk about where.
• Your essay will be as long as it needs to be to adequately discuss your topic. A common mistake students make is to choose a large topic and then allow only 3 body paragraphs to discuss it. This makes essays feel shallow or rushed. Don't be afraid to spend enough time discussing each detail!

Writing Your Essay

• Example introduction : Revenge was a legally recognized right in ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The many revenges in the epic poem Beowulf show that retribution was an essential part of the Anglo-Saxon age. However, not all revenges are created alike. The poet's portrayal of these revenges suggests that the dragon was more honorable in his act of revenge than Grendel's mother.
• This introduction gives your readers information they should know to understand your argument, and then presents an argument about the complexity of a general topic (revenge) in the poem. This type of argument can be interesting because it suggests that the reader needs to think about the text very carefully and not take it at face value. Don't: include filler and fluff sentences beginning with "In modern society" or "Throughout time." Do: briefly mention the title, author, and publication date of the text you're analyzing.

• Example topic sentence : The key to differentiating between the two attacks is the notion of excessive retribution.
• Example analysis : Grendel's mother does not simply want vengeance, as per the Medieval concept of ‘an eye for an eye.’ Instead, she wants to take a life for a life while also throwing Hrothgar’s kingdom into chaos.
• Example evidence : Instead of simply killing Aeschere, and thus enacting just revenge, she “quickly [snatches] up” that nobleman and, with him “tight in her clutches,” she leaves for the fen (1294). She does this to lure Beowulf away from Heorot so she can kill him as well.
• The formula "CEE" may help you remember: Claim-Evidence-Explanation. Whenever you present a claim, make sure you present evidence to support that claim and explain how the evidence relates to your claim.

• Example of a quote : Instead of simply killing Aeschere, and thus enacting just revenge, she “quickly [snatches] up” that nobleman and, with him “tight in her clutches,” she leaves for the fen (1294).
• Example of a paraphrased sentence : The female Grendel enters Heorot, snatches up one of the men sleeping inside it, and runs away to the fen (1294).

• Example conclusion : The concept of an ‘eye for an eye’ was very present in the early Medieval world. However, by comparing the attacks of both Grendel's mother and the dragon, the medieval world’s perception of righteous vengeance versus unjust revenge is made clear. While the dragon acts out in the only way he knows how, Grendel's mother attacks with evil intent.
• Example conclusion with a ‘bigger world connection’: The concept of an ‘eye for an eye’ was very present in the early Medieval world. However, by comparing the attacks of both Grendel's mother and the dragon, the medieval world’s perception of righteous vengeance versus unjust revenge is made clear. While the dragon acts out in the only way he knows how, Grendel's mother attacks with evil intent. As we saw from the study of other characters, these portrayals may tie into an early Medieval perception that women had greater potential for evil.

Finalizing Your Essay

• Make sure to also format your essay correctly. For example, using a 12-pt standard font (like Arial or Times New Roman) and 1" margins is standard.

• If you are analyzing a film, look up the list of characters online. Check two or three sources to make sure that you have the correct spelling.

Analytical Essay Writing Help

Community Q&A

• Ask yourself "What am I trying to prove?" The answer should be in your thesis. If not, go back and fix it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you are writing a formal analysis or critique, then avoid using colloquial writing . Though informal language may bring some color to a paper, you do not want to risk weakening your argument by influencing it with verbal slang. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid being too vague. Vagueness leaves room for misinterpretation and in a coherent, analytical essay, leaving room for misinterpretation decreases the effectiveness of your argument. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/analytical-essay-guide
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/analytical-essay/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/HOWTOWRITEALITERARYANALYSISESSAY_10.15.07_001.pdf
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-can-i-create-stronger-analysis-.html
• ↑ https://academics.umw.edu/writing-fredericksburg/files/2011/09/Basic-Outlines.pdf
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-write-an-intro--conclusion----body-paragraph.html
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-incorporate-quotes-.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/proofreading

About This Article

To write an analytical essay, first write an introduction that gives your reader background information and introduces your thesis. Then, write body paragraphs in support of your thesis that include a topic sentence, an analysis of some part of the text, and evidence from the text that supports your analysis. You can use direct quotes from the text that support your point of view or paraphrase if you’re trying to summarize information. Finally, complete your essay with a conclusion that reiterates your thesis and your primary support for it. To learn from our English reviewer how to come up with your thesis statement and find evidence that supports it, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Janet Winston

Dec 11, 2016

Did this article help you?

Feb 23, 2017

Allene Geary

Aug 18, 2016

Mar 26, 2019

William Johnson

Jul 9, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

5 Steps to Write a Great Analytical Essay

General Education

Do you need to write an analytical essay for school? What sets this kind of essay apart from other types, and what must you include when you write your own analytical essay? In this guide, we break down the process of writing an analytical essay by explaining the key factors your essay needs to have, providing you with an outline to help you structure your essay, and analyzing a complete analytical essay example so you can see what a finished essay looks like.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

Before you begin writing an analytical essay, you must know what this type of essay is and what it includes. Analytical essays analyze something, often (but not always) a piece of writing or a film.

An analytical essay is more than just a synopsis of the issue though; in this type of essay you need to go beyond surface-level analysis and look at what the key arguments/points of this issue are and why. If you’re writing an analytical essay about a piece of writing, you’ll look into how the text was written and why the author chose to write it that way. Instead of summarizing, an analytical essay typically takes a narrower focus and looks at areas such as major themes in the work, how the author constructed and supported their argument, how the essay used literary devices to enhance its messages, etc.

While you certainly want people to agree with what you’ve written, unlike with persuasive and argumentative essays, your main purpose when writing an analytical essay isn’t to try to convert readers to your side of the issue. Therefore, you won’t be using strong persuasive language like you would in those essay types. Rather, your goal is to have enough analysis and examples that the strength of your argument is clear to readers.

Besides typical essay components like an introduction and conclusion, a good analytical essay will include:

• A thesis that states your main argument
• Analysis that relates back to your thesis and supports it
• Examples to support your analysis and allow a more in-depth look at the issue

In the rest of this article, we’ll explain how to include each of these in your analytical essay.

How to Structure Your Analytical Essay

Analytical essays are structured similarly to many other essays you’ve written, with an introduction (including a thesis), several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Below is an outline you can follow when structuring your essay, and in the next section we go into more detail on how to write an analytical essay.

Introduction

Your introduction will begin with some sort of attention-grabbing sentence to get your audience interested, then you’ll give a few sentences setting up the topic so that readers have some context, and you’ll end with your thesis statement. Your introduction will include:

• Brief background information explaining the issue/text
• Your thesis

Body Paragraphs

Your analytical essay will typically have three or four body paragraphs, each covering a different point of analysis. Begin each body paragraph with a sentence that sets up the main point you’ll be discussing. Then you’ll give some analysis on that point, backing it up with evidence to support your claim. Continue analyzing and giving evidence for your analysis until you’re out of strong points for the topic. At the end of each body paragraph, you may choose to have a transition sentence that sets up what the next paragraph will be about, but this isn’t required. Body paragraphs will include:

• Introductory sentence explaining what you’ll cover in the paragraph (sort of like a mini-thesis)
• Analysis point
• Evidence (either passages from the text or data/facts) that supports the analysis
• (Repeat analysis and evidence until you run out of examples)

You won’t be making any new points in your conclusion; at this point you’re just reiterating key points you’ve already made and wrapping things up. Begin by rephrasing your thesis and summarizing the main points you made in the essay. Someone who reads just your conclusion should be able to come away with a basic idea of what your essay was about and how it was structured. After this, you may choose to make some final concluding thoughts, potentially by connecting your essay topic to larger issues to show why it’s important. A conclusion will include:

• Paraphrase of thesis
• Summary of key points of analysis
• Final concluding thought(s)

5 Steps for Writing an Analytical Essay

Follow these five tips to break down writing an analytical essay into manageable steps. By the end, you’ll have a fully-crafted analytical essay with both in-depth analysis and enough evidence to support your argument. All of these steps use the completed analytical essay in the next section as an example.

#1: Pick a Topic

You may have already had a topic assigned to you, and if that’s the case, you can skip this step. However, if you haven’t, or if the topic you’ve been assigned is broad enough that you still need to narrow it down, then you’ll need to decide on a topic for yourself. Choosing the right topic can mean the difference between an analytical essay that’s easy to research (and gets you a good grade) and one that takes hours just to find a few decent points to analyze

Before you decide on an analytical essay topic, do a bit of research to make sure you have enough examples to support your analysis. If you choose a topic that’s too narrow, you’ll struggle to find enough to write about.

For example, say your teacher assigns you to write an analytical essay about the theme in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath of exposing injustices against migrants. For it to be an analytical essay, you can’t just recount the injustices characters in the book faced; that’s only a summary and doesn’t include analysis. You need to choose a topic that allows you to analyze the theme. One of the best ways to explore a theme is to analyze how the author made his/her argument. One example here is that Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters (short chapters that didn’t relate to the plot or contain the main characters of the book) to show what life was like for migrants as a whole during the Dust Bowl.

You could write about how Steinbeck used literary devices throughout the whole book, but, in the essay below, I chose to just focus on the intercalary chapters since they gave me enough examples. Having a narrower focus will nearly always result in a tighter and more convincing essay (and can make compiling examples less overwhelming).

#2: Write a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the most important sentence of your essay; a reader should be able to read just your thesis and understand what the entire essay is about and what you’ll be analyzing. When you begin writing, remember that each sentence in your analytical essay should relate back to your thesis

In the analytical essay example below, the thesis is the final sentence of the first paragraph (the traditional spot for it). The thesis is: “In The Grapes of Wrath’s intercalary chapters, John Steinbeck employs a variety of literary devices and stylistic choices to better expose the injustices committed against migrants in the 1930s.” So what will this essay analyze? How Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants could have it. Crystal clear.

#3: Do Research to Find Your Main Points

This is where you determine the bulk of your analysis--the information that makes your essay an analytical essay. My preferred method is to list every idea that I can think of, then research each of those and use the three or four strongest ones for your essay. Weaker points may be those that don’t relate back to the thesis, that you don’t have much analysis to discuss, or that you can’t find good examples for. A good rule of thumb is to have one body paragraph per main point

This essay has four main points, each of which analyzes a different literary device Steinbeck uses to better illustrate how difficult life was for migrants during the Dust Bowl. The four literary devices and their impact on the book are:

• Lack of individual names in intercalary chapters to illustrate the scope of the problem
• Parallels to the Bible to induce sympathy for the migrants
• Non-showy, often grammatically-incorrect language so the migrants are more realistic and relatable to readers
• Nature-related metaphors to affect the mood of the writing and reflect the plight of the migrants

#4: Find Excerpts or Evidence to Support Your Analysis

Now that you have your main points, you need to back them up. If you’re writing a paper about a text or film, use passages/clips from it as your main source of evidence. If you’re writing about something else, your evidence can come from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, quotes from knowledgeable sources etc. Any evidence that would work for a regular research paper works here.

In this example, I quoted multiple passages from The Grapes of Wrath  in each paragraph to support my argument. You should be able to back up every claim you make with evidence in order to have a strong essay.

#5: Put It All Together

Now it's time to begin writing your essay, if you haven’t already. Create an introductory paragraph that ends with the thesis, make a body paragraph for each of your main points, including both analysis and evidence to back up your claims, and wrap it all up with a conclusion that recaps your thesis and main points and potentially explains the big picture importance of the topic.

Analytical Essay Example + Analysis

So that you can see for yourself what a completed analytical essay looks like, here’s an essay I wrote back in my high school days. It’s followed by analysis of how I structured my essay, what its strengths are, and how it could be improved.

One way Steinbeck illustrates the connections all migrant people possessed and the struggles they faced is by refraining from using specific titles and names in his intercalary chapters. While The Grapes of Wrath focuses on the Joad family, the intercalary chapters show that all migrants share the same struggles and triumphs as the Joads. No individual names are used in these chapters; instead the people are referred to as part of a group. Steinbeck writes, “Frantic men pounded on the doors of the doctors; and the doctors were busy.  And sad men left word at country stores for the coroner to send a car,” (555). By using generic terms, Steinbeck shows how the migrants are all linked because they have gone through the same experiences. The grievances committed against one family were committed against thousands of other families; the abuse extends far beyond what the Joads experienced. The Grapes of Wrath frequently refers to the importance of coming together; how, when people connect with others their power and influence multiplies immensely. Throughout the novel, the goal of the migrants, the key to their triumph, has been to unite. While their plans are repeatedly frustrated by the government and police, Steinbeck’s intercalary chapters provide a way for the migrants to relate to one another because they have encountered the same experiences. Hundreds of thousands of migrants fled to the promised land of California, but Steinbeck was aware that numbers alone were impersonal and lacked the passion he desired to spread. Steinbeck created the intercalary chapters to show the massive numbers of people suffering, and he created the Joad family to evoke compassion from readers.  Because readers come to sympathize with the Joads, they become more sensitive to the struggles of migrants in general. However, John Steinbeck frequently made clear that the Joads were not an isolated incident; they were not unique. Their struggles and triumphs were part of something greater. Refraining from specific names in his intercalary chapters allows Steinbeck to show the vastness of the atrocities committed against migrants.

Steinbeck also creates significant parallels to the Bible in his intercalary chapters in order to enhance his writing and characters. By using simple sentences and stylized writing, Steinbeck evokes Biblical passages. The migrants despair, “No work till spring. No work,” (556).  Short, direct sentences help to better convey the desperateness of the migrants’ situation. Throughout his novel, John Steinbeck makes connections to the Bible through his characters and storyline. Jim Casy’s allusions to Christ and the cycle of drought and flooding are clear biblical references.  By choosing to relate The Grapes of Wrath to the Bible, Steinbeck’s characters become greater than themselves. Starving migrants become more than destitute vagrants; they are now the chosen people escaping to the promised land. When a forgotten man dies alone and unnoticed, it becomes a tragedy. Steinbeck writes, “If [the migrants] were shot at, they did not run, but splashed sullenly away; and if they were hit, they sank tiredly in the mud,” (556). Injustices committed against the migrants become greater because they are seen as children of God through Steinbeck’s choice of language. Referencing the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s novel and purpose: to create understanding for the dispossessed.  It is easy for people to feel disdain for shabby vagabonds, but connecting them to such a fundamental aspect of Christianity induces sympathy from readers who might have otherwise disregarded the migrants as so many other people did.

The simple, uneducated dialogue Steinbeck employs also helps to create a more honest and meaningful representation of the migrants, and it makes the migrants more relatable to readers. Steinbeck chooses to accurately represent the language of the migrants in order to more clearly illustrate their lives and make them seem more like real paper than just characters in a book. The migrants lament, “They ain’t gonna be no kinda work for three months,” (555). There are multiple grammatical errors in that single sentence, but it vividly conveys the despair the migrants felt better than a technically perfect sentence would. The Grapes of Wrath is intended to show the severe difficulties facing the migrants so Steinbeck employs a clear, pragmatic style of writing.  Steinbeck shows the harsh, truthful realities of the migrants’ lives and he would be hypocritical if he chose to give the migrants a more refined voice and not portray them with all their shortcomings. The depiction of the migrants as imperfect through their language also makes them easier to relate to. Steinbeck’s primary audience was the middle class, the less affluent of society. Repeatedly in The Grapes of Wrath , the wealthy make it obvious that they scorn the plight of the migrants. The wealthy, not bad luck or natural disasters, were the prominent cause of the suffering of migrant families such as the Joads. Thus, Steinbeck turns to the less prosperous for support in his novel. When referring to the superior living conditions barnyard animals have, the migrants remark, “Them’s horses-we’re men,” (556).  The perfect simplicity of this quote expresses the absurdness of the migrants’ situation better than any flowery expression could.

In The Grapes of Wrath , John Steinbeck uses metaphors, particularly about nature, in order to illustrate the mood and the overall plight of migrants. Throughout most of the book, the land is described as dusty, barren, and dead. Towards the end, however; floods come and the landscape begins to change. At the end of chapter twenty-nine, Steinbeck describes a hill after the floods saying, “Tiny points of grass came through the earth, and in a few days the hills were pale green with the beginning year,” (556). This description offers a stark contrast from the earlier passages which were filled with despair and destruction. Steinbeck’s tone from the beginning of the chapter changes drastically. Early in the chapter, Steinbeck had used heavy imagery in order to convey the destruction caused by the rain, “The streams and the little rivers edged up to the bank sides and worked at willows and tree roots, bent the willows deep in the current, cut out the roots of cottonwoods and brought down the trees,” (553). However, at the end of the chapter the rain has caused new life to grow in California. The new grass becomes a metaphor representing hope. When the migrants are at a loss over how they will survive the winter, the grass offers reassurance. The story of the migrants in the intercalary chapters parallels that of the Joads. At the end of the novel, the family is breaking apart and has been forced to flee their home. However, both the book and final intercalary chapter end on a hopeful note after so much suffering has occurred. The grass metaphor strengthens Steinbeck’s message because it offers a tangible example of hope. Through his language Steinbeck’s themes become apparent at the end of the novel. Steinbeck affirms that persistence, even when problems appear insurmountable, leads to success. These metaphors help to strengthen Steinbeck’s themes in The Grapes of Wrath because they provide a more memorable way to recall important messages.

John Steinbeck’s language choices help to intensify his writing in his intercalary chapters and allow him to more clearly show how difficult life for migrants could be. Refraining from using specific names and terms allows Steinbeck to show that many thousands of migrants suffered through the same wrongs. Imitating the style of the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s characters and connects them to the Bible, perhaps the most famous book in history. When Steinbeck writes in the imperfect dialogue of the migrants, he creates a more accurate portrayal and makes the migrants easier to relate to for a less affluent audience. Metaphors, particularly relating to nature, strengthen the themes in The Grapes of Wrath by enhancing the mood Steinbeck wants readers to feel at different points in the book. Overall, the intercalary chapters that Steinbeck includes improve his novel by making it more memorable and reinforcing the themes Steinbeck embraces throughout the novel. Exemplary stylistic devices further persuade readers of John Steinbeck’s personal beliefs. Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath to bring to light cruelties against migrants, and by using literary devices effectively, he continuously reminds readers of his purpose. Steinbeck’s impressive language choices in his intercalary chapters advance the entire novel and help to create a classic work of literature that people still are able to relate to today. 

This essay sticks pretty closely to the standard analytical essay outline. It starts with an introduction, where I chose to use a quote to start off the essay. (This became my favorite way to start essays in high school because, if I wasn’t sure what to say, I could outsource the work and find a quote that related to what I’d be writing about.) The quote in this essay doesn’t relate to the themes I’m discussing quite as much as it could, but it’s still a slightly different way to start an essay and can intrigue readers. I then give a bit of background on The Grapes of Wrath and its themes before ending the intro paragraph with my thesis: that Steinbeck used literary devices in intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants had it.

Each of my four body paragraphs is formatted in roughly the same way: an intro sentence that explains what I’ll be discussing, analysis of that main point, and at least two quotes from the book as evidence.

My conclusion restates my thesis, summarizes each of four points I discussed in my body paragraphs, and ends the essay by briefly discussing how Steinbeck’s writing helped introduce a world of readers to the injustices migrants experienced during the dust bowl.

What does this analytical essay example do well? For starters, it contains everything that a strong analytical essay should, and it makes that easy to find. The thesis clearly lays out what the essay will be about, the first sentence of each of the body paragraph introduces the topic it’ll cover, and the conclusion neatly recaps all the main points. Within each of the body paragraphs, there’s analysis along with multiple excerpts from the book in order to add legitimacy to my points.

Additionally, the essay does a good job of taking an in-depth look at the issue introduced in the thesis. Four ways Steinbeck used literary devices are discussed, and for each of the examples are given and analysis is provided so readers can understand why Steinbeck included those devices and how they helped shaped how readers viewed migrants and their plight.

Where could this essay be improved? I believe the weakest body paragraph is the third one, the one that discusses how Steinbeck used plain, grammatically incorrect language to both accurately depict the migrants and make them more relatable to readers. The paragraph tries to touch on both of those reasons and ends up being somewhat unfocused as a result. It would have been better for it to focus on just one of those reasons (likely how it made the migrants more relatable) in order to be clearer and more effective. It’s a good example of how adding more ideas to an essay often doesn’t make it better if they don’t work with the rest of what you’re writing. This essay also could explain the excerpts that are included more and how they relate to the points being made. Sometimes they’re just dropped in the essay with the expectation that the readers will make the connection between the example and the analysis. This is perhaps especially true in the second body paragraph, the one that discusses similarities to Biblical passages. Additional analysis of the quotes would have strengthened it.

Summary: How to Write an Analytical Essay

What is an analytical essay? A critical analytical essay analyzes a topic, often a text or film. The analysis paper uses evidence to support the argument, such as excerpts from the piece of writing. All analytical papers include a thesis, analysis of the topic, and evidence to support that analysis.

When developing an analytical essay outline and writing your essay, follow these five steps:

Reading analytical essay examples can also give you a better sense of how to structure your essay and what to include in it.

What's Next?

Learning about different writing styles in school? There are four main writing styles, and it's important to understand each of them. Learn about them in our guide to writing styles , complete with examples.

Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Literary devices can both be used to enhance your writing and communication. Check out this list of 31 literary devices to learn more !

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

How to write a good analytical essay

Published September 27, 2020. Updated June 7, 2022.

Analytical Essay Definition

An analytical essay is an essay that provides an analysis of a work or issue.

Overview of Analytical Essay Writing

An analytical essay is used to analyze just about anything. Mostly, students will be asked to analyze a piece of writing, a film, or a specific issue. Topics for analytical essays should be neither too broad nor too narrow and should have enough sources to support the analysis. An analytical essay should be structured with an outline that consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Enough time should be spent writing, rewriting, and revising thoroughly. Line editing, spell-checking, and proofreading should be done carefully, and the sentence flow should be checked to create the final analytical essay.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

What is an analytical essay?

So, first things first: what is an analytical essay? Analytical essays are just what they sound like — they are, simply put, an analysis. To analyze is to “study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of something” (Merriam-Webster). An analytical essay can analyze just about anything, but most often, students are asked to analyze a piece of writing, a film, or a specific issue.

It’s important to note the difference between argumentative and analytical essays. Though they are similar, there is a distinction: argumentative papers aim to prove a point through a well-researched, persuasive argument, while analytical papers posit a question and explore possible answers.

Some analytical essays will set out to prove a point, which can make them easily confused with argumentative essays. Remember, the main goal of argumentative essays is to argue a point. The main objective of analytical essays is to analyze a work or idea. Often, a firm stance will be used as a vehicle to create a more structured analysis. But, it’s not the point of the essay.

How to prepare to write an analytical essay

Before you dive into brainstorming topics for your analytical essay, be sure to read and reread the rubric for the assignment. Depending on your field of study, the guidelines will vary. For instance, psychology, education, and the sciences tend to use APA format, while the humanities, languages, and the fine arts tend to use MLA or Chicago style.

Once you know which format to use, take heed of any specific expectations your instructor has for this assignment. For example:

• When is it due?
• What is the expected page count?
• Will your instructor expect to see an outline before the draft?
• Is there a set topic list, or can you choose your own?
• Is there someplace to look at sample analytical essays that got A’s?

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor.

How to brainstorm the perfect topic for your analytical essay

Some instructors will offer their students a set of essay topics to choose from. That makes it easy for you — just pick the topic that intrigues you the most! Since your instructor has approved all the topics, you shouldn’t have to worry about any of them being too “broad” or “narrow.”

On the other hand, many instructors expect students to brainstorm their own topics. In this case, you will need to ensure your topic is relevant and not too broad or narrow.

After you think of a topic that interests you and is neither too broad nor too narrow, make sure you can find an adequate number of reputable sources to substantiate your analysis. You’ll need to evaluate all your sources’ credibility and probably include a few peer-reviewed journal articles (tip: use a database).

Many good sources can be found online or at your school’s library (in-person and online). If you’re having trouble finding useful sources, it may be a warning sign that your idea is too broad or narrow. If you’re stuck finding sources at all, ask your librarian for help.

How to structure an analytical essay

Now that you’ve found a good topic, it’s time to get organized! Even if you prefer to write spontaneously, creating an outline (even a loose one) can help you stay on track while you draft. The traditional outline for an analytical essay looks like the following:

Introduction

• main point #1
• main point #2
• main point #3

Works cited

Let’s examine each section.

No good analytical essay is complete without a super-strong introductory paragraph. It’s like the title screen at the beginning of a movie. Without it, you’d have no idea what the movie’s about!

A good introduction should state:

• the topic of your essay
• your thesis statement (the one- or two-line gist of your paper)
• the question or idea you’ll analyze
• your research methodology

The body of your essay is not limited to three points, as shown above, but three is typically considered the minimum for a good analysis. To make your analysis more compelling, present your points and arguments in a “strong, stronger, strongest” format.

• strong supporting evidence #1
• stronger supporting evidence #2
• strongest supporting evidence #3

Many students struggle with writing conclusions for their essays. It can feel unnecessary to restate what’s already been said, right? But really, a strong conclusion does much more than repeat what’s already been said. Your conclusion should:

• restate your thesis statement
• hit on all the main points of the essay
• explore the implications of the main points

Works cited 

A works cited or bibliography page should be the final section of your paper. A works-cited page includes a list of the resources you quoted or cited within the body of your work. A bibliography includes these, plus any resources you consulted and didn’t refer to in the paper, or any resources that influenced your ideas on the topic. Check your assignment to see which of these two pages you will need to have.

How to write an analytical essay

It might not seem like it when you’re staring at that blank document and flashing cursor, but this is the easy part! If you’ve adequately researched and planned your analysis, the writing process will flow much more quickly.

Remember, it’s usually not possible to write an essay in one sitting. Don’t wait until the last minute to get started! You’ll need to factor in time for breaks, meetings with your writing tutor, and the dreaded writer’s block.

Don’t expect your first draft to be perfect. It is normal (and smart) to write multiple drafts. You may even need to change your main argument halfway through your draft. That’s okay! Be ready to re-brainstorm, re-outline, and rewrite.

How to revise an analytical essay

Revision may just be the most crucial step of the essay-writing process. Even if you brainstorm the perfect topic, create a brilliant outline, and write a strong first draft, none of that brilliance will shine through if your paper is full of typos, grammar errors, and rambling tangents.

You’ll want to complete these steps of editing, in this order:

• line editing
• spell-checking
• proofreading

Revision deals with broad issues, such as an argument that doesn’t make sense or a source that doesn’t support your thesis. Line editing, spell-checking, and proofreading have more to do with your writing, the flow of your sentences, and any spelling or grammatical errors.

After you finish, it also doesn’t hurt to check your paper for plagiarism !

Example analytical essay on folklore and current events

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Key takeaways

• An analytical essay is, simply put, an analysis of a work or issue.
• Be sure to understand your instructor’s expectations before you dive into writing an analytical essay.
• Topics for analytical essays need to be neither too broad nor too narrow and should have enough sources to support your analysis.
• The basic outline for an analytical essay consists of an introduction, body, conclusion, and works cited (or bibliography).
• Leaving yourself enough time to write, rewrite, and revise thoroughly is a vital part of writing an analytical essay that earns an A.

“Analyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analyze.

By Jolee McManus. Jolee earned a BA in English from the University of Georgia. She has several years of experience as a writing tutor and freelance copywriter and editor.

Common Writing Assignments, Apps & Tests

• Analytical Essay
• AP synthesis Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Book Report
• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• College Admissions Essay
• Critical Analysis Essay
• Definition Essay
• Descriptive Essay
• Dissertation
• Explanatory Essay
• Expository Essay
• Informative Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Opinion Essay
• Personal Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Reflective Essay
• Research Paper
• Rhetorical Analysis
• Scholarship Essay
• Short Essay
• Thesis Paper

What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription

• Unlimited number of paper scans
• Plagiarism detection: Check against billions of sources
• Expert proofreading for papers on any subject
• Grammar scans for 200+ types of common errors
• Automatically create & save citations in 7,000+ styles
• Cancel subscription anytime, no obligation

Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing in which a complicated topic or idea is broken down into smaller parts, analyzed and looked at, and a well-structured argument or evaluation is given. The main purpose of an analytical essay is to show that the writer has a deep understanding of the topic and can also think critically about it. Analytical essays are important in many fields, such as literature, history, science, and sociology. They require a deep knowledge of the topic and the ability to think critically and objectively about the information given. Analytical essays include things like a literary analysis, a research paper , or an analysis of a piece of rhetoric. Writing an analytical essay is useful because it helps the writer improve their analytical and critical thinking skills. In analytical essays, students must look at and evaluate different sources, find patterns and relationships, and come to meaningful conclusions. When students write analytical essays, they also improve their research skills because they have to find relevant information from multiple sources and put it all together in a logical argument.

Also, analytical essays are important in academic writing because they help students understand ideas, theories, and concepts that are hard to understand. By breaking a topic down into smaller parts, students can better understand it and figure out what the main ideas and themes are. Analytical essays help students get better at writing by making them present their arguments in a way that is clear, concise, and well-organized. Writing an analytical essay is a skill that students need to learn if they want to do well in school and in their careers. For analytical essays, you need to be able to think critically , do research, and write well, all of which are important for success in many fields. By getting better at these skills, students can become better writers and thinkers, which will help them reach their academic and career goals.

What You'll Learn

Understanding the Basics of Analytical Essays

There are a few main things that set an analytical essay apart from other types of essays. One of the most important things about it is that it requires a thorough look at the subject. An analytical essay isn’t just a description of a topic or a point of view. Instead, it calls for a thorough look at the subject, breaking it down into its different parts and evaluating each one carefully.

Argumentative essays try to convince the reader to agree with a certain point of view. Descriptive essays, on the other hand, try to give a detailed description of a topic. Analytical essays, on the other hand, require the writer to look at the topic objectively and judge it, as well as use evidence from different sources to back up their claims. In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important analysis is. Analysis is the process of breaking down big ideas or thoughts into smaller, more manageable pieces. By analyzing the topic, the writer can find the main ideas, patterns, and connections, which can then be used to back up their arguments.

Also, analysis lets the author draw conclusions that make sense based on the evidence given. If there wasn’t any analysis in an analytical essay, it would just be a list of facts and opinions. Analysis is what gives depth and substance to an analytical essay and lets the writer make a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument.

Analytical essays are different from other types of essays because they focus on analysis and evaluation. They require a thorough look at a subject, breaking it down into its different parts and judging each one objectively. Students can get the skills they need to do well in school and in the workplace by learning what makes an analytical essay unique and what role analysis plays in this type of writing.

Choosing a Topic for Your Analytical Essay

It can be hard to decide what to write about in an analytical essay, but there are several ways to come up with ideas. One way to do this is to make a list of possible topics based on your interests, your schoolwork, or what’s going on in the world right now. You can also find possible topics by reading articles, books, or other materials in your field of study. When choosing a topic for your analytical essay, you should think about a few things. First and foremost, the topic must fit with the needs of the course or assignment. It should also be narrow enough to allow for a detailed analysis while still having enough information for research . Also, the topic should be something you’re interested in as a writer. This will make the writing process more interesting and fun.

To help you get started, here are some examples of potential analytical essay topics:

1. The impact of social media on mental health

2. Analyzing the themes of race and identity in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”

3. The role of technology in modern education

4. An analysis of the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act

5. Examining the causes and consequences of income inequality in the United States

6. The portrayal of gender roles in Shakespeare’s plays

7. Analyzing the impact of climate change on global food production

8. A critical analysis of the role of the media in shaping public opinion

9. A comparison of different political ideologies and their impact on society

10. An analysis of the ethical implications of gene editing technology.

A topic for an analytical essay must be chosen with care, taking into account several factors such as relevance, scope, and personal interest. By brainstorming ideas, researching different sources, and applying these criteria, you can choose a topic that is both interesting and informative, allowing you to write a well-researched and well-argued analytical essay.

Conducting Research for Your Analytical Essay

In order to write an analytical essay, you need to do research. It lets the writer gather relevant information, find patterns and relationships, and come to conclusions that make sense. If you didn’t do research for your analytical essay, it wouldn’t have much substance or credibility, and the arguments you made would be weak and not backed up. You can gather information for your analytical essay from a number of different places. There are many examples, such as books, academic journals, online databases, government reports, and reputable news sources. When choosing sources, think about how relevant, reliable, and trustworthy they are. Academic sources like peer-reviewed journals and scholarly books are more reliable and credible than popular sources like blogs and social media posts.

To conduct effective research for your analytical essay, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to conduct research, as it can be a time-consuming process.

2. Use multiple sources: Gather information from a variety of sources to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

3. Take notes: Keep detailed notes on the information you gather, including the source and page number, to make it easier to cite your sources later.

4. Evaluate your sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of your sources, looking for biases or conflicts of interest that may affect the information presented.

5. Organize your research: Create a system for organizing your research, such as using annotated bibliographies or note-taking apps, to keep track of your sources and ideas.

You can conduct effective research for your analytical essay by following these tips, gathering reliable and credible information that supports your arguments and improves the overall quality of your writing.

Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is a short sentence that sums up the main argument or point of an essay. It gives the reader a clear idea of where the author stands on the subject and acts as a road map. In an analytical essay, the thesis statement is very important because it sets the tone for the whole essay and shows the writer how to analyze and evaluate the subject . In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important a strong thesis statement is. A well-written thesis statement states the writer’s main point in a clear and concise way, making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s thought process and understand the purpose of the essay. A strong thesis statement also helps the writer focus their analysis and evaluation, making sure that each paragraph supports the main point and builds on it.

To develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Start with a question: Ask yourself a question related to your topic and use the answer to develop your thesis statement.

2. Be specific: Your thesis statement should be specific and focused on the main argument of your essay .

3. Use evidence: Support your thesis statement with evidence from your research, such as quotes or statistics, to give it more credibility and strength.

4. Be original: Your thesis statement should be unique and original, providing a fresh perspective on the topic.

5. Revise as needed: As you write your essay , revisit your thesis statement and revise it if necessary to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.

By following these tips, you can develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay, providing a clear and concise statement of your main argument and guiding the reader through your analysis and evaluation of the topic.

Analytical Essay Structure

An analytical essay is made up of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, just like a regular essay. The purpose of the introduction is to give background on the topic, introduce the thesis statement, and get the reader interested. Through analysis and evaluation of the topic, the body paragraphs should support the thesis statement with evidence and examples . The conclusion should sum up the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement in a new way that makes sense.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the structure of an analytical essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should set the tone for the essay by providing background information on the subject as well as a clear thesis statement. It should also engage the reader and convey the writer’s point of view on the subject.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should be divided into several paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of the topic. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and then proceed to an analysis and evaluation of the subject matter, using evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis statement in a new and meaningful way. It should also provide the reader with a sense of closure, leaving them with a clear understanding of the writer’s point of view on the subject.

To organize your ideas in an analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Create an outline: Before you start writing your essay , create an outline that organizes your ideas and supports your thesis statement. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that each paragraph supports the main argument.

2. Use topic sentences: Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and provides a roadmap for the reader.

3. Use evidence: Use evidence and examples to support each point you make in your essay , ensuring that each paragraph reinforces the main argument.

4. Use transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to connect your ideas and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next.

By following these tips, you can organize your ideas effectively in an analytical essay, producing a well-structured and well-supported piece of writing.

Writing the Introduction Paragraph

An analytical essay’s introduction paragraph serves as a road map for the reader, providing background information on the topic, introducing the thesis statement, and engaging the reader. The introduction’s purpose is to set the tone for the essay , grab the reader’s attention, and provide a clear understanding of the writer’s viewpoint on the topic.

To write an engaging introduction paragraph for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your introduction with a hook that captures the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. This could be a surprising statistic, a provocative question, or a striking image.

2. Provide background information: Provide some context for the topic by providing background information and explaining why it is important.

3. Introduce the thesis statement: Clearly state your thesis statement in the introduction, providing a roadmap for the reader and guiding the rest of your essay.

4. Be concise: Keep your introduction concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary information or tangents.

5. Revise as needed: As you write your essay, revisit your introduction and revise it as needed to ensure that it remains relevant and engaging.

Here are some examples of effective introduction paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. “Throughout history, the concept of justice has been a subject of debate and controversy. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day philosophers, the definition and application of justice have been explored in depth. In this essay, I will examine the concept of justice in the context of criminal justice reform and argue that a more restorative approach is needed to address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism.

2. The rise of social media has had a profound impact on our society, transforming the way we communicate, share information, and interact with the world around us. However, this transformation has not been without its challenges. In this essay, I will explore the impact of social media on mental health and argue that we need to take a more proactive approach to addressing the negative effects of social media on our well-being.

3. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting everything from the environment to the economy. Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence, there are still those who deny the reality of climate change or refuse to take action. In this essay, I will analyze the reasons for this denial and argue that we need to take urgent action to address the threat of climate change before it’s too late.”

Writing the Body Paragraphs

An analytical essay’s body paragraphs are where the writer presents their analysis and evaluation of the topic. The purpose of the body paragraphs is to provide evidence and examples to support the thesis statement, while using clear and concise language to make the argument as persuasive as possible.

To write clear and concise body paragraphs for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Use topic sentences: Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis statement and provides a roadmap for the reader.

2. Provide evidence: Use evidence and examples to support each point you make in your essay , ensuring that each paragraph reinforces the main argument. The evidence should be relevant, reliable, and credible.

3. Use analysis and evaluation: Analyze and evaluate the evidence you present to demonstrate how it supports your argument. This shows the reader that you have thought deeply about the topic and considered multiple perspectives.

4. Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language to make your argument as persuasive as possible. Avoid using jargon, complex sentences, or overly technical language that may confuse the reader.

5. Use transitions: Use transitional phrases and sentences to connect your ideas smoothly and ensure that your essay flows from one paragraph to the next.

Here are some examples of effective body paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. The first reason why a restorative approach to criminal justice reform is necessary is that it addresses the root causes of crime. Rather than simply punishing offenders, restorative justice encourages dialogue between the offender and the victim, allowing both parties to understand the harm that has been caused and work together to find a solution. This approach has been shown to reduce recidivism rates and promote healing within communities.”

2. One of the most significant negative effects of social media on mental health is the increase in anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that social media use is associated with feelings of isolation, comparison, and low self-esteem, all of which contribute to poor mental health . In order to address this issue, we need to take a more proactive approach to promoting mental health and well-being, such as limiting social media use, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and providing mental health resources for those in need.

3. One of the main reasons why climate change denial persists is due to the influence of special interest groups and political ideology . These groups use their resources to spread misinformation and discredit the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change. In order to combat this, we need to prioritize education and awareness, promote scientific literacy, and hold those who spread misinformation accountable for their actions.”

Writing the Conclusion Paragraph

The conclusion paragraph of an analytical essay summarizes the author’s main points and emphasizes the significance of the thesis statement. The conclusion’s goal is to leave a lasting impression on the reader by bringing the essay to a close and reinforcing the main argument .

To write a strong conclusion for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Restate the thesis statement: The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a new and meaningful way, emphasizing its importance and relevance to the topic.

2. Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points of the essay, highlighting the evidence and examples that support the thesis statement .

3. Provide a final thought: End the essay with a final thought or reflection on the topic, leaving the reader with something to think about or consider.

4. Be concise: Keep the conclusion concise and to the point, avoiding any new information or arguments.

5. Make it memorable: Use language and phrasing that is memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Here are some examples of effective conclusion paragraphs for an analytical essay:

1. “In conclusion, a restorative approach to criminal justice reform is not only necessary but essential. By addressing the root causes of crime, promoting dialogue and understanding, and fostering healing within communities, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.”

2. In order to address the negative effects of social media on mental health , we need to take a more proactive approach to promoting well-being. By limiting social media use, encouraging face-to-face interactions, and providing mental health resources, we can create a healthier and more connected society.

3. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we must take urgent action to address it. By promoting education and awareness, prioritizing scientific literacy, and holding those who spread misinformation accountable, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.”

Editing and Proofreading Your Analytical Essay

The editing and proofreading stages of the essay writing process are critical. It ensures that the essay is clear, concise, and error-free, improving overall writing quality and the credibility of the arguments presented.

To edit and proofread your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Take a break: After completing your essay, take a break before editing and proofreading it. This will allow you to approach the essay with fresh eyes and a clear mind.

2. Read it out loud: Reading the essay out loud can help you to identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and other issues.

3. Be consistent: Ensure that you are consistent in your use of language, formatting, and citation styles throughout the essay.

4. Use a checklist: Use a checklist to ensure that you have addressed all the necessary components of the essay, such as the thesis statement, evidence, and analysis.

5. Get feedback: Ask a friend or colleague to read your essay and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

Common mistakes to avoid in analytical essays include:

1. Using overly complicated language or jargon that may confuse the reader.

2. Failing to provide evidence or examples to support the thesis statement.

3. Neglecting to address counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the topic.

4. Making unsupported claims or presenting opinions as facts.

5. Failing to proofread and edit the essay thoroughly, leading to grammatical errors and typos.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can edit and proofread your analytical essay effectively, producing a well-written and error-free piece of writing.

Analytical Essay Examples

Here are some examples of successful analytical essays:

1. “The Symbolism of the Green Light in The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This essay analyzes the symbolism of the green light in the novel, arguing that it represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams and his ultimate failure to achieve them.

2. “The Rhetoric of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X: In this essay, Malcolm X analyzes his own rhetorical strategies, explaining how he uses language and persuasion to achieve his goals.

3. “The Role of Women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: This essay analyzes the role of women in the play, arguing that they are often marginalized and oppressed by the male characters.

Each of these essays follows a clear and well-structured format, with a strong thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a clear conclusion. The writers use analysis and evaluation to present their arguments, using evidence and examples to support their claims.

When using analytical essay examples to improve your writing, here are some tips to consider:

1. Choose examples that are relevant to your topic or subject matter.

2. Read the example essays carefully, paying attention to the structure, language, and evidence used.

3. Identify the thesis statement and main arguments of the essay.

4. Analyze the evidence used to support the arguments, evaluating its relevance and credibility.

5. Consider how the writer uses language and rhetoric to persuade the reader.

6. Use The examples as a guide for structuring your own essay, but be sure to use your own unique ideas and perspective.

7. Practice writing your own analytical essays and seek feedback from others to improve your writing skills.

8. Avoid copying or plagiarizing the example essays, as this can lead to serious academic consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is an analytical essay.

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter. The writer presents an argument or thesis statement and supports it with evidence and examples, using analysis and evaluation to persuade the reader.

2. What are the main characteristics of an analytical essay?

The main characteristics of an analytical essay include:

– A clear and concise thesis statement that presents the writer’s argument

– Use of evidence and examples to support the argument

– Analysis and evaluation of the evidence presented

– Clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them

– Use of formal and academic language

– Objective and impartial tone

3. What are some tips for writing an analytical essay?

Here are some tips for writing an analytical essay:

– Choose a topic that interests you and that you can analyze in depth

– Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your argument

– Use evidence and examples to support your argument, ensuring that they are relevant, reliable, and credible

– Analyze and evaluate the evidence presented, demonstrating your critical thinking skills

– Use a clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them

– Use formal and academic language, avoiding slang and colloquialisms

– Edit and proofread your essay thoroughly, ensuring that it is error-free and well-written.

To summarize, writing an effective analytical essay necessitates a thorough understanding of the subject matter, a well-developed thesis statement, strong evidence and analysis, and a clear and logical structure. To summarize the main points covered in this guide:

– The writer of an analytical essay must analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter.

– A clear thesis statement, evidence and examples to support the argument, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, a clear and logical structure, formal and academic language, and an objective tone are the main characteristics of an analytical essay.

– Choosing a relevant topic, developing a clear thesis statement, using credible evidence and examples, analyzing and evaluating the evidence, using a clear and logical structure, using formal and academic language, and thoroughly editing and proofreading the essay are all tips for writing a successful analytical essay.

An effective analytical essay demonstrates critical thinking skills as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate complex issues. It is an important skill for both academic and professional success.

Finally, practicing writing on a regular basis, seeking feedback from others, and reading and analyzing examples of successful analytical essays can all help you improve your own writing skills.

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Post navigation

Previous post.

📕 Studying HQ

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

Analytical Essay Guide

Analytical Essay Writing

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write an Analytical Essay - Step-by-Step Guide

By: Dorothy M.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Nov 12, 2019

An analytical essay is a common assignment that high school and college students often need to do. It is the most difficult type of essay that requires a thorough investigation of a topic and its substantial analysis.

Are you having difficulty writing a good analytical essay?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an analytical essay.

This blog will help you understand the core basics of an analytical essay. Once you are done reading it, you will be ready to write your essay easily.

On this Page

What is an Analytical Essay?

According to an analytical essay definition, ‘it is a piece of writing in which the writer analyzes, interprets and critiques a work of art, situation, issue, or a particular event.’ Such essays aim to break down a topic into several subparts and dissect and analyze them in detail and find out the main points.

Analytical essay writing significantly differs from other types of essays. High school students often confuse this type of essay with argumentative essays. However, there is a sharp contrast between them.

The main goal of an analytical essay is to analyze the main topic and convince the reader about your viewpoint. On the contrary, an argumentative essay aims to present a claim about the topic and prove it written with evidence.

How to Start an Analytical Essay?

To write a good analytical essay, you must first spend your time planning for it. Let’s take a look at what the prewriting stage looks like.

• Find the Focus

Students can write an analysis essay on a literary work, a film or a play, or even an issue or problem faced by society.

So the first step is figuring out the core focus of your essay and presenting relevant facts. The evidence can be collected from a novel or film, or it could be the findings of your research that back up your point of view.

• Choose Your Topic

You can only start writing your essay once you have a topic in mind. Most professors like to assign a topic themselves; however, if you are allowed to pick the topic yourself, you have an edge.

You can go with the idea that you are passionate about and find interesting. It will make researching and writing the essay itself a fun and simple process for you.

• Form a Thesis Statement

Once you have chosen the topic for your essay, the next step is crafting the analytical essay thesis statement. A thesis statement is the basis of your overall essay.

The purpose of a thesis statement is to inform the readers about the purpose of your essay and the rhetorical question discussed throughout the paper.

• Find Supporting Evidence

The next step is finding evidence that supports your argument. You can opt for primary or secondary sources, depending on the requirements of your assignment. Look for evidence that is authentic yet persuasive and directly related to the thesis to support your claim. Use transition words to create proper linkage in the provided information.

• Add Contextual Evidence

Besides adding facts and evidence from credible and relevant sources, you should add quotes and paraphrased passages from the text. In an analytical essay example on a book, it is necessary to add phrases and quotes from the text as the main evidence. Reading the text from books or credible sources will help you collect relevant examples.

Adding textual examples build credibility as the reader would know that you know your work inside out. It will also help you support your thesis statement and the main claim of the essay.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

How to Write an Analytical Essay?

Analytical writing can prove to be a difficult task for students but certainly not impossible. To learn how to write an analytical essay step-by-step, follow the guidelines given below.

The goal of analytical essay topics and essays is to explain a topic in detail. It aims to increase the reader’s understanding.

Create an Analytical Essay Outline Worksheet

The first step to write a compelling and strong analytical essay is to craft a detailed outline worksheet for your essay. Preparing a good and detailed outline will help you in focusing on the main topic.

The outline includes the following key sections:

• Introduction

1. Write an Impressive Analytical Essay Introduction

The essay introduction aims to provide the reader with basic background information on the issue. An introduction section starts with a hook, an interesting and engaging fact or statement. Consider it first and probably the last chance to impress your readers.

The introduction should be exciting and leave the reader wanting to know more. However, be specific and keep everything brief. Do not overwhelm your readers with tons of information, and keep the details for the latter part of the essay.

2. Write a Concise Thesis Statement

The thesis statement comes after the introduction, and it is usually a one or two-liner. It is the core essence of the entire essay, and this is why it should be brief and to the point. It is usually written at the end of the introduction and is a small section.

To make it impressive, mention the main theme of the essay briefly.

3. Write Analytical Essay Body Paragraphs

The body of any essay is the main part that consists of the flesh of the essay. Writing an analytical essay, the number of body paragraphs varies, depending upon the complexity of the topic.

Generally, each paragraph comprises a topic sentence, analysis of the original text, and evidence from the text that proves your opinion. Use this opportunity to compare and contrast different views about the topic and then present your perspective.

Please remember that each paragraph must present a single idea or topic. Do not try to add multiple ideas into a single paragraph.

4. Write Analytical Essay Conclusion

Want to know how to conclude an analysis paper strongly?

Writing a conclusion has the same importance as the introductory paragraph. Use the conclusion to prove how and why your point of view was correct. Summarize all the main points, bring the discussion closer, and restate the thesis in a global context.

However, don’t introduce new ideas at this stage. It will only confuse your reader further. Explain the importance of the issue and your stance on it to the reader.

How to Perfect Your Analytical Essay?

Once you have finished the writing process, the next step is to perfect your draft. To do so, you must practice the following techniques.

• Make it Error-Free

If your essay tackles an important issue and presents a solid argument, but at the same time, if it has grammatical or spelling errors, then it won’t come across as a well-written piece of writing.

Before the final submission, make sure that your essay is completely error-free. Check for spelling and grammar and make sure that everything is in line with your analytical essay structure.

Make it your habit to get rid of any mistakes before handing in your paper. You can do this easily by using spelling and grammar check software.

• Read the Essay Out Loud

It may sound weird, but reading the paper aloud will help you identify your paper’s shortcomings. When writing, you may not be able to identify any complex or vague words and phrases. Reading it out loud will help you in picking such words and rectifying them before submission.

Reading it this way will also help you notice the readability of your text. In case something is not falling in place, you can change it at this stage.

• Make Sure that You Have Added All the Necessary Details

Every assignment has specific guidelines and requirements, and as a student, you need to follow all of them. Some details include the analytical essay format, the required number of references, the required number of pages and words, etc. Other details include the correct mentioning of the characters’ names and location, as mentioned in the novel, or your chosen subject.

• Ask a Friend or Sibling to Read it For You

Sometimes we miss minor mistakes and errors, and it is natural. This is why having someone else read it for you will help you in rectifying those mistakes. Ask your friend or a sibling to read it for you and point out structural or any other types of errors.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Analytical Essay Examples

To help you further, we have added some interesting analytical essay examples and essay samples here. You can download them and use them as a guide for your essay writing process.

ANALYTICAL ESSAY OUTLINE TEMPLATE (PDF)

ANALYTICAL ESSAY EXAMPLE (PDF)

Analytical Essay Topics

The range of analytical essay topics is almost limitless. You can write an analytical essay on topics as wide-ranging as the arts, political movements, social phenomena, scientific methods of discoveries, and current events.

To help you choose a topic for your essay, we have presented some topic ideas below:

• How does fashion influence the lives of teenagers?
• Do you think that footballers are overrated in terms of pay? If yes, then why?
• Can you imagine a world without technology? Prove your arguments with strong evidence.
• Express your views on having school uniforms mandatory. Provide strong arguments and proof.
• The voting age in the US should be revised. Agreed?
• Analyze ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and the theme of fate.
• Explain and analyze different literary terms.
• Discuss and analyze the theme of Ambition in the play ‘Macbeth.’
• Analyze the role of different female characters in ‘Hamlet.’
• Analyze Twain’s ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and discuss the themes of white supremacy and black slavery in the book
• Analyze the concept of ‘Power Corrupts’ in Marlowe’s ‘Doctor Faustus.’
• Identify and analyze different symbols in Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot.’
• How does the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ discuss the era of the Great Depression?
• Discuss the elements of fantasy and reality in the play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’
• Analyze the various symbols in the play ‘The Glass Menagerie.’
• Is higher education directly related to a higher quality of life?
• Are high school and college exams necessary?
• Is peer pressure affecting students today?
• Analyze the latest presidential speech.
• Analyze the differences between identical twins.

If you don’t consider yourself a good writer or you simply don’t have time to complete your assignments, then we have the solution for you.

Hire a professional analytical essay writer at 5StarEssays.com’s ‘ write my essay ’ service. While working with us, you can get help from an expert essay writer who uses his skills to provide excellent writing service.

Place your order and enjoy a well-written piece at amazing prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an analytical essay.

An analytical essay is a type of writing where the author explains an idea, describes a process or analyzes the text. It differs from summary in that it focuses on critical analysis instead of just retelling what happened without explanation.

What is the difference between an essay and an analysis?

The sole difference is in the definition and the way both of these are conducted. An analysis could be both verbal and written while an essay could be in written form only.

What is an analytical paragraph?

An analytical paragraph writes down and explains a topic by breaking down the information given in charts, clues, outlines, and other material.

Is academic writing analytical?

Not always but most of the time, academic writing is analytical. It breaks down and analyzes a subject and explains it in detail.

What is analysis in simple terms?

An analysis is the breaking down of a theme, a topic, or an idea to understand it in a better manner.

Economics, Marketing

Dorothy M. is an experienced freelance writer with over five years of experience in the field. She has a wide client base, and her customers keep returning to her because of her great personalized writing. Dorothy takes care to understand her clients' needs and writes content that engages them and impresses their instructors or readers.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• Analytical Essay Example to Help You Write Better

• Best Analytical Essay Topics for Students - 2024 Ideas

• Critical Analysis Essay: Expert Guide to Craft a Brilliant Essay

People Also Read

• history research paper topics
• how to avoid plagiarism
• personal statement examples
• transition words for essays
• opinion essay

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

• Essay Editor

Full Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay

In academic writing, an analytical essay is considered one of the most difficult papers. Not only does it require an extensive understanding of the topic, but also a high level of critical thinking skills. In this article, we’ll break down what analytical essays are, their structure, and how to write an analytical essay for the first time.

What is an analytical essay?

Analytical writing focuses on demonstrating how exactly an author arrived at a given conclusion. It showcases the entire thought process used by the author to draw connections between different ideas.

As a form of analytical writing, analytical essays aim to break down an issue into different components and evaluate how these components work together. It allows the author to interpret and analyze a subject in a detailed and structured manner, using observations, evidence, and examples to support the main idea.

An analytical essay is a more complex type of essay writing. Because of this, it is regarded as a university-level assignment and can be hard to grasp at first. The analytical essay format is most often used as a tool to showcase research findings. It can be written on a variety of subjects, including literature, films, historical events, and scientific phenomena.

Analytical essay outline

Like with other essay types, an analytical essay outline has a standard structure that writers must follow. It consists of the following parts:

• Introduction,
• Body paragraphs,
• Conclusion.

Each part of the analytical essay outline performs specific functions.

In the introduction , the writer should present the topic that they want to cover in the essay. This is also the part where the author states their thesis. It should be mentioned that an analytical thesis should represent a hypothesis that the writer wants to prove or the results of an analysis.

The body paragraphs of an analytical essay are dedicated to dissecting available evidence. Each analysis paragraph should focus on separate points and provide an examination of how each piece of evidence relates to the topic at hand.

At last, the conclusion of an analytical essay should briefly summarize the discussed points and present the results of the analysis. More often than not, the results reaffirm the analytical thesis, so the conclusion should also mention the original hypothesis.

How to write an analytical essay

Writing an analytical essay requires a structured approach to maintain its logic and analytical essay format. Let’s start with understanding how to start an analysis essay.

Step 1. Preparation and research

Before starting to write an analytical essay, it is essential to research its topic. Analytical writing in particular requires a thorough understanding of a topic and related aspects. Writers should prepare and study a list of sources before they can be ready to present a comprehensive analysis for others to read.

That’s why research is the first step. It helps you familiarize yourself with the topic, gain the required knowledge, and understand how to start an analysis essay. Conducting research also ensures that you comprehend how you plan to analyze a topic and what evidence you can bring up to confirm your conclusions.

Step 2. Introducing the topic

After conducting research, you can start your essay with an introduction.

The focal point of any introduction is the thesis statement. An analytical thesis must introduce the topic of your analysis, the parts of your analysis, and the order in which you will present your evidence. To formulate the thesis, you can ask the following questions:

• What was the subject of my analysis?
• What were the results of my analysis?
• How did I come to these conclusions?

Apart from the thesis statement, the introduction should also include a brief background on the subject of your analysis to ensure that your audience has some understanding of the topic of your essay.

Step 3. Present your analysis

The next step in your writing is explaining how your analysis went in the main part of your paper. Each analysis paragraph should follow a set structure consisting of:

• Topic sentence . The topic sentence introduces the main idea of an analysis paragraph. It should directly relate to your thesis statement.
• Evidence . Evidence consists of summaries from your list of references and should support the main idea of your paragraph.
• Analysis . After relaying the evidence, make sure to introduce a detailed analysis. Explain how exactly the evidence supports your main idea, why it is significant, and provide relevant interpretation.
• Reinforcement . Every analysis paragraph should maintain logic, so it is important to reinforce your main topic by mentioning your thesis statement.

An average analytical essay consists of three body paragraphs. However, you should aim to represent your analysis fully, so the essay may end up longer.

Step 4. Conclude your essay

The last stage of our guide on how to write an analytical essay is creating a conclusion.

To write the conclusion of an analytical essay, you should restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your main argument and remind the audience of your initial hypothesis. In this part, it is essential to summarize the key points of your analysis by highlighting how they collectively support your thesis.

Finally, you can end your essay with a closing thought that emphasizes the significance of your analysis and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Summary: Analytical essay

Among other types of academic texts, analytical essays aim to deepen the audience's understanding of the subject through careful analysis and logical argumentation. It requires thorough research and preparation as it gives a more profound insight into a topic.

Essay generator Aithor is created specifically to assist in academic writing. If you struggle with writing your analytical essay, use Aithor for swift and reliable advice on analytical writing.

Related articles

Discussion posts: definition, overview, writing tips.

Discussions are an important part of academic studies. They foster collaboration, raise student engagement, and help to better process new information. A common way to involve students in critical debate is through discussion posts. In this article, you will learn what a discussion post is and how to write it. Discussion post and open forum definition A discussion post is a written reply typically used in online forums – websites that encourage users to engage in a debate over various subject ...

Best Places to Do Homework That Will Create a Perfect Study Heaven for You

Are you wondering, ‘Where can I go to do homework?’ Finding the ideal spot for studying can significantly affect your productivity and overall study experience. Whether you're a student seeking solace or someone looking for a change of scenery, selecting the right environment is key to maximizing your efficiency and focus. In this guide, we’ll discover various places to do homework that can transform your study routine into a more engaging and effective experience. The Importance of Having a C ...

How to Write a History Essay: A Guideline for Non-Historians

History is a difficult discipline, no one can argue with that. It is especially challenging to write a history essay when you have zero historian bone in your body. That’s why today our goal is to teach you how to write a history essay. What is history essay? A historical paper is a classic instance of a scholarly work that seeks to examine and give answers to questions about long-gone factual incidents and their consequences. Unlike a simple narrative or description, a history paper demands ...

Top 10 Excuses for Not Doing Homework: How to Trick Your Teacher in 2024

Whether it’s because you’re buried in other commitments or just had a seriously off day, finding credible excuses for not doing homework can save your day. Here's a brief look at the top 10 homework excuses, with tips on making them sound as true as possible. Just remember, use these wisely and try to stay on top of your assignments! 1. “My computer crashed right before I finished” In today’s digital world, technology problems are a plausible justification. Claiming that your laptop glitched ...

Top 5 Creative Book Report Ideas That Guarantee Success in Class

Assigned reading helps students develop their critical analysis skill, and book reports test their progress. But it is not enough to simply analyze a literary work — you also need to express your creativity while presenting book report ideas. In this article, you will learn the definition of a literary report, its purpose, and five alternative book report ideas to show off your creativity in class. What is a book (literary) report? A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment o ...

Why Homework Is Good for Students: 20 No-Nonsense Reasons

Is homework beneficial in education? It has long been a cornerstone, often sparking debates about its value. Some argue it creates unnecessary stress, while others assert it’s essential for reinforcing in-class learning. Why is homework important? The reality is, that homework is vital for students' personal and academic growth. It not only improves their grasp of the material but also develops crucial skills that extend well beyond the classroom. This review explores 20 reasons why homework is ...

How to Write a Table of Contents for Research Paper: A Complete Guide

After hundreds of hours of non-stop working, the research essay is finished! Unfortunately, it is not the time to celebrate. That’s when you must get down to one of the least pleasant things in professional college or high school writing – a table of contents. The following article will define table of contents, discuss its purpose, and provide guidance on how to make a table of contents for a research paper. What is a research paper table of contents? Academic essays can be from 2–3 to hundr ...

Top Proven Tips on How to Make Homework Fun

Everyone agrees that school would be much cooler if there were no homework. Alas, this is an impossible wish. Luckily, no one stops us from making it fun! In this article, you will find some awesome tips on how to make homework fun. 1. Create a comfortable study space Having a separate place where you can study is very important. Sure, you might think sitting on a couch with a laptop in your lap is as fun as it can get, but in reality, it may hinder your progress. Your brain knows that the co ...

The Ultimate Guide to Analytical Essay Writing: How to Craft an A-Grade Paper?

25 January, 2021

17 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

An analytical essay is often considered the most challenging piece of writing. However, those who have dealt with it at least once are a step closer to calling themselves masters of essay writing. This type of paper requires plenty of analytical skills to carry out an in-depth analysis of the assigned topic. Yet, the main goal of an analytical essay is not only to demonstrate your ability to learn the basics of the theme.

You also need to think critically, analyze facts, express your standpoint, and clearly show a deep understanding of key concepts. In short, your main task as an author is to prove the validity of your views by coming up with strong arguments that do not beg any questions.

The given guide provides a full analytical essay definition, as well as specifies its features and structural aspects. The following information will help you properly start your paper, choose a relevant topic, and come up with compelling conclusions. 

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a piece of writing aimed to provide a thorough analysis of a definite phenomenon using persuasive arguments and supporting assertions. Analysis in the analytical essay writing process stands for a method of research that allows one to study specific features of an object. Analytical papers also have to do with analysis of a specific problem; that is consideration of the problem itself and identification of its key patterns. The subject matter of analysis can be a well-known or little-studied scientific phenomenon, artistic work, historical event, social problem, etc.

The content of an analytical essay will totally depend on the object that has been chosen for analysis. Thus, when shedding light on any kind of scientific work, an analytical essay can be devoted to the analysis of research credibility, its relevance, or the adequacy of conclusions. When considering a work of art, an essay writer can focus on the analysis of the author’s artistic techniques or issues raised in the book. For this reason, it is essential to accurately determine the topic and subject matter of your future analytical essay.

Steps to Take Before Writing

The preparational stage of analytical essay writing cannot be omitted. It lays the basis for the A-grade paper and should be carefully completed. If you don’t know how to start an analytical essay, read a few handy tips that will ensure a solid foundation for your paper.  

Define a subject matter

You first need to clearly understand the issue you will base your essay on. Since analytical essays imply an in-depth analysis of a specific problem, you need to define its core. Try to split the analysis into several components and provide arguments taken either from a book, a research, a scientific work, or a movie (depending on the subject matter of your analysis), and support your views comprehensively.

Decide on the content of your analytical essay

If you are a student who was given an analytical essay topic, read the task several times before you are 100% sure that you clearly understand the requirements as to the analytical essay format. In case you were lucky to choose the topic of the analytical paper by yourself, make sure the theme you will be dealing with is familiar or at least seems interesting to you. 

Remember that different subject matters require a different approach to their analysis. If you examine some literature work, you can prove your opinion based on the deeds of a certain or several characters. But if you have been assigned the task to elaborate on some historic events, analyze their main causes, driving forces that have affected their course, and their global consequences.  

Take care of the proper start

Don’t forget to start your analytical essay with a thesis statement. It is a sentence or a couple of sentences that aim to summarize the key statements of your paper. A thesis statement should provide readers with a preliminary idea of what your essay is all about.  

Find extra reasoning

Make sure your thesis is supported by compelling arguments. To find enough evidence, you should carry out a thorough analysis of the assigned topic. List the crucial points of your research and ponder over the ways they can be used to prove your final opinion. 

Elaborate the outline

A sound outline elaborated at the preparation stage will help you ensure a proper analytical essay structure and make the overall writing process easier. As a rule, an analytical essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your outline plan should include the key arguments you want to discuss in each paragraph. 

Analytical Essay Thesis

A thesis statement represents the central idea of your paper and must serve as strong proof of your standpoint. While elaborating your thesis statement, it is crucial to include it at the end of the first paragraph and thus set a direction for the overall paper. 

Analytical Essay Outline

An outline is not a required element of analytical essays writing and should not be included in the text, but it can greatly facilitate the whole process of paper writing.

The analytical essay structure looks as follows:

Introduction

In the introduction of an analytical essay, you will need to identify your paper’s subject matter. Mention the purpose of your work and specify its scope of research. Don’t forget to include a thesis to let readers know what your work is about.

Body Section

As has already been mentioned, the body section covers three or more main paragraphs, each being supported with arguments and details. Besides, you need to provide a small conclusion to each statement to make your essay sound professional and persuasive. 

At this stage, you need to summarize the points elucidated in your paper and make sure there is a smooth and logical transition from the body section to the concluding part of the text. If you don’t know how to conclude an analytical essay, try to restate the thesis statement without copying it word for word.  

Analytical Essay Examples

Writing an analytical essay may seem to be a thorny way. If you are still not sure how to properly craft one, try to find some examples that will help you go in the right direction. Below, there are some great examples of analytical essays. Take a look at their structure and try to write something similar based on your views and ideas:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeR4i4RIZIj448W3KVFyHP-eS3QPN7gW/view

https://stlcc.edu/docs/student-support/academic-support/college-writing-center/rhetorical-analysis-sample-essay.pdf

https://www.germanna.eduhttp://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/tutoring/handouts/Literary-Analysis-Sample-Paper.pdf

30 Analytical Essay Topics

If you were allowed to choose the theme for your paper by yourself, check on the following analytical essay topics. Each of them can bring you the highest score:

General topics

• The influence of social networks on the life of teens
• Are salaries of football players too high?
• Wearing uniforms in schools should be banned
• A person in society: the problems of loneliness and privacy
• Sociology of corporate relationships
• Does the observation of space need more investments?
• Should the voting age in the UK be decreased?
• Reasons why capital punishment should be brought back in the UK
• A world with no rules: a new human era or a road to the global collapse?
• Life without technologies: will modern people survive?
• Should scientists test drugs on animals to fight cancer?
• The problem of keeping the balance between career and family life
• The importance of listening to your body 
• Problems caused by the lack of communication
• Food addiction and the problems it causes
• Problems of vaccination in the XXI century
• Does evil really rule the world?
• How does body size affect life quality?
• Pros and cons of video games 
• The role of a family model in the life and career of a person

Analytical Essay Topics on Literature

• “Robinson Crusoe”: fantasy vs reality
• Observation of the artistic uniqueness in the comedy by W. Shakespeare “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 
• Observe the social problems in the novel by John Steinbeck “The Grapes of Wrath”
• Convulsions and death of the “little man” in the networks of impersonal, alienated forces in the novel “The Metamorphosis”
• Observation of the problems of a man on a plagued land in the novel “The Plague”
• Revolt of the protagonist in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Observation of friendship and love in the fate of humanity in the XX century
• The triumph of immorality in the novel by F. Sagan “Hello Sadness”
• Observation of the personality of an American student in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Eternal tragedies of humanity in the tragedy by W. Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”

How to Write a Well-Structured Analytical Essay With a Solid Argument

Writing an analytical essay with a clear structure might be challenging unless you are thoroughly prepared. We decided to help you out and create a detailed guide listing the main things to consider when creating an analytical essay outline. You need to explain your main idea in a concise way to bring your point across. As analytical writing has high requirements, it pays off to find an analytical essay example and analyze how this text was written. It will allow you to understand the analytical essay format better and learn how to provide substantive analysis on various topics. Read on to learn how to write a top-level analytical paper and submit it on time.

Main Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay should provide a comprehensive analysis of a chosen topic. What makes an analysis essay different from other assignments is that it includes a personal opinion of an author. This is why analytical writing should be persuasive.

Below, we have rounded up the key tips you need to follow when producing an analytical essay outline and the main body of your text. Read on to learn more about the analytical essay format and create a text that will fully meet the requirements.

Select an Analytical Essay Topic

Before creating an analytical essay outline, make sure to pick a topic that you are interested in. It should be provocative enough to engage your readers. A widely-debated topic will help you write an analytical essay that grabs the attention of a wide audience.

Consider your goals and conduct thorough research to see if you have enough sources to support the main thesis of your analysis essay.

Come Up With a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement

When writing an analytical essay, start by formulating a thesis statement that includes the topic and the main goal of your text. It will help you create an analytical essay outline and show your readers what you will discuss in your analysis essay.

Add it to the last paragraph of your analytical essay introduction. Due to this, your analytical essay outline will look better structured. Look at any analytical essay example to see how you can introduce your subject. In most cases, one sentence will suffice to state your analysis essay’s goal. However, a complex analytical essay outline might require you to use two sentences for a thesis statement.

Write an Analytical Essay Body with a Clear Structure

Your analytical essay outline should include 3-4 paragraphs. However, a literary analysis essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. When it comes to analytical writing, it is important to cover a different point in each section of the main body of an analysis paper.

After writing an analytical essay, check whether each paragraph contains an introduction and the main point. Besides, it should contain evidence. An expertly written analytical essay outline will help you reach out to your target audience more effectively.

Conduct Research Before Writing an Analytical Essay Outline

While this step is preparatory, it is a must for those who want to write a well-grounded analytical paper.

• First, select the best ideas for your essay
• Then, emphasize the problems with works written by other researchers
• Finally, write your analytical essay outline to demonstrate what approach you want to take

Examine the context and find examples to illustrate the scope of the issue. You may draw parallels to emphasize your point and make your topic more relatable.

Analyze the Implications of the Evidence

After listing your pieces of evidence and demonstrating how it is related to your thesis, show why it is important. You need to explore it deeply and use it to support your argument. It will make your analytical essay outline well-grounded facts.

Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion

Whether you write a literary analysis essay or other types of assignments, there is no need to add any new data at the end of your analysis paper. Instead, summarize the arguments you mentioned in your analytical essay outline. The conclusion of your analysis essay should be short and clear. Here, you need to demonstrate that you have achieved your goals.

Analytical Essay Writing Tips

If you want to get the highest grade for your analytical essay, you need to know a little bit more than just the basics of paper writing. Read these handy tips to write a perfect essay you will be proud of:

• Double-check your paper for spelling and grammar mistakes. In case your essay contains too many errors, neither an in-depth analysis nor the elaborate writing style will make it look any better. Situations when essays of great value in terms of research and a message they convey are poorly assessed because of the abundance of mistakes are not rare. Make sure you have enough time to proofread your paper before submission. Also, you may consider asking somebody to take a fresh look at your essay and check it for you.
• Reading your analytical essay out loud helps you discover all types of errors or weak phrases. This method might seem a bit uncomfortable, but it has proved to be very effective for many students. Note that silent reading of your paper isn’t even half as helpful as reading it aloud. 
• Another great idea to check on the rhythm and flow of your paper is to ask someone to read it for you. While listening to the text, you could perceive it from another perspective and discover even more inconsistencies and mistakes.  
• Double-check the facts you use in your analytical essay. The names of people, books, research, publications, as well as dates of historical events are too important to be misspelled. Things like these show your professionalism and the way you treat your readers.

Write an Analytical Essay with HandmadeWriting

Writing an analytical essay requires time, strong writing skills, great attention to detail, and a huge interest in the assigned topic. However, life can be unpredictable sometimes, and students might find themselves at risk of failing their creative assignments. Stress, family issues, poor health, and even unwillingness to work on a certain topic may become significant obstacles on their way to the A-grade work.

If you have similar problems, there is no need to compromise your reputation and grades. You can always refer to HandmadeWriting professionals who are ready to help you with a paper of any type and complexity. They will understand your individual style and totally devote themselv

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

How to Write an Analytical Essay

There are many types of academic papers, and each has to be written according to very specific rules. To succeed in academic writing and get high marks for writing assignments, a student should be aware of these rules and be able to follow them strictly. 

An analytical essay is one of the most common essay types; every student gets to write it more than once throughout his or her school and college years. It is also one of the most complex types of essays, as it requires strong analytical and research skills and a good knowledge of analytical essay structure. In the following article, you’ll find everything you need to know about writing an analytical essay that will impress any demanding reader.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

In order to write an impressive paper, one should know the analytical essay definition and how this essay type differs from the rest. An analytical essay is a form of academic writing that focuses on details and methods rather than on the overall contents of the subject. Figuratively, it deals with the elements of the puzzle which is a complete work of art to show how the picture is made.

Considering the latter, keep in mind that analysis is an essential part of an analytical essay. A simple summary of the plot or description of an event will not make a good essay of this type. Trying to insist on your personal point of view or focusing on your own impressions from the subject will also get you to fail the assignment. An essay should be based on facts and evidence that you have proof of.

Now that we have the definition, we can move on to the next question.

Struggling with your Analytical Essay Homework?

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease.

What Is the Analysis In Writing?

Analysis in general means dividing something into smaller elements in order to examine them (usually by asking critical questions such as “how” and “why”) and draw your own conclusions based on the results of such examination.

In your academic analytical essays, you will most probably be focusing on literary analysis. That will require you to look at how the author uses various techniques to produce certain effects, as well as how the issues are addressed. Sometimes such analysis will also require evaluating a literary work from the point of logic and proper handling of the issues of controversy.

What Is an Analytical Argument?

An analytical argument is basically the body of your essay. It is built upon a thesis statement (which we will discuss later in this article) and should focus on discussing one idea with supporting evidence.

It is important to distinguish between an argument and an opinion. An argument is always backed up by sufficient evidence. Whereas an opinion is a personal point of view that is based upon an individual experience or is downright intuitive.

Let’s see how it works. 

For example, “Employees who are working from home are less productive than those who work at the office. I know that from my own family’s example – me and my husband always get interrupted and can never concentrate,” this is an opinion because it is based on individual experience.

On the contrary, “A 2019 study by Airtasker conducted among 1004 full-time employees from different parts of the U.S. found that working from home increases productivity and leads to healthier lifestyles, so remote work can be a better alternative for both companies and workers,” is an argument, as it draws conclusions based on evidence.

Having explained all these terms, we can finally discuss an analytical essay outline and structure.

Analytical Essay Outline and Structure 

An analytical paper is a complex work that involves extensive research, using many sources for citations and reference, and putting together a lot of facts and thoughts on the subject. So, thorough knowledge of an analytical essay structure is essential, as is creating an outline.

An outline is a good way to encompass all the preparatory work that you do for your essay. It starts by taking down notes about possible topic ideas, arguments, and any useful resources on the subject of your paper. When you do any research, don’t forget to archive the sources and highlight the citations you might need to use in your work so that you could access them easily during your writing process. Having all this information will help you write a strong thesis, formulate persuasive arguments, and fill in the gaps in your outline step-by-step.

You can organize your outline any way you like, but the easiest and most efficient way to do it is to create a simple bulleted list. This is how it may look like.  ‍

Introduction: ‍

• Hook statement;
• A short summary of background information;    
• Thesis statement. It usually has a complex form of a number of correlating factors and should be controversial.

Body paragraphs (there are 3 of them usually) :

• Topic sentence. This is where you introduce your main point;
• Analysis. Here, you should analyze the provided evidence and determine its meaning;
• Evidence. Every paragraph should have evidential support in the form of a source or an actual quote;
• Concluding sentence. Here, you can restate and emphasize the main point.

Conclusion:

• Restatement of your thesis statement; 
• Short summary of the essay’s key points; 
• Proof of why the text is important.

Now that you know how to work with an outline, let’s start filling in the gaps. 

Did you like our inspiring Analytical Essay Guide?

If you need help with request " write a essay for me " tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay writing services!

How to Start an Analytical Essay: Introduction Paragraph

An analytical essay introduction is crucial to catching your reader’s attention. Therefore, it should be relevant and concise, and provoke interest for how you’re going to develop your topic. There are three main components that an analytical essay introduction should contain:

• Thesis statement;
• A short explanation of how you’re going to prove your thesis in the following paragraphs.

A hook is immensely important for the overall impression that your essay will produce on the reader. So, it must contain something interesting, engaging, or surprising. It should instantly grab your audience’s attention and make them wonder what you have to say next. You only have one chance to win your readers at this point, so put a lot of effort into formulating a good hook. Start with finding out who your readers are, and then choose from the most effective methods of attracting their attention. You can do it with a quote, statistic figures, a rhetorical question, or a provocative statement.

Then, move on straight to your thesis statement. In this essential part of your essay, you should explain to your readers what your paper’s subject is and why it matters. You might give your own opinion about the topic, and state why it is important to read your analytical work. Read on to learn how to write a strong thesis statement – we will discuss it in the next paragraph.

How to Create a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement?

But what is a thesis statement for an analytical essay, exactly? Before we move on, let’s define the term. So, a thesis statement is basically your answer to the question posed in the topic. A thesis is usually placed at the end of the introductory paragraph and consists of one to three sentences that encompass the gist of your paper, concentrating your viewpoint on the subject and giving the reader an idea of how you’re going to develop the topic.

The claim you make in your thesis statement should be debatable so that you could have something to work with in the next sections of your essay. A strong thesis statement helps to get a clear idea of a paper from the start and serves to organize and develop the arguments in the body paragraphs. 

A good thesis includes the following:

• The main idea;
• Key points of your topic; 
• Your position towards the subject of the discussion; 
• Conclusion.

In order to create a powerful thesis statement, follow this step-by-step guideline:

• Brainstorm an interesting topic.
• Make the topic more specific.
• Formulate the question for further research.
• Extract the main idea and make a statement.
• Decide on your position on the topic.
• Mention an opposing position.
• Support your point of view using arguments, evidence, and reasoning.
• Draw a conclusion.

There are also some things you should avoid when writing a thesis statement:

• Using common knowledge, bare facts, or quotes (all these make a poor thesis).
• Be careful not to choose topics that are too broad, and avoid language that’s vague or ambiguous.
• Exclude all information that is irrelevant to the topic and phrases like “I think”, “I believe”, etc.

To get a better understanding of what a strong thesis statement should and should not be like, compare the examples below.

• According to various studies, more than a half of first-year college students experience strong anxiety, which puts their health at a great risk. In order to protect it, psychologists should work with every freshman on campus. (Strong).
• Academic anxiety is a big problem for all students. (Weak).

Body Paragraphs of an Analytical Paper

A body paragraph is where you make an argument and bring evidence to support your claims. An analytical essay format usually implies having three of four body paragraphs. Each of them should start with a sentence that defines the main point of discussion for the paragraph – sort of a mini-thesis. Then, you should analyze this point, looking at it from different angles and bringing sufficient evidence to support your assertions. The more evidence you provide, the more persuasive your arguments will be. After you’ve run out of strong points for the arguments, move to the next paragraph. You can also add a transition sentence to make you text smoother; some professors require it, and some don’t.

So, each body paragraph should include:

• An introductory sentence;
• Evidence (actual quotes from the text, statistic figures, facts from trusted sources);
• Transition sentence to the next paragraph (mandatory).

If you still wonder about how to write a good analysis, look at the following sample body paragraph to see how it should work in an actual paper.

For example, our topic is the perception of happiness in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”. The first body paragraph might be as follows:

“The world in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” is a place where hardly anyone thinks about what happiness really is. Safety and stability are what matters for them the most, not happiness. But the majority of the society depicted by Huxley really considers themselves happy: they have everything they need to satisfy their basic needs, and these are all the needs they seem to have. People in the brave new world don’t have to struggle for anything, they have everything. So, in an episode where Bernard asks Lenina if she wants to be happy in her own way, she seems to not understand what he’s talking about. And what was he?.”

In the second paragraph, we can discuss Bernard’s own perception of freedom, and in the third – move on to John the Savage, who is the impersonator of freedom in the novel.

After you’ve dealt with several body paragraphs in this manner, proceed with the conclusion.

How to Conclude Your Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay conclusion is where you rephrase and emphasize your thesis statement, summarize the key points of your analysis and give some concluding afterthoughts. There’s no need to present any new ideas in the final paragraph, but it’s important to give the reader a clear idea of what your essay was about. When rephrasing anything you said earlier in your essay, be careful to keep the same meaning and avoid any ambiguity.

Here is what your essay conclusion should consist of: 

• Restatement of your thesis statement in other words;
• Summary of the main points of the body paragraphs;
• Concluding afterthoughts.

That’s basically all you need to know about how to write an analytical essay. Now you can go an extra mile – examine our sample topics.

Analytical Essay Topics to Inspire

Below you’ll find an analytical essay topics list on literature, art, society, and nature. Use them for inspiration to create powerful topics of your own.

Literature:

• What are Achilles' biggest flaws? Explain the modern use of the phrase “Achilles’ heel” using the Greek hero’s motivations, character, and deeds. 
• Irony in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”: where does it occur? Provide examples of verbal and situational irony and explain where exactly the irony in them is and why. 
• Which of the characters in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” relates the most to “the lost generation” and why?
• What is so frightening about Aldous Huxley’s fantasy of the “Brave New World” and why has it become one of the most famous dystopias ever?
• John Updike’s Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom as an “average American man”. What makes the character so believable?
• Impressionism in art. What makes it so special?
• Modern art: is it art at all, after all? Analyze several works of modern art to explain what features they have that enable them to be considered art.
• When and how did photography become art?
• The therapeutic effect of art: does it really exist?
• Multicultural families. Is it possible to maintain an ideal cultural balance within such families?
• Feminism: do we still need it and why?
• The transformation of gender roles throughout the XX century. Was it ever avoidable?
• The Internet and its effect on the educational system. Advantages and disadvantages of its use in a study process.
• Climate change as a major threat to the stability of ecosystems worldwide.
• Can we do anything now to prevent rising numbers of natural disasters in the future?
• Is testing and experimenting on animals a necessary evil?
• Why is it essential to protect the Arctic?
• Biodiversity on Earth. Why is it so important?

When it comes to writing a good analytical essay, it's important to have a clear understanding of the analytical essay definition and structure. This type of essay requires in-depth research, critical thinking, and the ability to draw conclusions based on evidence.

To write a successful analytical essay, it's recommended to create a bulleted outline before starting to write. This can help organize your thoughts and ensure that you include all the key elements such as a hook, thesis statement, and analysis. Additionally, seeking help from online resources such as Studyfy college homework help, proofreading, tutoring, and essay editing services can also be beneficial in producing a high-quality essay.

If you are struggling to come up with a topic, putting in the effort to develop your own can greatly enhance your writing experience. However, if you need someone to write an essay for you, there are various services available such as dissertation writing services , research paper service , and admission essay writer s who can assist in creating a well-written essay.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay can be a challenging task, but with the right resources and understanding of the essay's structure, you can produce a high-quality paper. Remember to utilize online resources such as Studyfy and take the time to develop a strong topic. Good luck in your writing endeavors!

Featured Posts

How to write a scholarship essay.

How to Write a Movie Review

How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Write‌ ‌an‌ ‌Argumentative‌ ‌Essay

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay

How to Write an Expository Essay

How to Write a Reflective Essay

Analytical Essay: Dissection of Student’s Feared Topic

Analytical essay is not just a nightmare for college students, it also gives them a headache when they are making one. Every student finds these essays cumbersome and excessively demanding due to the nature of complexities involved in them. That’s the prime reason these students fail in their term papers, coursework projects, etc.

We almost had you! Right? In the presence of our esteemed professional writers, there’s nothing to worry about! We will make your day by offering you all the information you need to become successful in your academic career. If you’re struggling to get to grips with such assignments, this blog post is for you. Today, we will discuss everything from writing an analytical essay to outlining its various parts.

Additionally, we will provide you with an ideal essay example that’ll do more than just providing you knowledge. So, take out your notepads / tablets / computers and start scribbling right away. Let’s get ready because we are deep diving into this topic right now!

Table of Contents

How to Write an Analytical Essay?

Writing an analytical essay is not as difficult as doing a thorough analysis yourself. Since a critical analysis essay is all about analyzing a topic / subject/ personality/ character / book / or any literary write-up or idea, we have to do two types of analysis in it. The first one is looking at it through a microscopic view and secondly is by the author’s point of view or eyes.

Analytic essay is your golden opportunity to demonstrate your skills to provide a critical point of view about a topic and enlighten your audience. Let’s just start learning how to write one when you’re clueless and need immediate help.

Read the Prompt Thoroughly

The first thing a student must do is thoroughly study the essay prompt if given by your professor. Typically, an analytic essay is given by your professor or college board to evaluate a candidate’s abilities of examining a phenomena. On the other hand, if you have been given a free choice of picking any topic of your liking then you must do so, as you’re told.

Your essay prompt provides you directions and rest is on you to figure out the purpose of the assignment. The first thing a student must do is to read the prompt a minimum of three times. Read it and understand what are the requirements you must follow and in case you need further guidelines or space in exploring the topic further.

It’s alright if you feel confused at first or even at second attempt, because college assignments are not meant to be a piece of cake. For the same reason, it’s recommended to read three times and understand the context from your teacher’s point of view. After you do it a couple of times, you’ll know what to do and how to do it.

Pick a Topic

The second and one of the essential steps of writing an analytic essay is choosing a topic. Your topic is the direction you will choose to achieve your objectives. For example, if you’re a psychology student then you can choose a subject such as what is an  existential crisis  and how to overcome it. For students of applied and clinical psychology this topic is relevant and allows them to present their analysis.

Similarly, medical science students can choose a topic for a cause and effect essay and enlighten their audience on the extent of a disease, etc. When choosing a topic do remember to avoid certain steps that will cause nothing but trouble:

• Choosing a topic out of discipline / scope /
• Topic that requires resources other than your institution provided you
• Subject that requires prior authorization or approval
• A topic that’s based on opinions rather than facts
• Challenging previous studies without proof / evidence(s)
• Going beyond the depths of your skills and abilities
• Easy topic that lacks your audience’s interest or surface-level information

When a subject for your analytic essay, it’s important to avoid aforementioned mistakes that are common in academic writing.

Start Researching on it

After going through the topic’s selection process, it’s time to start researching about it. In today’s digital age, you can speed up the process by finding relevant information on the internet as well. There are two types of research involved in this process: one deals with empirical or statistical data, and the other is non-empirical.

To start a statistical or quantitative research method, you first need to gather evidence that demonstrates results in numbers. Most of the science, medical, psychology, economics and marketing subjects require quantitative methods to follow in the assignment making process.

On the contrary, literature, sociology, history and anthropy requires only the use of qualitative research techniques. Regardless of the requirement of the research method, your evidence must be solid and should stand firm with time. To have a credible research readily available at your side, here are the things that you should follow:

• Start your research from prominent scholarly journals, books, newspapers, etc
• After collecting the evidence from them, use secondary sources such as books, articles written on the primary sources of research and experiments, etc
• The last step is gathering the evidence on the opinions from the readers who get to read the book and understand the context as well.

By doing the steps above mentioned, you’ll be able to gather three types of research and it will help you create your narrative on the topic.

Formulate an Outline Deduce from the Research

The next essential component of writing an analytic essay is making an outline from the arguments you deduce from your research. Making an outline is a technical part and one must consider how many arguments they should add in the body section that respond to queries appropriately. A general outline of analytical essay consist of three sections or parts known as:

• Introduction (starting paragraph)
• Body paragraph (middle section)
• A conclusion part (last paragraph)

Irrespective of the word count or requirements of the essay, it must consist of these parts. These parts of outline help your readers navigate to the exact section they want to read. For example, if your audience wants to read about the facts or evidence you’ve collected they can easily move to body paragraphs.

The last part of an outline is a conclusion. It circles around restating your thesis statement and provides a closure or end for your audience. An author provides a summary of all the main findings in this section, and gives their concluding remarks. Upon making an exclusive and wonderful conclusion, you can leave a lingering impression on your audience.

Write your First Draft

Here comes the composing part where you must write all the worlds and thoughts you gathered on the topic. As we discussed before you need to compartmentalize all of your arguments into an outline and then add them in the relevant sections. Your first draft must have these following details in the essay such as:

Introduction

An introduction is the first paragraph of the essay. It consists of three parts such as a hook sentence, background information and a thesis statement. All of these parts collectively form the outer shell of the intro section. Let’s discuss the role of each part in detail here.

A hook statement is the first line of the essay that serves as the eye grabbing or attention grabber sentence. It can be a famous quote, a historical fact or an eye opening result. You can write it in one or maximum two lines with word count ranging from 8 to 20.

The second part is background information that informs the audience about the origins of the topic or subject in question. This way you provide your audience with information that plays a pivotal role in their understanding and evokes an emotional response in them.

And finally, we have the life line of the essay and yes that’s a “Thesis Statement”. It’s the crux of the entire effort and educates the audience why they should accept the author’s opinion. Typically, you can formulate the thesis sentence after you gather all the evidence and read all the books and supporting evidence.

Body Paragraph(s)

A body paragraph section is the middle part of the essay and is by far the lengthiest one. It consists of the author’s opinion, corroborating evidence and adding anti-thesis and its answers in the rebuttal.

The body paragraph must start with a topic sentence that provides a short summary of the entire paragraph’s discussion. After that, you must add your arguments on the topic and let the conversation flow logically. A golden rule of thumb says you must add one argument and then its supporting evidence. This way, each of your arguments is backed by evidence and informs the audience appropriately.

Lastly, you can add transition words to crossover from one topic or point of discussion to the next one. It helps connect two different or opposing ideas and makes a bridge between them.

This is where you end your discussion and assure your readers that there’s nothing more that should be added in the context and they have to accept the author’s take on the topic. When you write this section, divide your attention into three sections.

When you start writing a conclusion, start from presenting the summary of the entire discussion you’ve started and is about to end. Secondly, reiterate the thesis sentence to provide emphasis on your research and its crux.

Thirdly, you must present your final remarks that closes the door for further discussion on the topic for now. Your conclusion remarks must be strong and persuasive enough to demonstrate your command on the topic.

Finally, the conclusion must show its significance to future generations and usefulness in the field of your studies.

Revise the Essay

After writing all the parts of the essay such as introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, it’s time to revise your write-up. A revision is the best way where structural issues can be diagnosed and rectified timely.

Revision is a technique that not only helps you in seeing the issues but it also educates students on common slip-ups in their writing.

Proofread and Edit the Analytical Essay

The last part of writing an essay is doing a thorough proofreading for rectifying typos. Any grammatical issues can be solved at this stage. Students can use many tools for such work and improve their vocabulary and grammar issues. Lastly, in the light of the highlighted changes, edit your draft and make appropriate changes. Read the essay again and seek professional help if you think of having less skills and time required for this task. Submit the essay to your professor after completing it.

By following these guidelines students can compose breathtaking analytical essays for their college assignments. Our expert’s guide provides a step by step process that helps in understanding the actions students must take without deviating from the requirements.

Defining What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytic essay is a college assignment typically assigned to higher education students who are seeking master’s or PhD level degrees. By its definition an analytical essay allows students to choose a topic and discuss it with critical analysis under a microscope.

For instance, students can choose a topic such as dictatorship and then they must do thorough research on this subject. On the other hand, students also need to educate their audience about what are the benefits and disadvantages of this ideology, etc. Origins, current state and future iterations also needed to be mentioned in this write-up.

In short, the further you dig, the better it will get for your audience. Additionally, your analysis must be objective, adding a subjective tone may cost you top grades. Although, a small space is given for a subjective opinion but exaggeration is strictly prohibited for doing so.

This definition will help students get to grips with this academic writing style that focuses on the examination of an idea or topic with a critical eye.

Creating an Analytical Essay Outline Template

It becomes a handful for students to create an outline for an analytical essay and make it work. Don’t worry, here we will be discussing all about it and make you a pro in no time. Let’s look at the following parts of the analytical essay outline.

Start Making a Good Introduction

The initial step for a student is to craft an engaging introduction for their essay, a crucial component of an analytical essay’s structure. As it’s the first element that your reader or professor encounters, adhering to the guidelines we’ve outlined here is critical.

Begin with a captivating hook sentence that will pique your audience’s interest. Ensure your hook is compelling enough to entice your readers to peruse the entire essay. Following this, provide some background information on the topic to enlighten your readers. Finally, incorporate a thesis statement to exhibit your mastery of the subject.

This way, you will quickly complete the first part of the structure, which will inspire your peers as well. Here is an example of introduction template for better understanding of the practical work:

“Religious fascism is today’s biggest dilemma and causes mass influx of cruelty and terror in the world. Since the inception of religion and its cult following, people who are followers of any theology interjected and forcefully stomp their superiority on others. Supposedly the pious leadership of the catholic church and other organized religion took control of the state and held captive basic civil rights and freedom of speech. Salem trials of 1692 is a best example of injustice in persecution of women harassed, tortured and killed under the name of religion.

Step by step abolition of churches and religious authority over the state results in greater peace, one that was never predicted has been achieved. For longer peace and prosperity, it’s essential for state institutions to completely suppress religion and make them limited to the compounds of the church, temple etc should be the top priority of any country or a free state.”

Students we have presented you with the best version of an introduction part of an critical analysis essay. You can take an example from it and make one for your college assignment.

Make Body Paragraphs

The main body of an essay’s blueprint is the most pivotal component. It encompasses the writer’s investigation, contrasting viewpoints, and corroborating proof. Learners should initiate their main body sections with a concise introductory sentence that encapsulates the paragraph’s content.

The subsequent step involves presenting your arguments on the subject, supplemented by substantiating evidence that aligns with your position. If the subject’s investigation is extensive and the proof exceeds a couple of points, you may consider incorporating a second and third paragraph.

Following the enumeration of corroborating evidence, it’s advisable to introduce counter arguments or dissenting opinions. These opposing views originate from individuals who disagree with your position. Their inclusion offers a balanced outlook that underscores your reliability and objectivity regarding the topic.

The final task is to incorporate transitional phrases to facilitate movement from one paragraph to another. These transitions also maintain coherence when shifting from one section to another or transitioning to an entirely different subject.

Let’s have a look at body paragraph’s template:

“Just like crimes, organized religion spreads its tentacles into the society and makes it hollow with fake preaching and surface-level understanding. All the elected popes run secretive societies where they allow for persecution,torture and brainwashing techniques to their followers and non-followers. 

Dan Brown’s book Da Vinci Code clearly provides historic evidence of catholic church’s involvement in Salem Witch Trial and killings of Protestant and Eastern Orthodox church followers. Knights Templars were the biggest army at the church’s disposal and they killed thousands on the behest of the Pope of Rome. Religious extremism exists in many forms today and 9/11 attacks on twin towers is an example of one where islamic terrorists killed more than 3000 people in New Work City according to the US Department of Defense website. So we can safely establish that religious extremism in any form should be disbanded by all possible means.

End the Debate in Conclusion Paragraph

The concluding section of the analytical essay blueprint is the finale. The initial step you should undertake is to reaffirm your thesis statement, underscoring its significance and applicability. Following this, encapsulate the primary points of the essay along with a final remark. The closing comments bring the discussion to a halt, leaving no room for further debates or disagreements. Lastly, highlight the value of your work and its potential contribution to future scholarly research.

The conclusion you provide must be good and composed keeping in view the future challenges. This way you will be able to forecast five to ten years in future and provide your perspective to your readers. Let’s look at a conclusion example:

“We have established that organized religion and its extremist wing have created havoc in our society. There are no instances where religion played a good role in society. From creation of killing squads like Knights Templar to public prosecution of Salem Witches, history has witnessed brutality all over the world. It’s essential for political parties to part ways from such criminal actions and arrest supporters as well.

For creating greater harmony and love between different cultures and societies, it’s essential to devoid these actions or steps from religion and promote non-religious discussions and trade of ideas than selling beliefs and hatred”

Students we have presented a completed outline template for your understanding. You can take inspiration or follow it and compose marvelous essays for your assignments.

Analytical Essay Introduction

The opening paragraph of an analytical essay introduction serves as the initial segment of the task. Its main objective is to convey information to the readers utilizing a variety of methods. The first line you pen down will serve as your captivating sentence, designed to elicit an emotional reaction from the readers.

A writer possesses the liberty to sway their reader’s perception by employing a captivating sentence that personally engages them. This strategy allows you to persuade them to pursue your scholarly paper from beginning to end.

The subsequent section involves incorporating background data into the context. This portion underscores the significance of the issue addressed in the final paper. It also acquaints the audience with the historical background of the topic and underscores the urgency of its resolution.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement

The third stage commences with the creation of a succinct analytical essay thesis statement that encapsulates the research question and topic. Once you’ve amassed your research materials and evidence, crafting your thesis sentence becomes a straightforward task. However, without comprehensive and relevant information, the formulation of this critical statement is unattainable. For a college term paper research statement, it’s imperative to keep it brief yet packed with insightful details.

A hypothesis statement, positioned at the conclusion of the introductory paragraph, enlightens readers about your method of arriving at the results. It serves as the cornerstone of your entire discussion and the arguments put forth in support or opposition of the subject.

To articulate your central idea of analytical essay thesis statement, adhere to the steps outlined below:

• Ensure it’s incisive and compelling
• It should be pertinent to the overall topic and its context
• Strive for utmost precision
• It should encapsulate the topic, research question, and research answer in a single sentence.
• Once you’ve drafted your thesis sentence, polish it further before proceeding to the outline section.

Analytical Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an analytical essay serve as the core of the outline, where students are required to incorporate their comprehensive research. This section includes a review of literature, discussion, methodologies, and more. It’s a critical juncture for students where they need to demonstrate their proficiency and abilities to convince their readers.

Initiate the body paragraph with a sentence that encapsulates the topic, providing your audience with a glimpse of what’s to be discussed in this section. Following this, you can delve into the key points and substantiate your arguments with solid evidence.

In the body section, you can also explore the literature review and pinpoint the gaps in the existing material. This approach allows you to swiftly identify areas requiring enhancement and propose solutions to address them.

Incorporating counterarguments in your research paper is also advisable. This step enables you to present your responses or counterarguments, showcasing your impartiality and competence as a writer, which can help persuade your readers. After embedding all the persuasive elements and proofs in the body paragraph, you can then transition to crafting a conclusion.

Steps for How to Write an Analytical Essay

The steps to process analysis essays are given below that will surely help students from all disciplines and knowledge. Let’s look at them one by one:

Step 1: Choose Topic for Process Analysis Essays

Even if you’re a skilled writer with aspirations of turning professional, there are still many steps to take. One of the first steps in writing an analytical essay is choosing a topic. Your topic serves as a compass, guiding your research and ensuring you stay on track.

There are several strategies students can use to choose a topic effectively. If you’re unsure about what to choose, consider reviewing previously published work for inspiration. This can be a quick way to find a solution.

Alternatively, you could seek guidance from your professor or student counselor. They are well-equipped to provide valuable advice that can greatly benefit your essay.

Lastly, you could choose a topic based on your personal interest and its breadth. This allows you to stay engaged and delve deeper into the subject and its various subtopics.

Step 2: Conduct Research

The second phase involves conducting an exhaustive investigation on the subject matter. The depth of your research will directly influence the novelty of the information you present to your readers. A robust research foundation is crucial for ensuring your essay unfolds as intended.

During the research and evidence collection process, students should steer clear of common pitfalls that could compromise their work and its credibility. These errors are not confined to any particular field and include:

• Conducting inadequate research or providing insufficient justification for research points
• Relying on sources with questionable credibility
• Using outdated or invalidated analyses that have been superseded by newer methodologies
• Including content that is not relevant to the specific scenario discussed in the topic
• Citing research sources without obtaining the author’s consent.

Step 3. Create Ideas in your Mind

Upon conducting thorough research, begin by creating a mind map of your arguments. Consider various strategies that could effectively convince your audience to favor your viewpoint over existing ones. Incorporate ideas that align with the evidence you’ve gathered. Once your mind map is fully developed, you’re prepared to move on to the subsequent step.

Step 4. Start with Intro Section

Begin the drafting process by crafting an engaging opening paragraph. Draw in your audience with a compelling first sentence, often referred to as a hook. This should be concise and designed to pique their curiosity about the topic. Follow this with some contextual information about the subject to give your readers a solid foundation. At this point, your readers should have a good understanding of the topic. Conclude with a thesis statement that offers your unique viewpoint on the subject.

Step 5. Add Research to the Body Paragraph

Now, incorporate the research or evidence you’ve gathered and refined for your audience. The best practice is to follow each of your statements with its corresponding evidence. This approach allows for a swift presentation of your narrative and its supporting evidence, preventing any confusion for the audience.

After you’ve presented your evidence, which could be a quote, an interview, or a journal reference, introduce contrasting viewpoints to demonstrate your neutrality on the subject. Include a counter-argument that addresses these opposing views. At this point, you’ve reached the crucial phase of your essay writing process.

Step 6. Write a Conclusion

The conclusion serves as the juncture where the key points of the assignment are recapped. It weaves together various thoughts and offers a final viewpoint on the subject matter. The conclusion underscores the thesis statement and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 7. Reference or Bibliography

It’s imperative to recognize the resources utilized in your work. The section for references or bibliography enumerates all the books, articles, websites, or other materials you consulted during your research. This part not only enhances the trustworthiness of your assignment but also safeguards against any plagiarism allegations. By grasping these elements of coursework structure, you can efficiently arrange your assignments and articulate your thoughts in a logical manner. Therefore, when you undertake such tasks next time, ensure to include these vital aspects and observe your grades escalate.

These steps will help you write process analysis essays with comfort and compliance. 

Analytical Essay Topics

Analytical essay topics pertain to a specific category of essays that necessitate comprehensive scrutiny. The author meticulously inspects the topic, deconstructs it into its fundamental elements, and delivers a critique or evaluation. These topics can span a wide array of fields such as literature, films, art pieces, societal matters, scientific phenomena, and more.

For example, in the realm of literature, an analytical essay topic could be “Examine the motif of deceit in Shakespeare’s Hamlet”. In this scenario, the author would dissect the play, furnish evidence of deceit, and interpret its influence on the storyline and characters.

When it comes to societal matters, a topic like “Examine the origins and repercussions of income disparity in metropolitan regions” would necessitate an in-depth exploration of socio-economic elements contributing to income inequality and its aftermath.

In the field of science, a topic could be “Examine the repercussions of climate change on polar ice caps”. This would entail an exhaustive analysis of climate data and interpretation of its impact on polar regions.

Bear in mind that the objective is not merely to recapitulate the topic but to delve into it, comprehend its subtleties, and deliver an educated evaluation. It’s about probing beneath the surface to understand the intricacies of the subject matter.

Click to see more “ Analytical Essay Topics “

Analytical Essay Examples

Many students wonder how to find the analytical essay examples but today their luck is about to change for good! We will share the types and examples of analytical essays here to end the confusion for students. These examples are mentioned below:

Poetry Analysis Essay

Poetry analysis essays allow a writer or a student to examine or present their critical analysis on a piece of poem, book’s paragraph or stanzas, etc. Typically, these assignments are common for English literature students. They are difficult and make students dig more into the historical value of the poem and its effects on the readers.

Process Analysis Essay

Process analysis essays explain how a process in a system works such as “how the car engine works”, etc. Students need to explain everything in a step by step approach and educate their audience how a process is completed.

Character Analysis Essay

A character analysis essay allows writers to explain or provide an analysis about a character. This character can be a historical figure, such as a politician, actor, philosopher, writer, etc. Students must choose a character that played a significant role in history or in the present and explain the intimate details about them.

click to see more “ Analytical Essay Examples “

Analytical Essay Conclusion

“The final part of your analytical essay is the conclusion, where you summarize your narration and connect it to your main point. To write a good conclusion, you should follow these steps:

• Show how the thesis and the story are related.
• Remind the reader of the key events that shaped the story.
• Explain the main message that your narration conveys.
• Emphasize the importance of the climax and its effects on the story.
• End with a statement or a question that makes the reader think.
• Do not introduce new information.
• Reinforce a takeaway message.

Understanding the nuances of an analytical essay necessitates a tactical plan. The steps outlined in this guide are organized and straightforward, ensuring that you can craft an exceptional illustrative essay by adhering to them.

If you encounter difficulties while composing an analytical essay, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Expert assignment writing services are available to provide guidance and support.

With the right assistance, you can create compelling work that includes powerful arguments and reliable evidence.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

• Essay Topic Generator
• Essay Grader
• Reference Finder
• AI Outline Generator
• Paragraph Expander
• Essay Expander
• Literature Review Generator
• Thesis Generator
• Text Editing Tools
• AI Rewording Tool
• AI Sentence Rewriter
• AI Article Spinner
• AI Grammar Checker
• Spell Checker
• PDF Spell Check
• Paragraph Checker
• Free AI Essay Writer
• Paraphraser
• Grammar Checker
• Citation Generator
• Plagiarism Checker
• AI Detector
• AI Essay Checker
• Proofreading Service
• Editing Service
• AI Writing Guides
• AI Detection Guides
• Citation Guides
• Grammar Guides
• Paraphrasing Guides
• Plagiarism Guides
• Summary Writing Guides
• STEM Guides
• Humanities Guides
• Language Learning Guides
• Coding Guides
• Top Lists and Recommendations
• AI Detectors
• AI Writing Services
• Coding Homework Help
• Citation Generators
• Editing Websites
• Essay Writing Websites
• Language Learning Websites
• Math Solvers
• Paraphrasers
• Plagiarism Checkers
• Reference Finders
• Spell Checkers
• Summarizers
• Tutoring Websites
• Essay Checkers
• Essay Topic Finders

Most Popular

14 days ago

How to Write a Character Analysis Essay

How to write a biography essay, how to write a profile essay.

10 hours ago

How to Quote a Poem in an Essay

Overcoming challenges in analytical essay writing.

Analytical essays are a common type of writing that focuses on examining a single topic to draw conclusions or prove theories. Most students know that this type of writing is widely used to analyze films, books, art pieces, or (more rarely) scientific literature. Since it’s such a common type of essay, learning how to craft it properly is not something to skip on. So, if you want to improve your analytical writing skills, this is your chance. Just go ahead and read the article below.

Analytical Essay: Structure & Characteristics

As you already know (or at least learned now), analytical essays closely look into the arguments or theories trying to explain them. This is exactly the reason why they are so popular for analysis of creative works like art, literature, film, or music as they can help dissect the creator’s themes and reveal hidden meanings. However, analytical essays can also address issues in science, politics, and society. Unlike many other types of writing, what makes analytical essays stand out is that they stick to facts and logic, minimizing personal bias or opinion . After all, it is one of many manifestations of expository writing.

Now, as to the structure, the general rules are simple: your analytical essay should have an introduction posing the topic, a few body paragraphs explaining the arguments, and a conclusion that draws the final line. Even though the overall outline may seem, clear, each of these parts has its own specifics.

Introduction

The introduction of an analytical essay sets the stage for your analysis. It starts with a hook to grab the reader’s attention, followed by some background information to provide context. The introduction concludes with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument or focus of the essay. For example, if you’re analyzing a character from a novel, your thesis might focus on the character’s development throughout the story.

Body Paragraphs

The body of an analytical essay is where you can get into the detailed analysis. This section is typically composed of several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point or piece of evidence that supports the thesis. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by analysis and evidence. For instance, if you are analyzing a film, one paragraph might focus on the use of lighting to convey mood, while another examines the character’s dialogue. Try to keep every paragraph focused and organized so that all points relate to the thesis.

The conclusion wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points and restating the thesis in light of the evidence presented. This section should not introduce new information but rather reinforce the arguments made in the body paragraphs. The conclusion provides a final perspective on the topic, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the analysis. For example, after analyzing a piece of literature, you might conclude by discussing how the themes explored in the essay relate to broader societal issues. As an option, you can use a summary tool by A*Help to be certain of your conclusion and how well it reflects the whole text.

How to Start an Analytical Essay: Introduction Tips

Great introduction matters. That’s it, that’s all we are going to say. Gotcha! No, of course, we will explain ourselves. You see, everything’s logical: an introduction i the first thing your readers see and that’s why it’s important to capture their attention right then and there. And one way to do it is to write a good hook.

For analytical essays, choosing a joke as a hook may not be as suitable. Thus, we recommend you choose either rhetorical questions, bold statements, or intriguing facts.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

👎Bad Hook	👍Good Hook
This essay is about Hamlet.	Have you ever wondered what drives Hamlet’s hesitation in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy?
Technology and emotion are interesting topics.	In a world increasingly shaped by technology, what role does human emotion play in artistic expression?

As you can see, the examples of well-written hook sentences draw in the readers attention by posing intriguing questions. The bad examples are too bland and fail to engage even us in reading further (and we wrote them!).

After a good hook, provide some background information or global context for your topic. This helps the reader understand the broader picture of your analysis and prepares them for the specific points you will discuss. For instance, if you’re analyzing Steinbeck’s ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ , you might briefly discuss the historical context of the 1930s and the plight of migrants in that context.

Writing a Strong Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the basis of your essay. It should tell the readers what you’re going to look at and discuss. Hence, it must be simple and clear.  A good thesis is specific, arguable, and can basically navigate the reader through your essay

                                                                                                                                                                

👎Bad Thesis	👍Good Thesis
In this essay, we will analyze The Grapes of Wrath.	In The Grapes of Wrath’s intercalary chapters, John Steinbeck practices a variety of literary devices and stylistic choices to better expose the injustices committed against migrants in the 1930s.

As you can gather from the examples above, the good thesis statement is specific and indicates exactly what the essay will cover, whereas the bad thesis statement is too vague and doesn’t provide a clear direction for the essay.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Analytical Essay

Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to move onto the more intricate stage of creating an analytical essay – writing it. We hope that this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, and help you cover all the necessary elements to create an interesting and well-structured essay.

Step 1: Choose Your Topic

Choosing your topic is a vital first step in writing an analytical essay. If your topic hasn’t been assigned, select one that balances between being specific enough to allow for thorough discussion and broad enough to find enough research material.

For example, a topic like “love in Victorian novels” is too broad because it includes a wide range of works and themes. Instead, narrow it down to something more manageable, like “love in Jane Austen’s novels.” This focus allows you to use specific examples and provide a detailed analysis of love as portrayed in this particular novel. However, be cautious about making your topic too specific. A topic like “the use of red roses as a symbol in one chapter of Pride and Prejudice” may be too fixed, leaving you with insufficient material to analyze. Stay at the middle ground that allows for detailed discussion but provides enough scope to find relevant evidence and supporting material.

No matter what topic you choose, your entire analytical essay should revolve around a singular thesis statement. This thesis will guide your analysis and provide a clear point of view for your writing.

Step 2: Research Your Topic

Before finalizing your topic, do some preliminary research to make sure there are enough examples and resources to support your analysis. This step can save you time and effort later on by confirming that your chosen subject is viable and rich with material to analyze. 

Once you are sure that you are going on the specific theme, you can dive into the materials you have already found and search for other sources. Gather all the information and evidence to support your analysis. Review the primary work and consider reading critiques or analyses to inspire new ideas. Keep detailed notes on where your information comes from to help with citations and references later. 

At this writing stage, it is also a good idea to outline 3 or 4 key arguments you want to highlight in your text. You can even create a table chart to sort out all the evidence you found to each individual point.

Step 3: Create an Outline

By the time you reach this step, you should have completed your research and made notes of everything you want to say in your analytical essay. An outline allows you to arrange these points in the optimal order, ensuring a logical flow of ideas. 

An outline is typically broken down by paragraph, with each paragraph exploring a single point. This structure not only helps in organizing your thoughts but also ensures that each point is thoroughly discussed and supported by evidence. For instance, if you are analyzing themes in a novel, one paragraph might focus on symbolism, another on character development, and so on.

Don’t be afraid to move around or rearrange the order of paragraphs. This step is designed to identify and fix structural problems before you start writing. If you find that some points need more elaboration or that some paragraphs are too dense with information, consider breaking them into smaller sections. 

Here, you will mostly be focused on structuring the body of your essay. Keep in mind that Each body paragraph should serve the main goal of supporting your thesis statement. Depending on the scope of your essay, the number of body paragraphs will vary. Carefully plan each section so that it either provides background information, highlights the details, or offers contrasting viewpoints, all while supporting your thesis. For example, in an essay analyzing literary devices in a novel, one paragraph could focus on the use of metaphors, while another might examine the symbolism in the text. And don’t forget – each point should be backed by substantial evidence and analysis!

Step 4: Write Your First Draft

With your outline as a guide, start writing your essay. Focus on fleshing out your ideas rather than perfecting grammar or style—there’s time for that later. Include all the evidence and analysis you’ve planned, and make sure each body paragraph is tied back to your thesis. Also, you may provide contrasting points of view to make your arguments look even stronger. 

Step 5: Revise Your Draft

Okay, your first draft is ready, yay! Now, you can take a small break and then get back to your paper and read it again. Such revisions are important to refine your essay. Look for ways to improve clarity, coherence, and succinctness. Notice whether all your arguments are well-articulated. Consider removing any unnecessary information or adding explanations where the speculations seem too vague or unclear.

Step 6: Proofread Your Essay

Finally, after you make all the changes you fins necessary, you can proofread your essay to catch any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Don’t skip this step (even though the temptation to do so may be huge) as it helps make your essay polished and professional; at least, submit it to an essay editing services . If needed, use tools like AHelp Grammar Checker to help identify mistakes and improve your writing quality.

Examples of Analytical Essay Outline

We told you that you need to create an outline to make the writing process a) easier, and b)more organized. But what does an effective outline look like? We prepared an example for you so that you don’t have to go and look elsewhere.

Outline Example 1. Literary Analysis of The Great Gatsby

• Hook: “Is the American Dream really achievable, or is it just an illusion?”
• Background Information: Brief overview of The Great Gatsby and its setting.
• Thesis Statement: In The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism, character development, and themes of ambition and disillusionment to explore the American Dream’s corruption.

Body Paragraph 1: Symbolism

• Topic Sentence: Fitzgerald employs various symbols to represent the decay of the American Dream.
• Evidence: The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams.
• Analysis: Discuss how the green light reflects Gatsby’s hopes and the overall theme of unreachable goals.
• Transition: Moving from symbolism to character development to further illustrate the theme.

Body Paragraph 2: Character Development

• Topic Sentence: The characters in The Great Gatsby are crafted to reflect different aspects of the American Dream.
• Evidence: Analyze Gatsby’s transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby.
• Analysis: Discuss how Gatsby’s reinvention highlights his ambition and ultimate disillusionment.
• Transition: Shifting focus from character development to broader themes.

Body Paragraph 3: Themes of Ambition and Disillusionment

• Topic Sentence: The themes of ambition and disillusionment are central to understanding the novel’s message.
• Evidence: Examples from the novel showcasing characters’ ambitions and their eventual failures.
• Analysis: Explore how these themes contribute to the critique of the American Dream.
• Transition: Summarizing the themes before concluding the essay.
• Restate Thesis: Summarize how symbolism, character development, and themes expose the corruption of the American Dream.
• Summary of Main Points: Recap the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Final Thoughts: Reflect on the novel’s relevance today and its commentary on contemporary society.

Outline Example 2. Analysis of Social Media’s Impact on Communication

Introduction:

• Hook: “How has social media reshaped the way we communicate in the 21st century?”
• Background Information: Brief history of social media and its rise in popularity.
• Thesis Statement: Social media platforms have significantly transformed modern communication by enhancing connectivity, altering interpersonal interactions, and influencing public discourse.

Body Paragraph 1: Enhancing Connectivity

• Topic Sentence: Social media has revolutionized how people stay connected across distances.
• Evidence: Statistics on social media usage and connectivity.
• Analysis: Discuss how platforms like Facebook and Twitter bridge geographical gaps.
• Transition: Moving from connectivity to changes in interpersonal interactions.

Body Paragraph 2: Altering Interpersonal Interactions

• Topic Sentence: The nature of interpersonal interactions has been altered by social media.
• Evidence: Examples of how communication has become more digital and less face-to-face.
• Analysis: Explore the pros and cons of this shift, such as the increase in online relationships and the decrease in personal connections.
• Transition: Connecting the change in interactions to the broader impact on public discourse.

Body Paragraph 3: Influencing Public Discourse

• Topic Sentence: Social media has a profound influence on public discourse and opinion formation.
• Evidence: Case studies of social media campaigns and their effects on public opinion.
• Analysis: Examine how platforms amplify voices and can both democratize and polarize public discourse.
• Transition: Wrapping up the discussion before concluding.

Conclusion:

• Restate Thesis: Summarize how social media has transformed communication through connectivity, interpersonal interactions, and public discourse.
• Summary of Main Points: Recap the main arguments from the body paragraphs.
• Final Thoughts: Reflect on the future of communication in the digital age and the potential long-term impacts of social media.

With all those step we outlined in this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge needed to tackle analytical essay writing with confidence.Remember, the key to success lies in thorough research, clear organization, and thoughtful analysis. With practice and dedication, you’ll find that writing analytical essays becomes easier and more enjoyable. So go ahead and apply these techniques, and watch your analytical writing skills soar!

What is a good way to start an analytical essay?

A great way to start an analytical essay is to grab the readers’ attention. To do that, you can use an interesting fact, a quote, or a thought-provoking question related to your topic. This way you can set the stage for your analysis and make your reader curious about what comes next.

How do you write a hook sentence for an analytical essay?

To write a hook sentence for an analytical essay, try using a surprising statistic, a powerful quote, or a bold statement that ties into your main argument. The goal is to pique your reader’s interest and encourage them to keep reading.

What is the first sentence of an analytical paragraph?

The first sentence of an analytical paragraph is typically the topic sentence. It introduces the main idea of the paragraph and connects it to your thesis. This helps guide your reader through your analysis and sets up the supporting details you’ll provide.

What is the structure of an analytical essay?

An analytical essay generally follows a clear structure: it starts with an introduction that includes a hook and a thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs that each focus on a specific point or piece of evidence supporting your thesis, and concludes with a summary that reinforces your main argument and highlights the significance of your analysis. This structure keeps your essay organized and makes your analysis easy to follow.

Follow us on Reddit for more insights and updates.

Comments (0)

Welcome to A*Help comments!

We’re all about debate and discussion at A*Help.

We value the diverse opinions of users, so you may find points of view that you don’t agree with. And that’s cool. However, there are certain things we’re not OK with: attempts to manipulate our data in any way, for example, or the posting of discriminative, offensive, hateful, or disparaging material.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

More from How to Write an Academic Assignment

Remember Me

Is English your native language ? Yes No

What is your profession ? Student Teacher Writer Other

Forgotten Password?

Username or Email

Essay Papers Writing Online

How to craft an engaging and insightful analytical essay that captivates your readers.

Embark on a journey of intellectual discovery as you learn how to unravel the complex layers of meaning in your chosen subject matter. Analytical essays require a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to exploration. Step into the shoes of a detective armed with a pen, and prepare to unlock the hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Beyond the mere act of writing, an analytical essay challenges you to transform ordinary observations into profound insights, shedding light on the deeper significance of the topic at hand. In this step-by-step guide, we will unveil the secrets to crafting a compelling analysis that captivates your readers, leaving them enlightened and inspired.

Discover the power of analysis as you learn how to dissect your subject matter, exploring its various components and piecing them together to reveal a greater truth. Dive into the intricate nuances of language, symbolism, and narrative structure, as you employ critical thinking to dissect the elements that shape your chosen topic. Through this process, you will develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and cultivate an appreciation for the art of analysis.

Understanding the Basics of an Analytical Essay

Analytical essays are a popular form of academic writing that require students to carefully examine and interpret a given topic or text. These essays go beyond simply summarizing or expressing personal opinions; rather, they involve a deep analysis and evaluation of the subject matter. In an analytical essay, a writer breaks down the topic into its various components and examines them critically to gain a comprehensive understanding.

When writing an analytical essay, it is important to approach the topic with objectivity and a critical mindset. The purpose of such an essay is to analyze, evaluate, and interpret the subject matter, providing insights and arguments that are supported by evidence and logical reasoning. It is not about expressing personal preferences or biases, but rather about presenting a well-structured and well-supported analysis.

One key aspect of an analytical essay is the use of evidence to support the writer’s claims and arguments. This evidence can come in various forms, such as quotes from the text being analyzed, statistical data, expert opinions, or examples from real-life situations. The writer must carefully select and present this evidence in a way that enhances their analysis and strengthens their overall argument.

In addition to evidence, an analytical essay should also include logical reasoning and clear organization. The writer needs to present their ideas in a coherent and logical manner, guiding the reader through their analysis step by step. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or aspect of the topic, with smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure a seamless flow of ideas.

Furthermore, an analytical essay requires attention to detail and critical thinking. The writer must carefully examine the subject matter, paying close attention to nuances, patterns, and underlying meanings. They should ask questions, challenge assumptions, and consider different perspectives in order to develop a well-rounded analysis.

In conclusion, an analytical essay is a form of academic writing that involves a deep analysis and evaluation of a given topic or text. It requires objectivity, evidence-based arguments, logical reasoning, and attention to detail. By understanding the basics of an analytical essay, students can effectively approach this type of writing and develop strong analytical skills that are crucial for academic success.

Choosing a Topic for Your Analytical Essay

One of the crucial steps in writing an analytical essay is selecting the right topic. To ensure the success of your essay, it is important to choose a subject that is both interesting and allows for in-depth analysis. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect topic for your analytical essay:

• Consider your interests: Start by thinking about subjects that you are passionate about or have a strong curiosity towards. Analytical essays require in-depth analysis and critical thinking, so choosing a topic that genuinely interests you will make the process more enjoyable.
• Research potential topics: Once you have identified a few areas of interest, conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the subject matter. Look for relevant articles, books, or academic papers that provide insight into the topic. This will help you assess the availability of information and determine if the topic has enough substance for analysis.
• Narrow down your options: After conducting initial research, narrow down your list of potential topics. Consider the scope and feasibility of each topic. Ensure that your chosen subject can be adequately explored within the given word count and time frame.
• Identify the focus: Analytical essays often require a specific focus or thesis statement. Determine the angle or perspective you want to take towards your chosen topic. Think about the questions you want to answer or the arguments you want to make in your essay.
• Consider the audience: Keep in mind the intended audience for your essay. Think about their interests and prior knowledge on the topic. Choose a subject that is both accessible and engaging for your readers.
• Seek feedback: Once you have narrowed down your topic options, seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing tutors. Their insights and suggestions can help you refine your topic and ensure that it aligns with the objectives of your essay.

By following these guidelines, you can choose a topic for your analytical essay that not only captivates your readers but also allows you to showcase your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Conducting In-Depth Research for Your Essay

Thorough research is an essential part of writing a compelling analytical essay. By delving deep into your topic, you can gather a wealth of information and evidence to support your arguments and strengthen your analysis. In this section, we will explore effective strategies and resources for conducting in-depth research for your essay.

When embarking on your research journey, it is crucial to start by clearly defining the scope and objectives of your essay. This will help you narrow down your focus and determine the specific areas you need to explore. Consider the main themes, concepts, or theories that are relevant to your essay and identify keywords that will guide your research.

One approach to conducting research is to utilize various academic databases and online libraries. These platforms offer a vast collection of scholarly articles, peer-reviewed journals, books, and other resources that can provide you with authoritative and reliable information. Be sure to use appropriate search terms and filters to refine your search and find the most relevant sources.

In addition to academic sources, it is also beneficial to explore different types of media, such as news articles, documentaries, podcasts, and interviews. These sources can offer unique perspectives, real-life examples, and current events related to your topic, enhancing the depth and breadth of your analysis.

As you gather information, it is crucial to critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources. Consider the author’s credentials, the publication date, and the reputation of the source. Look for sources that have been peer-reviewed or published by reputable institutions to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the information presented.

Furthermore, taking organized notes while conducting research can greatly facilitate the writing process. Use a structured approach, such as creating an outline or using note-taking software, to record key points, quotes, and references from your sources. This will help you keep track of your research findings and make it easier to incorporate them into your essay later on.

By investing time and effort into conducting in-depth research, you can lay a solid foundation for your analytical essay. Engaging with a diverse range of sources, critically evaluating their reliability, and taking organized notes will enable you to develop a well-rounded and evidence-based argument.

Developing a Thesis Statement and Outline

Creating a strong thesis statement and outline is a crucial step in the process of writing an analytical essay. These components provide a solid foundation for your essay, helping you to organize your thoughts and present a clear and logical argument.

A thesis statement is the main claim or argument of your essay. It is a concise and focused statement that expresses your position on the topic. Your thesis statement should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence. It sets the tone for your entire essay and guides the reader in understanding the main point you will be making.

To develop a strong thesis statement, you need to thoroughly analyze your topic and gather evidence to support your argument. Consider the main ideas or themes that emerge from your analysis and choose one that you can effectively argue. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and written in a way that engages the reader.

Once you have developed your thesis statement, it is important to create an outline for your essay. An outline helps you to organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows smoothly and logically.

In your outline, include the main points you want to address in each paragraph, along with supporting evidence or examples. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you stay focused on your main argument. Consider the order in which you want to present your points, and make sure that each paragraph builds upon the previous one.

In addition to organizing your thoughts, an outline also helps you to identify any gaps in your argument or evidence. By seeing the structure of your essay laid out in an outline, you can easily identify areas that need further development or additional research.

In conclusion, developing a strong thesis statement and outline is essential for writing an effective analytical essay. These components provide a clear roadmap for your essay and ensure that you present a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence. Take the time to carefully consider your thesis statement and outline before you begin writing, as they will greatly contribute to the overall success of your essay.

Analyzing and Interpreting the Evidence in Your Essay

Once you have gathered and presented your evidence in your analytical essay, the next crucial step is to analyze and interpret it. This process involves carefully examining your evidence to derive meaningful insights and draw informed conclusions.

When analyzing the evidence, you should consider its relevance, credibility, and significance. Ask yourself whether the evidence directly supports your thesis statement and helps you prove your main argument. Assess the sources of your evidence and evaluate their trustworthiness and authority. Additionally, determine the significance of the evidence in relation to your overall analysis and the broader context of your essay.

Key Points	Explanation
Relevance	Assess how directly the evidence supports your thesis statement and contributes to your main argument.
Credibility	Evaluate the trustworthiness and authority of the sources from which the evidence is derived.
Significance	Determine the importance of the evidence in relation to your overall analysis and the broader context of your essay.

Once you have analyzed the evidence, you need to interpret it. Interpretation involves extracting meaning from the evidence and making connections to your thesis statement and argument. Consider the underlying themes, patterns, and implications of the evidence. Look for relationships between different pieces of evidence and identify any possible contradictions or alternative interpretations.

Effective interpretation requires critical thinking and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Consider different perspectives and viewpoints, and critically evaluate the implications of your interpretation. Ensure that your interpretation aligns with your main argument and supports the overall thesis of your essay.

Remember that analyzing and interpreting evidence in your essay is a continuous process. As you delve deeper into your analysis, you may discover new insights and perspectives that require further examination. Stay open-minded and be willing to revise or adjust your interpretation if new evidence or arguments warrant it.

By effectively analyzing and interpreting the evidence in your essay, you can provide a robust and compelling argument that engages your readers and demonstrates your analytical skills.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

Analytical Essay Writing

A Complete Analytical Essay Writing Guide

11 min read

Published on: Sep 8, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

People also read

List of Best Analytical Essay Topics for Students

Analytical Essay Examples to Ace Your Grades

Analytical Essay Outline - Guide & Template

Share this article

The daunting task of writing analytical essays leaves many students feeling frustrated, lost, and unsure of where to start.

Inadequate knowledge of analysis techniques often results in poorly constructed arguments and low grades.

The good news is, we‘ve got a solution for you!

Learn our secret to writing high-scoring analytical essays in this comprehensive guide. Learn the strategies, tips, and tricks that will help you to effectively analyze any topic.

Let’s dive deeper into our guide to help you learn better!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a form of academic writing that require students to thoroughly explore a subject, critically examine it, and offer insightful interpretations. This type of writing relies on evidence and logical reasoning to provide a comprehensive analysis.

It goes beyond summarizing information or expressing personal opinions. Instead, an analytical essay demands a thorough analysis and evaluation of the topic, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding.

The Purpose of Writing an Analytical Essay

Writing an analytical essay serves multiple purposes. Let's explore why this form of writing is valuable and what it aims to achieve:

• Critical Thinking Development: An analytical essay helps to develop critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze information.
• In-depth Understanding: By engaging in analytical writing, students gain a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. They explore complex concepts, examine underlying themes, and uncover hidden meanings.
• Effective Communication: Analytical essays sharpen students' ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas clearly. Through careful analysis, they learn how to articulate their arguments in a coherent and compelling manner.
• Evidence-Based Analysis: One of the primary objectives of an analytical essay is to support arguments with credible evidence. Students learn how to research information and incorporate it effectively into their writing. 

How to Structure an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay follows a specific structure to ensure a logical flow of ideas and effective communication of your analysis. In terms of paragraphs, an analytical essay can mostly follow a 5 paragraph essay structure. 

Let's explore the typical analytical essay format:

Remember to maintain a clear and logical progression throughout your essay. Use topic sentences and transitions to ensure coherence within each paragraph and between sections. 

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 5 Steps?

Writing an analytical essay may seem daunting, but by breaking it down into steps, you can approach it with confidence.  Here's are detailed steps to help you write an analytical essay:

Step 1: Understand the Prompt and Gather Information

This is the first step while writing any essay. Take time to:

• Carefully read and understand the essay prompt or question.
• Identify key terms, instructions, and the scope of analysis required.
• Conduct thorough research on the topic, gathering relevant information, and sources.

Example: For an essay prompt asking you to analyze the impact of technology on society, you'd carefully read the prompt, identify key terms like " impact " and " society ," and conduct research using reputable sources to gather information on various aspects of this topic.

Step 2: Craft a Strong Thesis Statement

Plan your thesis statement with the help of these steps:

• Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument or analysis.
• Ensure your thesis is specific, debatable, and provides a roadmap for your essay.

Example: If your analysis focuses on the negative effects of technology on social interactions, your thesis might be: "While technology enhances communication, its pervasive use has led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, impacting social relationships negatively."

Analytical Essay Types

Analytical essays come in different types, each with its unique focus and approach. Let's explore some of the common types of analytical essays:

• Literary Analysis Essays: These essays analyze literary works such as novels, short stories, poems, or plays. The focus is on examining themes, characters, literary devices, symbolism, and the overall impact of the author's writing style.
• Rhetorical Analysis Essays: In these essays, the writer analyzes how authors or speakers use rhetorical techniques to persuade their audience. This includes examining elements such as the use of ethos, pathos, logos, tone, and various rhetorical devices.
• Critical Analysis Essays: Critical analysis essays evaluate a specific piece of work, such as an article or a scholarly paper. The goal is to assess the strengths and weaknesses, analyze the author's arguments, and provide an informed evaluation.

Step 3: Plan and Outline Your Essay

Planning an essay is the most crucial step while writing. Here are a few steps to help you outline your essay.

• Organize your thoughts and create an outline that highlights the main points you want to cover.
• Arrange your ideas logically, ensuring a smooth flow from one point to the next.
• Create a separate paragraph for each main idea or argument you plan to discuss. For a detailed discussion on structuring your essay check out our analytical essay outline blog.

Example: Create an outline with main points like the introduction (hook, thesis, background information), body paragraphs (negative impact on face-to-face interactions, examples, and analysis), and conclusion (summary, restating thesis, closing statement).

Step 4: Write the Essay

Ensure that you follow these steps while writing the essay!

• Start with an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and introduces your topic and thesis statement.
• In the body paragraphs, present your arguments, your arguments should support the thesis statement and present each argument with evidence and analysis.
• Analyze the evidence, explaining its significance and how it relates to your thesis.
• Use topic sentences, transitions, and cohesive language to maintain clarity and coherence.
• Address counterarguments, if applicable, and refute them with strong reasoning and evidence.
• Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points, restating the thesis, and providing a thoughtful closing statement.

Example: In the introduction, you might start with a compelling anecdote about people engrossed in their devices. Body paragraphs would dive into specific examples, such as decreased family dinner conversations or fewer in-person gatherings. Use evidence like studies or statistics to support your analysis.

Step 5: Revise and Edit

Follow these steps to revise your essay:

• Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow.
• Check for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure that your analysis is well-supported by evidence and that your arguments are persuasive.
• Seek feedback from peers, professors, or writing centers to get additional perspectives and improve your essay.

Analytical Essay Examples

Following are some of the analytical essay examples that will assist you in writing strong essays. 

Social media platforms have become an integral part of teenagers' lives, significantly influencing their self-image and perceptions of themselves. This analytical essay aims to delve into the impact of social media on teenagers' self-image, examining how it shapes their ideals, influences their behavior, and affects their overall well-being. One way in which social media affects teenagers' self-image is by creating unrealistic beauty standards. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are flooded with filtered and edited images, promoting an idealized version of beauty. As a result, teenagers often compare themselves to these images, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a negative impact on their self-esteem. Furthermore, social media platforms foster a culture of validation through likes, comments, and followers. Teenagers seek approval and recognition, with their self-worth often tied to the number of likes and followers they receive. This constant pursuit of validation can create anxiety, as well as a distorted sense of self-worth based on external factors rather than intrinsic qualities. Moreover, social media exposes teenagers to cyberbullying and negative peer comparisons. Online platforms provide a breeding ground for criticism, judgment, and harassment. Constant exposure to negative comments or comparing oneself to seemingly "perfect" peers can contribute to feelings of insecurity, social anxiety, and a diminished sense of self. On the other hand, it is important to acknowledge that social media can also empower teenagers to express themselves creatively and find supportive communities. Certain platforms allow individuals to share their experiences, passions, and talents, connecting them with like-minded individuals and promoting self-expression. In conclusion, social media has a profound impact on teenagers' self-image, both positive and negative. While it can perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, create validation-seeking behavior, and expose teenagers to cyberbullying, it also offers opportunities for self-expression and community building. It is crucial for teenagers to navigate social media consciously, critically evaluating its influence and cultivating a healthy self-image based on their own values and strengths.

Here are some more analytical essay example pdf for you: 

Analytical Essay Outline Example

Analytical Essay Writing Template

Swot Analysis Essay Writing

Check out ' Analytical Essay Examples ' blog for more sample analytical essays for inspiration!

Analytical Essay Topics

Choosing an interesting theme or specific topic for your essay is essential. If you want readers to read and enjoy your work, make sure that you select an exciting analytical essay topic. 

Following is the list of some engaging topics for more ideas check out our analytical essay topics blog.

Analytical Essay Topics About Psychology

• Explore the Influence of Childhood Experiences on Adult Attachment Styles
• Examine the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Patterns and Trends
• Investigate the Psychological Effects of Color in Marketing and Advertising
• Evaluate the Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Function
• Analyze the Psychological Factors Contributing to Procrastination
• Examine Personality Types and Coping Mechanisms in Stress
• Study the Impact of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement
• Investigate the Role of Genetics and Environment in Anxiety Disorders Development
• Analyze the Influence of Music on Mood and Emotional Well-being
• Explore the Psychology of Decision-Making: Cognitive Biases and Rational Thinking

Analytical Essay Topics About Pop Culture

• Examine the Impact of Social Media on Shaping Modern Pop Culture Trends
• Explore the Cultural Significance of Memes in Shaping Online Discourse
• Investigate the Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Behavior
• Evaluate the Evolution of Gender Representation in Popular Music Videos
• Analyze the Cultural Implications of Streaming Services on Traditional Media
• Study the Role of Fashion Influencers in Defining Contemporary Style Norms
• Examine the Intersection of Pop Culture and Political Activism in the Digital Age
• Explore the Phenomenon of Fandoms and Their Influence on Popular Culture
• Evaluate the Role of Fan Fiction as a Primary Source in Pop Culture Analysis
• Investigate the Impact of Virtual Influencers on Beauty Standards and Consumer Behavior

Analytical Essay Topics About Art and History 

• Examine the Symbolism and Cultural Context in Renaissance Artworks
• Investigate the Role of Political Propaganda in Art During the Cold War
• Analyze the Evolution of Portraiture in Different Art Movements
• Explore the Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Art and Cultural Expression
• Study the Use of Religious Themes in Baroque Art and Its Social Commentary
• Evaluate the Influence of Art on Historical Memory and Collective Identity
• Analyze the Intersection of Art and Technology in Contemporary Installations
• Examine the Cultural Appropriation Debate in Modern Art Practices
• Analyze the Depiction of Historical Events in 19th Century Landscape Paintings
• Explore the Influence of Ancient Egyptian Art on Contemporary Design and Imagery

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay requires a thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and a strong grasp of critical thinking.

By implementing these strategies, you will not only engage your readers but also demonstrate your ability to analyze complex subjects, evaluate evidence, and present well-reasoned arguments.

Need a helping hand? Our Essay Writer AI will craft a custom essay tailored to your needs. 

However, if you are looking for professional help, let our essay helper deliver top quality essays.

Take the stress out of writing and achieve academic success. Click here to get started with our analytical essay writing service today!

What is the purpose of an analytical essay?

An analytical essay is less broad than a summary, but it explores an idea or process in greater depth. The writing of an analytic piece involves critical thinking about some literary text to increase understanding.

What is included in an analytical essay?

Here are some main things that you should include in your analytical essay. 

• Thesis statement 
• Analysis of the topic 
• Strong evidence to support the analysis 

Analytical Essay vs. Descriptive Essay: What’s the Difference?

An analytical essay involves dissecting and interpreting a subject and presenting arguments and evidence from a specific perspective. It requires critical thinking. A descriptive essay , on the other hand, aims to vividly portray a topic through sensory details, painting a clear picture without necessarily offering a deep analysis. Analytical essays explore, interpret, and argue, while descriptive essays focus on creating a sensory experience for the reader.

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Analytical Essay Writing Guide

Brendaw Waller

June 5, 2024

Read Time: 9 min

It’s crucial to understand the analytical essay and how to write it. To learn critical thinking skills, you must have a deep knowledge of analytical essays. Understanding the mystery of an analytical essay can be a tiresome task, but fear not. Our ultimate guide helps you to learn everything about analytical essays. Moreover, if you need professional help with writing an analytical essay, you can avail of our  analytical essay writing service  at cost effective rates. 

If you’re a student, you’ll probably have to write an analytical essay at some point because they’re so common in academic settings. This article covers every important aspect of writing an analytical essay, including the best format and what should go in the outline. Let’s begin by providing a thorough explanation of what is an analytical essay.

What is an analytical essay?

The typical analytical essay definition is:

‘An analytical essay is a piece of writing in which the writer examines, evaluates, and interprets a certain circumstance, event, or even artistic work.’

These are more common in  academic writing  and are assigned to the students as assignments. They can also be found in newspapers, trade journals, and other publications. Essays are frequently centered on literary works, motion pictures, artwork, or current affairs. They usually start with a thesis statement on the subject matter and provide proof for it from secondary sources.

Unlike a persuasive essay, which only asks you to prove one side of an argument, an analytical essay demands you to grasp and present all sides of an argument much like a  compare and contrast essay . Finally, you should discuss whether you agree or disagree with your interpretation.

What is the purpose of an analytical essay?

Writing analytical essays fulfills two needs: the writer’s and the reader’s. Analytical papers are assigned by high school teachers and college professors to assist their pupils in growing as writers and thinkers. Analytical papers improve students’ writing abilities and enhance their understanding of a given subject.

Readers may benefit from analytical essays as well. Critical analysis pieces are frequently published in newspapers and magazines to assist their readers in understanding the news of the day. These essays allow writers—who might be experts in their domains—to inform readers about politics, economics, art, architecture, culture, and a host of other important topics.

How is an analytical essay different from a descriptive essay?

Since the goal of descriptive writing is to express what you would like to describe—a situation or a concept—the distinction between these essay types is obvious. The objective of an analytical essay is to provide a response to the traditional “so what?” query. It discusses the effects of a particular situation. The most crucial characteristics of this essay are:

• An analytical essay is not just a summary. You must understand how to analyze the topics because it is the main purpose of this essay.
• It must have a thesis statement that presents an argument drawn from what you’ve read or experienced.
• You should always support your claims with research, which is why you should include citations and quotes to minimize the chance of plagiarism.
• It must be well-structured, with topic phrases connecting the paragraphs.

Most importantly, keep in mind that descriptive writing should provide an explanation for an event, whereas analytical writing must analyze that event.

What is the structure of an analytical essay?

Now that you have a clearer understanding of an analytical essay, it’s time to become an expert at writing excellent papers. Setting your ideas in context and organizing your arguments in an understandable manner will help you write more quickly. To do this, you must use an analysis essay outline, which will act as a guide from the start for writing an engaging conclusion paragraph. In order to make sure you have a lasting impression on your audience, let’s explore the basic steps needed for a proper analytical essay outline. Although analytical essays are more comprehensive, specific, or technical than other types of essays, the analytical essay format still adheres to the same essay structure as others.  

• Introduction paragraph (Strong hook, background information, and thesis for analytical essay)
• Body paragraphs (Main topic, supporting facts)
• Conclusion (Summary of key points, restate thesis statement, findings)

This holds true whether you are writing a standard analytical essay, or a more specialized one like  critical analysis essay .

Introduction

The process of writing an introduction for an analytical essay is the same as other essays. If you are thinking about how to start an analytical essay, remember that the introduction is the very first paragraph where you have to grab the reader’s interest. 

Your thesis statement should be presented in the introduction, which also sets the reader up for the rest of the article. Since analytical essays concentrate on a specific subject, the introduction should provide the reader with all the background knowledge and context required to understand the writer’s perspective. The body should contain the actual analysis of your subject. 

Do you know how to write a thesis statement for an analytical essay? The analysis thesis statement should be clear and highlight the primary topic that you will be analyzing in the essay. A thesis for an analytical essay should be precise and simple. 

Body Paragraphs of Analytical Essay

The body section of the analytical essay consists of 2-3 paragraphs. Each paragraph is focused on a different concept that supports your thesis statement. Moreover, every body paragraph should adhere to the following template.

Begin the body paragraph with a topic sentence that supports an aspect of your thesis. Continue by adding textual evidence such as phrases, quotes, summaries, details, etc. You can also use examples that are relevant to your topic.

Analytical Essay Conclusion

When you write a conclusion, you should wrap up everything that you have discussed earlier. Try not to include any new information at this stage. You just need to summarize your essay body paragraphs and restate your thesis statement. 

If someone understands the whole topic by just reading your conclusion, it means you have generated a masterpiece. When you restate your thesis at the start of your analytical essay conclusion, it reminds the reader about the primary purpose of your essay. It’s crucial to go through all three body paragraphs so the reader can make the connection between the thesis statement and the supporting details.

Simple Steps for How to Write an Analytical Essay

Implementing any academic task might be challenging. However, that doesn’t mean that it is not possible to do so. You can complete even the most difficult work by using a step-by-step method. You have to follow three simple steps to generate a well written and expertly crafted essay.

Think about your main essay idea

You must identify the central idea of your analytical essay. Such papers typically offer a strong opinion or an in-depth analysis. Students usually have to examine a literary piece or a film, but you may also be asked to think about a topic or issue. Choose your paper’s focus to deal with this. Give evidence to back up your claims, either from the book, the movie, or your own study.

Pick the analytical essay topic

Choose the topic you want to write about. When you write an essay for a lesson, the teacher usually assigns a topic (or topics). Read the assignment carefully. Sometimes, you have to pick the topic of your choice. Then, questions arise here: “How to begin an analytical essay?”. If you want to create a prose analysis essay, you can use the actions of one or more heroes to support your arguments. You can also talk about why one or more stanzas/parts are the most important. Moreover, when writing about a historical event, make an effort to consider the motivating factors that shaped how things happened.

Start with the approval of analysis essay thesis

A thesis is a paragraph, or several paragraphs, that summarizes your claims and goals for the paper. The reader should be immediately aware of the issues your analytical paper will address by the thesis.

Find more evidence

Revise the material you’re using to write an essay. To keep the approval of your thesis statement, you can use a book, movie, or scientific resources that support your claim. Make a list of the supporting points, annotate the pages where they appear, and determine how they support your position. 

Make an analytical essay outline

It becomes easy to compose your analysis essay if you understand the outline rules. An essay will typically consist of three body paragraphs, an introduction, and a conclusion. Moreover, in your analytical essay, you should list the minimum of three main points that your thesis and body paragraphs must address. Always keep in mind to include a list of all major points in your analytical essay structure.

Write an analytical essay introduction

Now, it’s time to sit down and write your analytical essay. Start your essay with a strong introduction. The goal of the introduction is to provide essential background knowledge on the subject to people who will read or understand it. Try your best to make the introduction engaging and original, but don’t go deep. In the start, try to avoid summarizing statements, facts, and happenings and bring your own thoughts. Instead, concentrate on the main ideas you want to emphasize to grab the readers’ interest. Avoid dramatic openings that begin with exclamation points and question marks; these are better to use later.

Compose body paragraphs

As per the general essay structure, each paragraph consists of the main idea, text analysis, and evidence to support the paper analysis and thesis statement. It offers details about a paragraph’s content. When you analyze a text, you consider the primary issues and form an opinion on the stated problem. Remember that each and every statement ought to support a thesis. In analytical writing, it is often best to avoid writing in the first person. Exceptions may include situations in which you are explicitly asked to express your personal opinion/view.

Make your analytical essay conclusion

When writing the conclusion of an analytical essay, you should remind the reader of the evidence that was provided during the arguments. The argument can be restated, but you shouldn’t write this essay exactly like the opening. Instead, create a new one. In the end, some lecturers want you to draw a connection between the events. This implies that “integrated solutions” must be submitted. You must show how the facts and evidence you have provided relate to the central thesis of your work and how your personal opinion may influence the reader’s analysis.

Proofread for any mistakes

Generally speaking, an analytical essay with a lot of errors receives a lower grade. Check grammar and spelling mistakes. Look for complex phrases that follow a rhetorical scheme in the text. Pay attention to punctuation, and don’t forget to run your essay on a plagiarism checker to ensure your work is original. 

Verify the spelling of the place, location, and character names. Return to your essay and double-check that you wrote everything accurately. Certain errors are only visible after multiple readings and revisions of an essay. Look for a reputable web review and character list before you begin your analysis of the film. To ensure you have written everything correctly, consult two or three sources.

Read the entire document aloud

Reading aloud assists in identifying areas of an essay that were previously overlooked. Additionally, you will find complex, independent claims and recommendations that have been ignored. You should be aware that some quotes openly back up and strengthen your arguments. It’s time to put them together to provide a cohesive foundation for your writing. Complement your writing step-by-step till you feel that the data is clear and adequate. If your goal is to learn  how to write an essay like a pro essay writer , following the above steps can greatly improve your abilities and help you achieve high proficiency level. 

List of Analytical Essay Topics

Finding a suitable topic is difficult because it can’t be too wide. However, it shouldn’t be minimized to the point of becoming meaningless. The key is to pick an inspirational analysis essay topic that allows you to express yourself and provide evidence for the claims you make. Try your best to work from a thesis statement for your topic. Here is a list of topics for analytical essay from which you can generate ideas:

• What constitutes a mental disorder?
• Why do more youth experience loneliness?
• How do lockdowns affect people’s mental health?
• Is happiness an illusion?
• What are some good coping mechanisms for depression?
• How does the Second World War still impact us?
• An analysis of postmodern art.
• Is it true that all artists are geniuses?
• What effect did the Renaissance have?
• What do we learn from war?
• Do military academies offer higher-quality instruction?
• Is there a connection between modern identity and fashion?
• How did the Covid-19 isolation assist us to reevaluate our principles?
• What leads to violence among teenagers?
• Should rural medicine be prohibited?
• Why does the First Amendment have such a strong societal impact?

📕Suggested reading: How to write an argumentative essay

Best Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay

Here are a few tips that will help you to write an excellent analytical essay.

What am I trying to prove? Ask Yourself

Your thesis statement should include a response to this query. If this isn’t the case, start over at the beginning and modify the thesis.

Don’t go too fancy

The thoughtless idea generates incorrect conclusions. If you wish to produce a compelling analytical essay but don’t provide clear arguments, it will have less impact on the reader. In contrast to a descriptive essay, irrelevant ideas should not be used to make the document appear longer and more complex. The finest writing is concise and to the point. Each sentence should evaluate a single topic you want to communicate and interpret unique perspectives.

Don’t overuse quotation marks in the text

Keep in mind that while you must use concepts from other writers to support your claims, you are not required to paraphrase and duplicate every word that they say. If not, your teacher will conclude that your character analysis essay or poetry was completely ineffective. Metaphors and repetitions are most effective early in the writing process, although they can also be added later to finish the piece. The introduction and conclusions don’t need to be too in-depth or thorough.

Add flavor to your text

The teacher must have recalled your essay out of thousands of others. If the format permits, a captivating design might be your “zest”; submit the content as a play, letter, diary, autobiography, dialogue, etc. Consider a provocative or unexpected title, “loud” epigraphs, pictures, and infographics. Suggest unconventional thoughts that will provide food for thought to every reader.

Steer clear of informal language

Avoid using everyday language when writing an analytical or critical analysis. Using informal language can add a more diverse touch to your writing, but it also reduces the impact of your ideas.

Analytical Essay – FAQs

How to start an analytical essay.

The best way to start an analytical essay is to make a strong claim, offer a thought-provoking concept, or submit a rhetorical question that will pique the interest of the reader.

What makes an analytical essay good?

It is a combination of your own words and carefully analyzed statistical facts that, when applicable, present both sides of an argument.

How long should an analysis essay be?

An analytical essay typically consists of three body paragraphs, a conclusion, and an introduction and is almost 500 words long. Its length may vary depending on the topic and guidelines provided by your instructor.

How to structure an analytical essay?

The structure of an analytical essay is similar to other essay types: intro, body, and conclusion. Body paragraphs in analytical essays emphasize the logic, facts, and evidence as compared to other essays strictly.

How can one write analytically?

The structure ought to be as follows: introduction, argument, data (statistics), and analysis. By doing this, you can make sure that everything is clear and that you have proof to back up your claims. The secret is to adhere to the same format by maintaining your readers’ attention.

What are the steps involved in analytical essay writing?

Like with each piece of writing, you conduct research before organizing all of your ideas into an outline. After that, you compile all the information and proof you gathered throughout your investigation into an initial draft. When you’re done, go back and edit the rough draft to add or eliminate parts that will help to improve the sentence structure. Finally, check the essay for errors in spelling and grammar.

Do I have to provide additional evidence in my analytical essay?

It is usually preferable to support your analysis essay with proof. It’s a good idea to present opposing viewpoints wherever possible. Backing up a bold remark with a quote or other piece of evidence can also help your essay appear more well-thought-out. This is a crucial stage if you’re wondering how to write an analysis paper that is convincing and captivating. 

Final Thoughts

You can improve your writing abilities with the help of our complete guide on analytical essay writing. Additionally, you’re now able to write an analytical essay that fascinates and grabs your reader’s attention. If you prefer, you can also buy an essay from Nerdpapers to see a professional example. With commitment and practice, you may become an analytical writing expert and tackle any subject with confidence.

• August 9, 2024

• July 30, 2024

• July 29, 2024

Nerdpapers will streamline your academic journey with their comprehensive writing assistance. We’ll handle research, source gathering, content creation, editing, and formatting, saving you valuable time and energy.

• Terms & Conditions

Contact Information

• [email protected]
• +1 (877) 909 2577
• +1 (415) 766 2676

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.

Mar 25, 2023

What Is an Analytical Essay | Outlines and Examples

Unlocking the mystery of analytical essays can be a daunting task, but fear not! This ultimate guide has everything you need to know to write insightful and persuasive analytical essays with ease. Discover the key components of successful analytical essays and learn how to analyze texts effectively to craft compelling arguments!

Welcome to our blog post on "What is an Analytical Essay? | Outlines and Examples". Do you need help writing an analytical essay and need help figuring out where to start? Do you need some guidance on how to structure your essay effectively? If so, you're in the right place.

In this blog post, we'll explain an analytical essay and provide some examples and outlines to help you get started. But first, let us introduce you to Jenni.ai, the AI tool that can make your essay-writing process easier and quicker.

Jenni.ai is an innovative writing tool that uses AI technology to help students write better essays. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Jenni.ai can help you create articles and essays to improve your writing skills. Whether you need help with grammar, structure, or citations, Jenni.ai has got you covered.

Now, let's return to the topic: analytical essays. An analytical essay is a type of essay that requires you to analyze and interpret a text or a piece of literature. The purpose of an analytical essay is to break down the reader into its various components and explore how they relate to each other to create meaning.

To write an effective analytical essay, you must understand the text and its context clearly. You also need to be able to use evidence from the text to support your analysis and interpretation. In this blog post, we'll provide some analytical essay examples to help you understand how to structure your essay and use evidence effectively.

So, whether you're a high school or college student, or just someone who wants to improve their essay writing skills, Jenni.ai and this blog post can help you. Read on for some analytical essay examples and tips on how to write an effective analytical essay.

Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays: Best Practices and Examples

Data and statistics are crucial components of analytical essays. In any analytical essay, data and statistics are used to support the arguments presented by the author. Using data and statistics in analytical reports effectively adds credibility, depth, and relevance to the discussions.

They also help the author make their point more transparent and convincing to the reader. This article will explore the best practices for using data and statistics in analytical essays and provide examples to illustrate their application.

Best Practices for Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

Using data and statistics in analytical essays requires a thorough understanding of their application. The following are best practices for using data and statistics in analytical reports:

Choose Relevant Data and Statistics: The data and statistics chosen must be relevant to the topic under discussion. Irrelevant data and statistics only confuse the reader and weaken the argument presented.

Use Reliable Sources: The data and statistics used in analytical essays must come from reliable sources. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed, published in reputable journals, or provided by respected institutions.

Provide Context: Data and statistics should be presented in the context of the argument. Providing context helps the reader understand the data's relevance and statistics to the topic under discussion.

Use Clear and Concise Language: Data and statistics can be complex and challenging to understand. Therefore, using clear and concise language to explain their relevance to the presented argument is essential.

Use Visuals: Visuals such as graphs, charts, and tables can help illustrate the presented data and statistics. Visuals also make it easier for the reader to understand complex data and statistics.

Examples of Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

The following examples illustrate how data and statistics can be effectively used in analytical essays:

Example 1: Gun Control

Argument: The United States needs stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence.

Data and statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2019, there were 39,707 gun-related deaths in the United States. Of these deaths, 24,090 were suicides, and 14,414 were homicides.

Context: These statistics illustrate the high number of gun-related deaths in the United States. They provide context for the argument that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence.

Example 2: Climate Change

Argument: Climate change is a significant threat to the planet, and urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Data and statistics: According to NASA, the global average temperature has increased by 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. This increase is primarily due to increased greenhouse gases caused by human activity.

Context: These statistics prove that climate change is real and caused by human activity. They support the argument that urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Example 3: Education

Argument: Education is essential for economic and social development.

Data and statistics: According to the World Bank, countries with higher levels of education have lower levels of poverty and higher levels of economic growth. For every year of teaching, a person's income increases by an average of 10%.

Furthermore, it is also crucial to avoid misrepresenting or manipulating data and statistics to fit preconceived notions or biases. Doing so weakens the credibility of the argument and undermines the writer's integrity.

In addition, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations, and potential weaknesses of the data and statistics presented. By doing so, the writer can show that they have considered alternative perspectives and interpretations and can address possible counterarguments.

When incorporating data and statistics into analytical essays, it is also essential to consider the audience. For instance, technical jargon or complex statistical analysis may be appropriate for a more specialized audience, such as academic researchers.

However, for a broader audience, it may be necessary to simplify and explain the data and statistics to make the argument more accessible and understandable.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of using data and statistics in analytical essays. Using specific data or statistics may sometimes raise privacy concerns or violate ethical principles. In such cases, weighing the benefits of using the data and statistics against potential harm is essential to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect individuals' privacy and rights.

In conclusion, using data and statistics in analytical essays is a powerful tool that can add depth and credibility to arguments. However, it requires careful consideration of the best practices outlined in this article, including choosing relevant data and statistics from reliable sources, providing context, using clear and concise language, and using visuals. 

It is also crucial to consider the audience, acknowledge limitations and potential weaknesses, and address ethical considerations. By following these best practices, writers can use data and statistics effectively to support their arguments and make them more compelling and convincing.

Analyzing Historical Events: Writing an Analytical Essay on a Significant Event

Analyzing historical events is a crucial aspect of studying history. History is not just about memorizing dates and names; it is about understanding the significance of those dates and names. Analyzing historical events involves examining and interpreting the available evidence to conclude the past.

One way to do this is by writing an analytical essay on a significant event. This essay will discuss the steps in writing an analytical essay on a historical event, with specific examples and tips.

In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event, including how to develop a strong thesis statement, gather evidence, and organize your analysis. By following these steps, you can produce a well-researched and compelling essay that demonstrates your critical thinking skills and understanding of history.

Step 1: Choose a Significant Historical Event

The first step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event is to choose a significant event to analyze. This can be a major event that had a substantial impact on the world, a lesser-known event that is important in a particular context, or an event that is significant to you personally.

Choosing a possibility you are interested in and passionate about is essential, as this will make the writing process much more manageable.

Once you have chosen your event, it is important to research it thoroughly. This includes reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing photographs and other visual material, and conducting interviews with experts in the field. The more research you do, the better your understanding of the event will be and the more insightful your analysis will be.

Step 2: Develop a Thesis Statement

Developing a thesis statement is the next step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event. The thesis statement is the main argument you will make in your article. It should be a clear and concise statement summarizing your event analysis.

For example, suppose you were writing an analytical essay on the American Civil War. In that case, your thesis statement might be: "The American Civil War was a turning point in American history, as it led to the abolition of slavery and the beginning of a new era of civil rights for African Americans."

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Once you have developed your thesis statement, it is essential to outline your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all of the necessary points in your analysis. Your essay outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In your introduction, you should provide some background information on the event and explain its significance. You should also include your thesis statement in the introduction.

You should provide evidence to support your thesis statement in the body paragraphs. This might include analyzing primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and newspapers, or secondary sources, such as scholarly articles and books. Using various sources to support your analysis and provide a well-rounded view of the event is essential.

In your conclusion, summarize your analysis and restate your thesis statement. You should also provide some final thoughts on the event's significance and impact on history.

Step 4: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed your thesis statement and outlined your essay, it is time to start writing. When writing your essay, it is essential to keep your thesis statement in mind and to use evidence to support your analysis.

When analyzing historical events, it is essential to consider the event's context. This might include the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the event, as well as the cultural and ideological beliefs of the time. It is also essential to consider the event's impact on history and how it shaped the world we live in today.

Some tips for writing a successful analytical essay on a historical event include:

Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.

Use evidence to support your analysis, and cite your sources.

Consider different viewpoints and perspectives on the event.

Avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims.

Use various sources to provide a well-rounded view of the event.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event is a valuable exercise in understanding the significance of the past. By choosing a significant event, developing a clear thesis statement, and conducting thorough research, it is possible to provide a thoughtful analysis of the event and its impact on history. 

It is essential to consider the event's context, use evidence to support your analysis, and avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims. Following these steps and tips, you can write a successful analytical essay contributing to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

How to Develop a Strong Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is the backbone of any analytical essay. It is a concise statement summarizing your essay's central argument or point. Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial for a successful analytical essay as it sets the tone for the rest of your writing. This article will discuss the steps to develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Analyze It

The first step in developing a solid thesis statement for your analytical essay is to choose a topic and analyze it thoroughly. The case can be anything from literature, a historical event, or a social issue. Once you have selected a claim, you must analyze it and understand its nuances.

You need to read and re-read the source material to analyze your topic. Take notes and highlight key themes, characters, and events. Identify patterns and connections between different parts of the source material. Think about the context in which the source material was created and the message the author was trying to convey.

Step 2: Identify the Main Argument

Once you have analyzed your topic thoroughly, you must identify the central argument or point you want to make in your essay. This is the foundation of your thesis statement. Your main idea should be specific, clear, and concise.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," your main argument could be that the novel critiques the American Dream as unattainable and corrupt.

Step 3: Consider Counterarguments

A strong thesis statement takes into account counterarguments. Consider what objections someone might have to your argument and address them in your thesis statement.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the adverse effects of social media, you might consider a counterargument that social media has brought people closer together. Your thesis statement should address this counterargument and show why your argument is still valid.

Step 4: Make Your Thesis Statement Clear and Specific

Your thesis statement should be clear and specific. It should tell the reader precisely what your argument is and what you will analyze in your essay.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," your thesis statement could be: "Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of symbolism in 'The Scarlet Letter' reveals the hypocrisy and moral decay of Puritan society."

Step 5: Use Strong Language

Your thesis statement should use strong language that is assertive and confident. Avoid using words like "might," "could," or "possibly." Instead, use words like "will," "must," or "should." This makes your thesis statement more substantial and persuasive.

For example, instead of saying, "This essay might argue that," say, "This essay will argue that."

Step 6: Revise Your Thesis Statement

Once you have developed your thesis statement, revise it, ensure it is clear and specific, and address counterarguments. Make sure that your thesis statement is supported by evidence in your essay.

Step 7: Brainstorm Ideas

Before you start analyzing your topic, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Write down any thoughts or questions you have about the issue. Consider what interests you most about the issue and what you want to explore further.

Step 8: Research Your Topic

Once you have a list of ideas, start researching your topic. Look for scholarly sources such as books, academic journals, and reputable websites. Take notes as you read and highlight any critical information you want to include in your essay.

Step 9: Identify Key Themes and Patterns

As you analyze your topic, look for key emerging themes and patterns. These can help you identify the central argument of your essay. Consider how these themes and practices relating to the topic's broader context and implications.

Step 10: Formulate a Research Question

Using the information you have gathered, formulate a research question to guide your analysis. Your research question should be precisely focused and reflect your essay's central argument.

Step 11: Write a Working Thesis Statement

Using your research question as a guide, write a thesis statement summarizing your essay's central argument. Your working thesis statement should be flexible and open to revision as you continue to analyze your topic and gather more evidence.

Step 12: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed a strong thesis statement, you can start writing your analytical essay. Be sure to structure your essay around your thesis statement, using your evidence to support your argument. Use clear, concise language and avoid making unsupported claims or generalizations.

Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial in writing a successful analytical essay. Choosing a topic, analyzing it thoroughly, and identifying the central argument are essential. Consider counterarguments and make your thesis statement clear and specific, using strong language.

Remember to revise your thesis statement and ensure it is supported by evidence in your essay. Following these steps, you can develop a strong thesis statement that will set the tone for your analytical paper and persuade your reader of your argument.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay can be daunting for many students, but it doesn't have to be. With a clear understanding of an analytical essay and how to approach it, anyone can develop the skills to write a high-quality paper. An analytical essay requires careful analysis of a topic or issue, using evidence to support your argument, and demonstrating critical thinking skills. 

It's essential to begin with a strong thesis statement that outlines the central argument of your essay and provides a roadmap for your analysis. From there, you should develop a detailed outline that organizes your ideas and evidence into a coherent structure.

To support your thesis statement and argument, you must gather evidence from various sources, such as books, articles, and data. Evaluating your sources carefully is essential, looking for credible and reliable information that supports your argument. 

Once you have gathered your evidence, you must analyze it carefully, considering how each piece supports your argument and identifying any patterns or connections between different parts of evidence.

With the help of tools like Jenni.ai , writing an analytical essay can be made easier and quicker. Jenni.ai's AI-powered auto-completion feature can help you develop a strong thesis statement, create detailed outlines, and produce high-quality articles. 

By utilizing these tools, you can save time and energy while still producing top-notch work. By following the steps outlined in this blog and using the features offered by Jenni.ai, you can master the art of writing analytical essays and achieving academic and professional success.

Sign up for Jenni.ai today and take the first step towards becoming an analytical essay-writing expert!

Start Writing With Jenni Today

Sign up for a free Jenni AI account today. Unlock your research potential and experience the difference for yourself. Your journey to academic excellence starts here.

How to Write an Analytical Essay Without Efforts

Among the various types of essays, students frequently are assigned to write an analytical essay. This type of paper has its peculiarities that are vital to consider when writing. This article presents a full guide on writing an analytical essay and an analysis essay definition. You’ll also find excellent topics for analytical essay selected for you by our authors experienced in analysis writing.

What is an analytical essay?

The primary challenge of writing an analysis paper is that you need to provide various points of view with “for” and “against” arguments, not just the ones you agree with. The primary aim of an analytical paper is not to show your idea or reflect on an analyzed source, but to develop critical thinking.

For example, a topic about positive consequences of war requires you to forget all conventional thinking and change the way you look at the issue at least for a few hours.

Speaking on an analysis essay, you need to understand the data carefully selected to define the core point on some subject, topic, or event. The core peculiarity of an analytical essay is sharing authors’ thoughts and insights on particular problematics. You can define what is an analytical essay by some core features. Among them is explaining and revealing the essential information to make an essay’s problematics clearer to the readership. An analysis essay can be written on various topics, including such broad areas as art, history, events, music, literature, politics, sociological phenomenon, psychology, and plenty more. The overall goal of writing an analytical essay is defining what is behind the apparent opinions and contextualizing the main issues of the analyzed subject. The area of an analysis essay’s actuality is vast. Journalists, literary critics, and other specialists frequently write such essays. You can read such types of essays in magazines, popular blogs, and web resources.

Types of analytical essays

Let us begin with defining five main types of analytical essays. Each has its peculiarities and must follow an appropriate writing style and reach particular goals.

1) Reason and result essay

Another term for this type of analytical essay is “cause and effect.” As understood from the term, a paper written in the reason and result style follows the main goal to define the purpose and the effect of some event or object on areas of our lives. The impact of such a phenomenon on people is a crucial subject to investigate and define for a reason and result essay. The implications and consequences must be defined and analyzed from every side.

2) Compare and contrast essay

Sometimes students mess up with a standard analytical essay definition, assuming that all of them are comparison and contrast, but that is not so. The main peculiarity of this type of analytical essay is that the subject to investigate doubles. The analysis focuses on two events or things that must be both analyzed and compared. The writer’s core goal will be to find similarities and differences between the two investigation subjects.

3) Process essay

This analytical essay type is about guidance. The subject to analyze is not a static thing or a historical fact, but some process that spreads in time. For example, it can be about the political event or the years of the reign of some historical figures. It also can be an analysis of the process of doing something, for example, planting trees or cooking a meal.

4) Classification essay

This type of analytical essay is widespread in universities and colleges because of its universal purposes of classifying events, subjects, characters, objects, etc., into categories, groups, and other typological units according to their common similarities.

5) Definition essay

This is an analytical essay dedicated to defining the concepts and ideas at the core of subjects and events. The central idea of writing such an essay is to represent all the features and peculiarities of the issue, fact, event, etc., and explaining all of them to let the readership see the whole picture of the analyzed subject.

We can also distinguish sevaral more types of analysis essays:

The first type is literary work analysis. Here you need to focus on the emotions, situations and characters, and choose a favorite quote and find its impact on the work.

In poetry analysis, pay attention to the structure, content, historical background, and specific traits of the author’s style.

When you are working on a character analysis, focus on the character’s appearance, actions, and behavior. Follow and describe character development and mental reformation, if there’s anything notable.

The last type is causal analysis. Causal here derives from “cause,” so ask yourself a thousand “why” questions while you are analyzing your source. Imagine yourself a four-year-old curious child trying to find the answers to questions like “Why the sky is blue?” and start writing this analytical paper.

Video lesson on analysis essay writing from EssayShark

Here is a link to watch a video about an analysis essay. We recommend you watch it and subscribe to our YouTube channel not to miss more helpful information from competent specialists.

Structure of an analytical essay

If you are looking for working advice on how to write a good analysis essay, you need to get back to basics, which is proper structuring. Any good analytical essay was always written with detailed outlining. A good outline will make your paper solid, and the main thing you will get is a strong and direct logical path that will help you guide your audience through the problematics and critical points of your analysis. Three core parts of an analytical essay that are vital to include are an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. We will talk about how to write each part below.

Most academic papers have the same structure, so there won’t be any revelatory information here. There are, however, some details that are worth noting regarding the content of each part.

In the introductory part, you are supposed to present the argument and indicate the analyzed source, its title, general overview, and brief background information about the author or the source in general. Let’s say, you are analyzing Raisins in the Sun. Your introduction should contain:

• general overview
• two or three main problems (racial discrimination, social inequality, wealth accumulation in this case)
• your thesis

Note: an analysis essay requires the dividing of a general theme into subcategories, so make sure your thesis can be divided into more specific ideas.

Define the topic

Begin with defining the type of analytical essay and its topic. Sometimes you can choose the topic from several options presented by your supervisor or professor in the instructions. It will ease the initial step of writing. However, some analytical essays require developing a topic, and it is a part of the assignment. We will share some advice on how to generate a persuasive topic:

• Research . Source the relevant data in the libraries, check websites on your discipline, read books and blogs, and listen to podcasts. When you get familiar with the different sides of the area you are assigned to analyze, the topic will come to your mind easier.
• Brainstorm . You can use a pen and plain paper to write down all your thoughts that come to mind on a particular issue.
• Evaluate the amount of information . We recommend you check all the sources relevant to your discipline and define the number of reliable sources. It is better to write about the subjects that are covered with a vast amount of information.
• Consult your teacher . It is an effective way to make sure the topic you want to choose is relevant and working, especially when you doubt which case to choose for your analytical essay.

Once you have got the topic and researched the relevant sources, you can proceed with writing.

Introduction

The overall goal of an introduction is to hook your readers and draw their attention. That is why the best advice on starting an analytical essay is to give some typical highlights on the topic and background knowledge on the problematics of your analysis. In other words, you need to create a useful road map for readership.

Speaking on the introduction part of an analytical essay, we need to underline the importance of several blocks, which are a hook, a thesis statement, and the final thoughts that prove and highlight a thesis statement.

The hook must surprise the audience. This part is dedicated to grabbing attention by a quote or a fact that seems unexpected related to the current topic. It can even be a joke or a rhetorical question. The combination of several types of hooks can work the best.

The thesis statement is vital for the introduction. The aim is to point out the topic and to clear the central idea of the writer. The audience must be notified why and how the results of an analysis will be explained and to understand the primary purpose of writing this paper.

Finalizing an introduction properly is essential, as it makes it easier to step forward to the next section of the analytical essay. The closing part of an introduction must contain one or two sentences that claim the main thesis and underline the importance of analyzing the topic.

It is time to show that you are aware of what is analytical writing. Keep in mind that the central part of an analytical essay’s primary goal is to maintain and prove the thesis statement. Do not forget that various types of such essays require a different approach and keep in mind the topic.

The general rule is to start each of your statements from a new paragraph. It is crucial to keep an appropriate structure of each section as follows:

• Introduce the main idea of the paragraph. It is better to do it briefly in one or two sentences.
• Analyze. Bring the information that relates to a thesis statement and supports it. Here you can use up to three sentences.
• Bring pieces of evidence. The core idea of any analysis is to show as much supporting evidence as possible. It can be historical facts, statistics, quotations, etc.
• Conclude in one sentence. Explain and underline the connection between evidence and the main idea of the paragraph. Mention how it relates to the thesis statement.

Remember that each paragraph of the analytical essay’s main body must be clear and understandable for your audience. Avoid repeating and complicated long sentences. Be careful using terminology. It must relate to the main idea. Do not overload paragraphs with unusual words. The length of the main body varies depending on the topic and analytical essay type.

First, make sure that the closing remarks in the main body logically lead to the closing part. There are some core requirements to a conclusion of an analytical essay. Once all the main body paragraphs are finished and logically built, you must finalize your analytical essay correctly. A conclusion will aim to support and underline the main ideas of the topic properly. Highlight all the critical points of the subjects that were analyzed by briefly repeating them. It is not the time to add more information or new facts, as it could ruin the logical path built in previous sections of your analytical essay. It is vital to paraphrase the main thesis in the conclusion. Depending on the discipline and topic, it can be appropriate to end the essay with a recommendation, a quotation, or a rhetorical question.

Some more tips on writing an excellent analytical essay

• Create a catchy title that will draw your audience’s attention and make them want to read your essay to the ending.
• Make sure to follow the appropriate analytical essay format. The requirements for formatting will depend on the discipline, and as usual, the instructions from your teacher contain them.
• The initial stage of writing an analytical essay will be developing an effective logical structure. Plan what you will write before you proceed.
• The analytical essay will benefit if you will use more examples, quotations, metaphors, etc., to illustrate each of the facts and issues you explain.
• Use only proper and reliable sources and check them twice before deciding to include them in your writing.

Stages of writing an analysis essay

We are done with the theoretical part, so it’s time to start the practical one. You know everything you need to do in order to create a perfect essay – it’s time to actually start writing it. You can either listen to them and then start writing, or pause to take your time and finish each part if you prefer to work in the process of listening. Follow these steps, and they will lead you to an awesome analysis paper.

– Choose an interesting subject, then narrow it down to a very specific topic – and your topic for the analysis essay is ready. Establish the purpose of writing and the questions you want to answer during the investigation. Don’t forget to consider your target audience.

– Figure out your own opinion on the topic. Try to stay away from critical texts and ideas of other people before you develop one of your own.

– Collect material and examine it. Focus both on the ideas that support your claim as well as those that oppose it.

– Establish connections between the opposing views and choose the key ideas to be highlighted in your analysis. Write down the summary of these points (it will create a frame for your analytical paper!).

– Establish a thesis that accurately reflects your opinion on the topic.

– It’s high time for the first draft! Writing the draft is a must for building up a proper, well-defined structure for your essay and linking the ideas in a logical order.

– Write an introduction and specify the objective of the analysis, narrowing the topic sentence by sentence.

– Write the body paragraphs about the ideas presented in your thesis statement. Don’t forget to support these ideas with quotes or examples from peer-reviewed sources.

– Summarize the arguments in the conclusion and restate the main points from the introductory part. Do not include any new information in the concluding sentence.

– Go through the whole paper once again and check whether the key points in the thesis statement and conclusion correlate with each other. Make sure you check the paper for plagiarism, grammar, and spelling mistakes before submitting it.

Now writing an analytical essay doesn’t seem so horrible, right? At least you have a plan to follow! However, what about a topic? Where can you find both an interesting and suitable topic to write your paper about?

Guidelines and tightening your essay

We are going to help you brainstorm some topic ideas. Coming up with a topic that is both interesting and suitable for an academic essay is hard, so here are a couple of ideas for starters.

• Human phobias and roots of their origins.
• Ecological crisis in a globalized world.
• Historical influence on the change of gender roles.
• Influence of marketing on children, teenagers or adolescents.
• Well-being in immediate and extended families.

Mistakes to avoid while writing an analysis essay

Now you have a plan and a great topic – but this still doesn’t guarantee a great essay. There are a lot of things you need to watch out for while working on your paper. We all make mistakes, and it’s okay to screw up a little while you are writing, it’s what they call being creative! Just make sure to follow our advice on what to avoid while writing your analytical essay:

Don’t include a thesis statement in one of the body paragraphs . It should be the last sentence of your introduction.

Don’t try to make your essay longer with the help of unnecessary statements . This is tempting, but extra words don’t equal extra points. Usually they have the opposite effect.

Avoid incorrect usage of quotations . Don’t use them in the introduction or conclusion, save them for the main part.

At all costs, don’t include new arguments in the conclusion . Nope, just nope. Don’t start a new essay when you are supposed to be finishing it.

Don’t follow the temptation to use ordinary language instead of academic . Don’t use language that we used in this part. 🙂

Watch out for incorrect spelling, punctuation or grammar. This is obvious, proofread your paper before submitting.

Make sure that copyright infringement is out of the question. Check your paper several times to avoid dramatic situations and unnecessary accusations.

Topics and ideas for an analytical essay

We want to help you write an analytical essay by selecting some of the best analytical essay topics that would make your paper brilliant. Check them out below:

• Doping in sports. Analyze the reasons why athletes use doping.
• Why are gender roles changing? Explain your beliefs in terms of gender roles and define the prerequisites of their changing.
• How do horror movies influence teenagers’ psychology? Define the connection between behavioral issues and horror movies.
• Why do people begin drinking alcohol? Analyze the situation and assume the factors that influence this issue.
• Differences in communication between European and Asian people. Look through the historical traditions.
• Is it possible to avoid cultural dominance in multicultural societies?
• Analyze the mood of the famous painting. Choose the picture you like and classify it.
• Analyze the main characters of a book. Compare and contrast two central figures of a literary piece.
• How does body type influence the behavior of people? Create the scope in terms of overall lifestyle.
• Why is street art so popular today?

Analytical essay sample

Below, we provide an analytical essay sample for you to go through and understand the structure and critical point of this type of essay.

Does Technology Promote Loneliness?

Loneliness is a universal human condition. With the evolution of technology, has this condition exacerbated, or has mankind produced a more socially connected world? Perhaps, the two exist independent of each other in relation to the generation at the helm of technology and its application to socializing.

In 2018, nearly half of Americans sometimes or always feel alone or left out (Cigna). This intensified to 61% in 2020 (Jones and Jones). However, very heavy social media users had a loneliness score of 43.5, and those who never use social media were not very far behind, scoring 41.7 (Cigna). This loneliness epidemic is independent of social media use.

Despite this, technology is conventionally vilified and considered a leading cause behind why Generation Z is the loneliest yet. “Internet-related technologies are great at giving us the perception of connectedness” (Aboujaoude). Does this come at the expense of more rooted, genuinely supportive relationships?

A Lockdown Change

Loneliness and its link to technology have come under close scrutiny this year with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. As people attempt to socially distance, the social connection that we all crave is put under duress. People have turned to technology to bridge the gap.

UK teenagers (51%) were more optimistic than their parents about the positive impact of technology. They have used it to fight loneliness to make friends and receive support online (Internet Matters). Adults across the UK have struggled with loneliness prior to the lockdown. Now, 71% of them state technology helped them feel connected to friends and family. Herein lies the delicate balance between socializing and loneliness. The key to expanding the connection potential of technology has been discovered during the lockdown. People have utilized VR and AR-based technology to supplement socialization. The immersive nature of these technologies coupled has seen a rapid drop in isolation. Companion apps have even used this AI capability to help people interact with their elderly relatives who are otherwise overwhelmed by technology.

The power to combat loneliness, thus lies in the hands of the technology beholder.

Works Cited

APA. “The Link between Loneliness and Technology.” APA , May 2019, www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-sidebar. Campaign to End Loneliness. “Understanding Loneliness: Is Technology a Bug or a Fix?” Campaign to End Loneliness , www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/technology-bug-or-fix. Accessed 14 Sept. 2020. Cigna. “New Cigna Study Reveals Loneliness at Epidemic Levels in America.” Cigna, a Global Health Insurance and Health Service Company, Cigna , www.cigna.com/newsroom/news-releases/2018/new-cigna-study-reveals-loneliness-at-epidemic-levels-in-america. Accessed 13 Sept. 2020. Internet Matters. “UK Set to Introduce New Online Safety Standards.” Internet Matters , 19 June 2019, www.internetmatters.org/hub/news-blogs/new-research-reveals-parent-and-teen-divide-over-impact-of-tech-on-loneliness. Jones, Broderick, and Regine Jones. “Becoming Less Lonesome: How Tech Can Attack the Scourge of Loneliness.” EPAM , EPAM, 17 Aug. 2020, www.epam.com/insights/blogs/becoming-less-lonesome-how-tech-can-attack-the-scourge-of-loneliness. Katz, Leslie. “How Tech and Social Media Are Making Us Feel Lonelier than Ever.” CNET , 18 June 2020, www.cnet.com/features/how-tech-and-social-media-are-making-us-feel-lonelier-than-ever. “Lifting Lockdown Will Not End Loneliness: Two-in-Five Brits Felt Lonely before COVID-19.” Kaspersky , www.kaspersky.co.uk/about/press-releases/2020_lifting-lockdown-will-not-end-loneliness. Accessed 13 Sept. 2020. Man, Michelle, and Thomas Abrams. “Can Technology Make Us Less Lonely?” Think NPC , www.thinknpc.org/blog/can-technology-make-us-less-lonely. Accessed 14 Sept.

Analysis essay writing checklist

Your essay is almost finished! Now read your paper once again, checking whether you included all of the following in your analytical essay. Try not to read the text thoroughly, use purposeful reading instead. For example, in the first of the following points you need to look for the source and topic in the introduction, ignoring other sentences in your introduction. If you can find them offhand without any extra effort, then your essay has passed this question. Once you are finished, you will have a perfect paper ready for submission right away.

– Have you comprehensively indicated the source, topic or issue you are analyzing?

– Did you define the central idea and purpose of this research?

– Have you developed a working thesis statement and put it into the last sentence of your introduction?

– Does your thesis statement consist of several ideas which will be further developed in body paragraphs?

– Does your introduction invite the reader’s attention to the analyzed issue?

– Does each paragraph highlight a particular idea from your thesis statement?

– Is the structure of each paragraph logical and clear (topic sentence → analysis → evidence → conclusion)?

– Does the number of your body paragraphs coincide with the number of ideas presented in the thesis statement?

– Have you used quotations and arguments from reputable sources to support your ideas and provide evidence?

– Have you developed your arguments in the most convenient way?

– Have you restated the thesis statement and connected it with the central idea of the analysis?

– Have you provided an overview of the analysis and summary of the arguments?

– Have you written a powerful concluding sentence proving the importance of your study?

– Have you achieved your purpose indicated in the introductory part?

– Are you satisfied with the results of your analysis in general?

FAQ on analysis essays students often ask

 – how do you start an analysis essay.

To start writing an analysis essay, you must state a topic and collect information from reliable sources. Then define the main thesis and create a structure for the paper. Proceed with writing the introduction, which must contain the core details on the subject.

 – How do you write an analysis?

The first stage of writing an analysis includes defining its subject and type. There are various ways to create an analysis essay, such as explaining terminology and comparing and contrasting. Therefore, you must start collecting data and proceed with the evaluation of facts step by step.

 – What is the structure of an analysis essay?

The outline of an analysis essay is like a standard outline for any essay. You must include an introduction, a body with at least three arguments, and a conclusion in the structure.

 – What is an analysis paper example?

To define an analysis paper, you can compare its sample to a detailed breakdown of a term or vast concept into smaller parts, and after, you need to find bounds between those parts and explain them.

Analysis essay writing help from our authors

An ability to perform effective analytical essay writing is not a skill that people are born with. To create an amazing analytical essay, you will require to not only research and brainstorm while generating the topic but also to build strong logical bounds between each of your arguments. A perfect analysis essay engages readers to explore the materials and get to know the subject better. The main goal of analysis is to contextualize issues that are researched to see what lies behind the obvious problematics.

Writing a perfect analytical essay is not as easy as it might seem at first sight. That is why our skilled authors, who are aware of analytical writing, are always there to help you out on any issues that might appear in terms of analysis. You can easily reach out for our professional help at any stage of writing an analytical essay. Our writers’ experience allows them to complete persuasive A-grade essays on any discipline and topic, including rare and complicated ones. The core value of our essay service is reliability. You can reach out for our prompt assistance any time you need.

Photo by TheAngryTeddy from Pixabay

5 thoughts on “ How to Write an Analytical Essay Without Efforts ”

The customer support manager was helpful. I am impressed with the level of client service of this team!

You are my favorite writing service. I recommend this team to any student who needs [professional help with papers.

Thank you for making my dream about free time come true! You resolved all my writing problems, and I am thrilled.

Get help from these fantastic writers if you cannot finalize a paper yourself. They are extremely professional and fast.

These guys are amazing! I ordered an analytical essay, and my author compiled it one day! I scored an A+! Thank you so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What our customers say

Our website uses secure cookies. More details

Get professional help from best writers right from your phone

Grab our 3 e-books bundle for $27 FREE