Analytical Writing Key concepts to review

Heading: TOP RIGHT CORNER Name Date Always provide a creative title. The title should be in the center of your paper. DO NOT UNDERLINE, BOLD, OR ITALICIZE YOUR TITLE 12 pt. Times New Roman Font Formatting HEADER HERE Title Indent and begin writing assignment here. This is now where you will begin your paper.

Central Idea = ARGUMENT The argument your paper is going to make. This idea could be based upon: – Characters, setting, plot, economic conditions, circumstances of gender, point of view, symbolism, etc. CENTRAL IDEA EXAMPLES: 1. Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love. 2. Ralph is a hero.

Thesis Statement = CENTRAL IDEA + TOPICS OF EVIDENCE A sentence that will organize all of your topics of evidence that support your CENTRAL IDEA. A thesis statement must: – 1. State an opinion as a fact; it must be debatable. Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love. – 2. Have several topics of evidence (most likely 3). – 3. Introduce each topic in the order in which you plan to discuss it in your body paragraphs.

Thesis Statement Example: Romeo and Juliet are not truly in love because they move too fast, they keep secrets, and they hurt each other. 5

6 How to Structure Essays Introduction – Introduce the text, author, and your thesis statement at the end. Body Paragraph 1 – 1 st topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 2 – 2 nd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 3 – 3 rd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Conclusion – Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence – Reiterate how you got there – So what? What connections can be made? The order in which you present your arguments is a matter of style.

7 How to Structure Essays Introduction THIS IS YOUR FIRST PARAGRAPH The introduction must include the following information: 1. Start with a lead to capture your reader’s attention. 2. Introduce the text, author, and allude to (hint at) your central idea. 3. Provide background information on characters, setting, themes, vocabulary… that is critical to understanding your idea. 4. Your last sentence is your THESIS STATEMENT that contains your central idea and topics of evidence. RARELY BEGIN YOUR INTRODUCTION WITH A RHETORICAL QUESTION!

8 How to Structure Essays Introduction – Introduce the text, author, and your central idea Body Paragraph 1 – 1 st topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 2 – 2 nd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 3 – 3 rd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Conclusion – Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence – Reiterate how you got there – So what? What connections can be made?

9 How to Structure Essays Body Paragraphs – Topic sentence should connect to each topic of evidence in your thesis statement. – You should include context and logic leading up to your textual evidence. THIS SHOULD BE A FEW SENTENCES. – Textual evidence: Gatsby tells Daisy, “I’m right across from you” (118). Explanation of quotation and how it connects to your thesis statement: Gatsby tells Daisy, “I’m right across from you” (118). Gatsby purchases a mansion in West Egg that overlooks Daisy’s home across the bay in East Egg. Gatsby hopes that Daisy will catch sight of one of his lavish parties and decide to venture over.

10 How Do I Quote? Introduce – Provide Context: Who is the speaker? To whom is the speaker speaking? What is occurring in the plot at this time? Quote – Seamlessly blend the quotation into your text. Explain – How does this quote support your central idea? This is ANALYSIS! DO NOT BEGIN YOUR EXPLANATION WITH: “This quote shows…” “This quote is important because…” “In this quote…”

Textual Evidence Cite quotations “quote.” (I.iii.76) That is shorthand for: Act I scene iii line 76 Always include textual evidence in analytical essays. Why? – It will make your argument stronger. – No one will be able to dispute your claims if you are able to back them up.

Example of Textual Evidence When Romeo reaches Juliet’s garden, Juliet appears and says to herself, “…be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.” (II.ii.37-38) Juliet, who thinks she is in love with Romeo, would defy her family so that she can be with Romeo and have love. Love is so forceful that it can make Juliet ditch her family for a charming boy she just met a few hours ago. This love, however, isn’t really love for Romeo. 12

13 How to Structure Essays Introduction – Introduce the text, author, and your central idea Body Paragraph 1 – 1 st topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 2 – 2 nd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 3 – 3 rd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Conclusion – Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence – Reiterate how you got there – So what? What connections can be made?

14 How to Structure Essays Conclusion – Reiterate your central idea. – Stress the importance of your topics of evidence. DO NOT RESTATE YOUR THESIS STATEMENT IN THE SAME WORDS THAT YOU USED IN YOUR INTRODUCTION. – Leave the reader with one final impression that answers the question, “So what?” This should connect your paper to a broader topic, concern, or theme. DO NOT USE A CLICHÉ.

15 How to Structure Essays Introduction – Introduce the text, author, and your central idea Body Paragraph 1 – 1 st topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 2 – 2 nd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Body Paragraph 3 – 3 rd topic of evidence – Include one-three pieces of textual evidence Conclusion – Stress the importance of the central idea and topics of evidence – Reiterate how you got there – So what? What connections can be made?

Key Factors for Writing 1. Write in the third person. 2. Write in the present tense. 3. Avoid using pronouns such as: “I” “you” “we” “us” “me” 4. Avoid using slang. 5. Avoid generalizations such as: “everyone who reads this book” “anyone can see that” 6. Avoid weak language such as: “it seems” “attempts to” “tries to” THINGS YOU ALWAYS WANT TO DO WHEN WRITING: