The Analysis Essay AP English Language and Composition

What is the purpose? To demonstrate your facility with reading, understanding, and analyzing challenging texts To assess your ability to manipulate language to communicate your written analysis of a specific topic

What Kinds of Analysis Essays Can You Expect? An author’s view on a specific subject Rhetorical devices to achieve a purpose Stylistic elements and their effects Author’s tone & how it is conveyed Compare/contrast with regard to style, purpose, or tone Recreation of an experience Intended and/or probable effect of a passage

Planning the Analysis Essay 1-3 minutes deconstructing, reading and working the prompt 5 minutes reading and making marginal notes regarding the passage (SOAPStone) 10 minutes preparing to write Outline Key words 20 minutes writing 3 minutes proofreading

Writing the Introduction Include the author, title Address the elements you will refer to in your essay Address the second part of the prompt

Writing the Body of the Analysis Analyze the parts that make up the whole Use specific references and details from the passage (use quotation marks) Use “connective tissue” to establish adherence to the question Repetition of key ideas in the prompt Echo words Transitions between paragraphs

Writing the Conclusion Be unique! Offer insight: Answer the question, “So what?”

Qualities of a high-range paper Complete understanding of the prompt and passage Mature diction Integrates references to support the thesis of the essay in a sophisticated manner Grasps subtleties & implications Uses “connective tissue” Creates original and insightful comments Unique, insightful conclusion