1. Analytical Writing: A Quick Review
Tips and Tasty Tidbits

2. Introductions: Clarity and ‘Pop’
Traditional Lead (Triangle/Funnel Method): Start with a broad statement and add specificity as you move through the paragraph -- thesis is the last sentence.
Hook Lead: Start with incongruity, shock value, or with engaging description -- thesis appears in the first or second paragraph.

3. Thesis Statements: The Blue Print
A traditional thesis combines a topic/subject with an interpretive opinion.
In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher In the Rye (topic), Holden’s hunting hat symbolizes humanity’s inherent need to seek out the deeper truths of life (opinion).
Bacon (topic), due to its salty goodness, is the best food in the world (opinion).

4. Body Paragraphs: The Proof
Body Paragraphs should convey three essential ingredients:
Topic Sentence (an opinion; not summary of text)
Evidence (Quotation or specific detail)
Analysis (Why? How? So What?)
Followed by a second piece of evidence..
Followed by analysis…
Please Note: Analysis should connect with/reveal/accentuate the thesis.

5. Evidence Integration: The Proof
Examples must be specific and detailed.
Lead into each example with some context, but do not waste too much time summarizing.
Make sure you attribute any quotation with a dialogue tag/signal attribution (Plato explains/Mary Sue says)
Comma or colon link a quotation with the rest of the sentence.
Example:
Bob’s dream is realized early in the story when he relates, “I will become a builder” (Smith 111).
Bob shouted the following statement: “I will become a builder” (Smith 111).

6. The Conclusion
Don’t simply summarize the essay -- instead, focus on why the essay was necessary/important/revealing.
Conclusions, ultimately, deal with theme.