Understanding Analytical Essays
An analytical essay requires that the writer go beyond simply describing or reporting on something. This type of essay involves a detailed examination of the elements or structure of the subject, which could be a text, event, or phenomenon. For example, an analytical essay on the Great Depression might look at the main underlying reasons for the economic collapse, examine its social ramifications, or discuss how it influenced the entry of the United States into World War II. Unlike an argumentative essay, an analytical essay usually remains unbiased in its presentation of information. Because of the complexity of an analytical essay, the writer may want to do some planning before sitting down to write.
Generating a Topic
An analytical essay may be found in a number of disciplines including those as disparate as art, the sciences, or business. If the topic is not assigned, some brainstorming exercises may help in coming up with ideas for the essay. One such technique is known as clustering and is particularly appropriate for generating material for an analytical essay because it emphasizes the relationship between ideas.
In clustering, the writer writes the topic in a circle in the middle of a page and then the ideas that arise from that topic, putting the new ideas in circles connected with a line to the original topic. Further ideas may emerge from the new ideas. After ten or fifteen minutes, the writer who began with the topic of the Great Depression in the center of the paper should have a number of promising ideas for an analytical essay. This method helps in visualizing connections and seeing the big picture, which is crucial for an analytical essay.
Narrowing the Topic
Being overwhelmed by the scope of the topic is a danger with the analytical essay. After the initial brainstorming, the ideas generated should be considered and weighed in terms of their relevance to the main topic and how much they can be developed. Some ideas may lack complexity or may not hold up to scrutiny. Depending on the projected length of the paper, it’s best to focus on a few ideas or even just one.
For instance, if the brainstorming session for the Great Depression yields ideas such as “banking failures,” “unemployment,” “social impacts,” and “government responses,” the writer might choose to focus specifically on “government responses” to create a more in-depth and focused analysis. This focused approach ensures that the essay remains coherent and detailed.
Research
Most analytical papers will require some research, and the writer should take careful notes and be sure to follow guidelines for the citation style assigned in order to avoid plagiarism. Research for an analytical essay may have two stages. The first stage may be part of narrowing the topic. In this stage, the writer will explore what has been written about some of the ideas generated during the brainstorming session.
Once the writer has identified the main points of the paper, a second stage of research will focus only on those main ideas. During this stage, the writer gathers detailed information and evidence to support the analysis. Using reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites ensures the credibility of the essay. Keeping detailed notes and organizing the research material will make the writing process smoother and more efficient.
Outlining
Outlining may be another useful tool in writing a paper with the complexity of an analytical essay. Some writers may find it more helpful to outline before they begin writing, while others may find a reverse outline works better for them. A reverse outline is simply an outline that is done after a draft has been written. For the outline, the writer should briefly jot down the main idea of each paragraph and make sure that the paragraphs written follow that outline.
In a reverse outline, a writer may discover paragraphs that lose their focus and then be able to revise them. Outlining helps in organizing thoughts logically and ensuring that each part of the essay contributes to the overall argument. It also makes it easier to identify gaps in the analysis or areas that need further development.
Transitions
In addition to an outline, transitions ensure that a paper flows smoothly. The first five words of this paragraph, “in addition to an outline,” help this paragraph to transition from the previous paragraph by referring to the outline and connecting it to this new idea of transitions. Ideas in an analysis paper should be similarly connected.
Writers can also use transition words and phrases that show connections between ideas such as “consequently,” which indicates a cause and effect relationship, and “in contrast,” which suggests an opposing idea. Effective transitions help guide the reader through the essay and enhance the clarity and coherence of the analysis. Using transitional phrases ensures that the essay reads smoothly and that the connections between different points are clear.
Writing the Introduction
The introduction of an analytical essay should provide some background information on the topic and present the thesis statement. This section should engage the reader’s interest and give them a clear idea of what to expect from the essay. The thesis statement should clearly state the main point of the analysis and set the direction for the rest of the essay.
For example, if the essay is about the Great Depression, the introduction might briefly describe the economic context of the 1920s and early 1930s before presenting the thesis: “The Great Depression was primarily caused by a combination of speculative investments and banking failures, leading to widespread economic hardship and significant changes in government policy.”
Developing the Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs should each focus on a specific aspect of the analysis. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, followed by evidence and examples that support the analysis. The writer should use quotes, statistics, and detailed descriptions to provide a thorough examination of the topic.
For example, a paragraph on the causes of the Great Depression might discuss the role of speculative investments, using specific examples from historical records to illustrate how these investments contributed to the economic collapse. Another paragraph might focus on the social impacts of the Great Depression, describing how unemployment and poverty affected communities and families.
Writing the Conclusion
The conclusion of an analytical essay should summarize the main points of the analysis and restate the thesis in light of the evidence discussed. This section should provide a sense of closure and leave the reader with a clear understanding of the topic. The conclusion might also reflect on the broader implications of the analysis, suggesting what the findings reveal about the topic or its context.
For example, the conclusion of an essay on the Great Depression might emphasize the importance of understanding the causes and impacts of economic crises to prevent future occurrences. It might also suggest areas for further research or discuss the lasting effects of the Great Depression on modern economic policy.
Practical Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay
- Choose a Manageable Topic: Select a topic that offers enough material for analysis but is not too broad to be covered adequately within the scope of your essay.
- Develop a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should provide a concise summary of the main point of your analysis and set the direction for your essay.
- Use Reliable Sources: Support your analysis with evidence from credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
- Organize Your Essay Logically: Use an outline to plan your essay and ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall argument.
- Use Transitions Effectively: Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
- Revise and Edit: After writing your first draft, review your essay for clarity, coherence, and formal tone. Make sure your analysis is thorough and that your evidence supports your thesis.
By following these guidelines and paying attention to the details of your writing, you can create an analytical essay that is not only informative and well-organized but also engaging and insightful. This type of essay is a valuable exercise in critical thinking and analysis, skills that are essential in both academic and professional contexts.