Discussing two students experience

Writing Analytical Essays

What is analytical essay?

- Analyze, examine and interpret such things as an event, book, poem, play or other work of art

What are its most important qualities?- Your analytical essay should have an

 Introduction and presentation of argument
 Every literary work raises at least one major issue.  In your introduction you define the idea or issue of the text that you wish to examine in your analysis.

 When you start analyzing the text, pay
attention to the stylistic devices (the “hows” of the text) the author uses to convey some specific meaning.

 You must decide if the author accomplishes his goal of conveying his ideas to the reader.

 Do not make the mistake of thinking that you only have to have a positive response to a text.

 If a writer is trying to convince you of something but fails to do so, in your opinion, your critical personal response can be very enlightening.

Your conclusion should explain the
relation between the analyzed text and the presented argument.

 Do not use slang or colloquial language; use the language of formal speech.

Analysis aims to explain how the writer makes us see what he or she wants us to see, the effect of the writing techniques, the text’s themes and your personal response to these.

 Step 2: Supporting your opinion with evidence

 Sample Thesis Statement

 Step 1 : Selecting material and making points

 Topic 1: Real-life examples

 Point: Finally, the mode that best supports Dehaas’ argument is that of comparison and contrast.

Writing Techniques

 Compare / Contrast
 Exemplification
 Extended definition