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Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

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Page 1: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Writing the Analytical Paper

Intercultural LiteratureC. Valverde

Page 2: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

What does it mean to analyze?

Analyze means “to separate a subject into its parts (analyze), or the act or result of doing so.”

The process of analyzing involves breaking an object/subject into its parts and examine those parts.

Page 3: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

The Purpose of an Analytical Paper

To inform or demonstrate knowledge about a particular topic.

To compare, contrast, and/or link concepts and ideas

To demonstrate how well you craft your ideas through writing.

To evaluate the writer's ability to... Craft a cohesive argument Follow directions Show his/her knowledge of the material

Page 4: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Thesis Statement Decide on a topic. Review your material for details, relationships,

differences, etc. regarding your topic. Generate ideas; be creative; be cautiously bold. Narrow down your idea into statements. Craft a sentence that sums up what you will be

analyzing or evaluating throughout the entirety of the paper.

Place at the end of the first paragraph. Never frame your thesis as a question. Do not write in first-person.

Page 5: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Developing Your Argument A thesis statement conveys to the reader the points

and/or arguments you wish to make in a paper. It serves as a road map by telling the reader the

direction of your argument or analysis and how you will interpret the importance of the subject.

In the most simplest of terms, a thesis statement answers the question, "What is this paper about?"

Some writers believe that thesis statements are best crafted AFTER you have evaluated your examples.

The “thread” (your idea) that links all examples is your thesis!

Page 6: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Explain

Develop your argument by explaining your idea or perspective.

Your argument can … be a unique observation about a detail,

relationship, connection, similarity, difference or contradiction (avoid the obvious!).

explain how or why something happens. explain the cause and effects of certain events.

Page 7: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Outline Your Essay

Once you have developed a thesis statement, organize the order in which you will present your idea.

Order your ideas logically. Decide the order and content of your paragraphs. Use the Schaffer method as a guide.

Page 8: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Basic Elements of the Paragraph Topic Sentence. Make your point about an idea or perspective. Give evidence and/or examples. Explain how the examples relate to your idea or perspective.

Commentary.

Paragraphs link through effective transitions. Use transition words!

Furthermore, moreover, in addition, as an illustration, similarly, for instance, more importantly, consequently, therefore, for this reason, incidentally, eventually, lastly, overall, etc.

Google: “Transition Words”

Page 9: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Paragraph Structure (Schaffer method)

Ratio

2:1

For every one (1) concrete detail you should include two (2) commentary sentences

“Superior” Paragraph includes:

* Topic sentence clearly addresses the topic (thesis)

* Includes 2 examples (citations), along with 2+ commentaries for each example

* Superior pattern of organization of examples; logical sequencing

* Effective, fluent style; written in literary present; 3rd person

* Free from errors

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Page 11: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Topic Sentences! Always begin your paragraphs with a topic sentence.

Make it clear what the whole paragraph is about. Examples:

“Observably, Red Deer's behavior can be explained by two articles which present similar concepts in different ways.”

“The results of two studies can be clearly linked to Carl's personality in Men of Honor.”

“There is a unique distinction between the effects and results of stereotyping.”

“Cameron's most significant life changing events can be explained through the notion of stereotype threat.”

Page 12: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

Reminders: Proofread your work Typed, double-spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman 5-paragraph essay preferred Include a creative title Use proper MLA heading Avoid dropped quotes (a quotation contained in a single

sentence without explanation). Use character names (not actor's names) Include punctuation inside quotation marks (“... the world.”

NOT “... the world”.) (The same for commas)

Page 13: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

MLA Paper Heading

Page 14: Writing the Analytical Paper Intercultural Literature C. Valverde

This is the fun part because now it's time to generate your own ideas, to be original

and to be creative. Good luck!