WritingThe Analytical Paragraph

What is an Analytical Paragraph? A paragraph is a written text (roughly 7 – 10

sentences in length) based on the development of a single idea which may stand alone or relate to a larger topic (lengthier essay).

Rhetorical or style analysis asks the writer to explain

how a writer uses stylistic or rhetorical devices to convey certain thoughts, ideas, or feelings.

Paragraph + Analysis = Analytical Paragraph(A written text based on the analysis of a subject)

STRUCTURE

A. Topic SentenceB. The Introduction of EvidenceC. The EvidenceD. AnalysisE. TransitionF. Repeat Steps B - D you should have at

least two solid examples to support your topic sentence

G. Concluding Sentence

A. TOPIC SENTENCE

Introduces what the paragraph is going to be about; establishes a guideline for the paragraph

ANALYTICAL TOPIC SENTENCEIn (title) the author uses (diction, imagery,

details, metaphor, point of view, etc.) to (reveal,

show, explore, portray, emphasize, suggest) (tone, theme, purpose).

INTRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE Introduce the example you are going to use

from the text provide the reader with a context, frame of reference, for the evidence you are going to provide

Should include: who is involved in the example/quote, why it happened, what is going on in general, when it all happened (in terms of the story) and/or where it is all taking place

EVIDENCE

Cite direct evidence from the text that supports your assertion in the topic sentence and allows for elaboration (analysis)

Do NOT over-quote. Use only what is needed to make the point. Avoid quotes that simply repeat what you have already said, that are too complex to support one idea or don’t have anything to do with the topic sentence in the first place

EVIDENCECite direct evidence from the text that supports your assertion in the topic sentence and allows for elaboration (analysis)

Do NOT over-quote. Use only what is needed to make the point.

Avoid quotes that simply repeat what you have already said

Avoid quotes that are too complex to support one idea or don’t have anything to do with the topic sentence in the first place

ANALYSIS (Commentary) This is the part where you tell the

reader why you think the example you chose supports your point (in the topic

sentence) The commentary demonstrates your

knowledge or understanding as to WHY THE AUTHOR CHOSE to use this particular language or rhetorical device. You might write: The writer uses this word to suggest that…; By this simile, the author intends to show that…NEVER SAY: “In this quotation…”

Analysis continued…

Commentary functions as a bridge between your evidence and the topic sentence

CONNECT your example to the purpose you stated in the topic sentence

Aim for two or more sentences of commentary – the more analysis you do, the more credible you seem to the reader.

TRANSITION A good analytical paragraph will have at

least two solid examples to support the main idea and you can’t just slap another example in after the analysis of the first. Therefore, you must show the connection between the previous example and the one you’re about to provide…hence, the TRANSITION to the next example…(can be a word, phrase or complete sentence)

What are some transition words and phrases you know?

REPEAT

Introduction of 2nd piece of evidence (quotation or example)

2nd piece of Evidence (quotation or example)

Analysis of 2nd piece of evidence (quotation or example)

CONCLUDING SENTENCE

Tie it all together for your reader so that he/she knows exactly what you are talking about and is left with something to think about

Do not simply restate your topic sentence

Make your concluding sentence more specific

When asked to write an Analytical Paragraph, you are more than likely being asked to

determine what the author’s choices reveal about his/her intent.

Writers make choices. Analysis is the ability to understand WHY a writer made particular choices, e.g.: Why use that word? (diction) Why use that simile? (figurative language) Why include certain details? Why use intentional repetition? (syntax)

To write a literary analysis, an individual must understand the connection between what an author means to say and the choices s/he has made.

What if?

If your topic sentence was: In “Passage”, Roderick uses intense, vivid imagery to portray the speaker’s voice.

What kind of evidence are you looking for? What two examples (quotations; text

evidence) from the poem could you use?

What if?

If your topic sentence was: In the poem “Passage,” Roderick uses horrific diction and strategic onomatopoeia to convey the poem’s theme.

What kind of evidence are you looking for? Which one will come first? What two examples (quotes/text evidence) from

the poem could you use?