example of an analytical essay

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Analytical Essay Guide

Analytical Essay Example

15 Analytical Essay Samples to Learn From - Tips Included

Understanding Analytical Writing

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that looks into a specific subject, dissecting it into its various components and examining how they interrelate.

It requires the writer to not only present a clear understanding of the topic but also to analyze and evaluate it critically.

Unlike a descriptive essay , an analytical essay demands a more in-depth exploration, often involving an argument or thesis statement that guides the critical analysis.

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Analytical Essay Examples

To truly understand the art of analytical essay writing, one of the most effective methods is to examine practical examples.

Analytical essay examples provide a clear blueprint of how to approach this type of essay successfully. So, read the examples below to find inspiration for writing a clear analytical essay.

Analytical Essay Example PDF For Students

Here are some analytical essay examples for students in PDF form that you can read and download for free:

Analytical Essay Example (Pdf)

Analytical Essay Example Sample

Analytical Essay Structure

Analytical Essay Example University

Analytical Essay Example College

Analytical Essay Examples For High School

Short Analytical Essay Example

If you are still having difficulty, here are some more examples of analytical essays to help you get inspired.

How To Write An Analytical Essay - Example

APA Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Example APA Format

Analytical Essay Example on A Book

Macbeth Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Example Movie

Analytical Essay Outline Example

When tackling an analytical essay create an outline that is well structured. This outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the essay-writing process. The proper structure ensures you don't miss vital elements.

Let's break down the essential sections of an analytical essay outline with examples:

Introduction - Setting the Stage

In the introduction , your aim is to set the stage for your analysis. This section should introduce the topic, provide context, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument or focus of your essay.

Let’s take a look at another thesis statement for an analytical essay example:

Body - Analyzing Key Points

The body paragraphs of your analytical essay typically are where the real analysis takes place. This section can be divided into multiple paragraphs, each addressing a specific point or aspect related to your thesis.

Here, you should provide evidence, examples, and critical analysis to support your argument.

Conclusion - Summarize Key Points

As you reach the essay conclusion , it's time to tie it all together. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and underscore the importance of your analysis.

Remember, this is not the place to introduce new background information. Instead, offer insights and an impactful recap of your discoveries.

Conclusion for analytical essay example:

Analytical Essay Topics Examples

Choosing the right type of essay topic is an important first step when writing an analytical essay. The topic you select should be engaging, relevant, and suitable for in-depth analysis.

Here are some thought-provoking analytical essay topics to consider:

The Symbolism of the "Green Light" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality
The Role of Nature in Shakespeare's Sonnets
Analyzing the Historical Significance of the Industrial Revolution
The Influence of Technology on Education
The Psychology of Marketing and Consumer Behavior
The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
Analyzing the Ethical Dilemmas in Artificial Intelligence
The Evolution of Environmental Policies and Their Impact on Conservation

Are you still having trouble coming up with a good analytical essay topic? Check out this blog for more than 150 compelling analytical essay topics .

Stuck on your analysis? Our expert writers can help!

Tips to Write an Effective Analytical Essay

Writing an effective analytical essay requires a structured approach and attention to detail. Here are some valuable tips to help you craft a compelling analytical essay:

Focus Your Topic: Select a specific topic or aspect for in-depth analysis rather than a broad subject matter.
Research Thoroughly: Gather reliable sources and evidence to support your analysis.
Create a Well-Structured Outline: Plan your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Analyze, Don't Summarize: Avoid summarizing the subject; instead, critically evaluate and interpret it.
Use Clear Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis.
Provide Evidence: Support your analysis with quotes, examples, and data from your research.
Critical Thinking: Engage in critical thinking to question assumptions and explore alternative perspectives.
Maintain Clarity: Use clear and concise language to convey your points effectively.

In conclusion, the analytical essay stands as a potent tool for honing your skills and conveying your understanding of complex subjects.

Throughout this guide, we've uncovered the key elements of an analytical essay and the steps necessary to craft a compelling piece. If you’re tasked with writing an analytical essay, the examples provided above can offer valuable guidance. Alternatively, if you're thinking, 'I need someone to write my essay ,' you can seek assistance from a professional analytical essay writer at MyPerfectWords.com.

We provide the best essay writing service tailored to your needs at the most affordable rates. So why wait? Get expert help from our analytical essay writing service and ensure your success today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an analytical sentence.

A concise example of an analytical sentence is: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee uses the character of Atticus Finch to explore themes of morality and justice in the face of racial prejudice.

What is an example of analysis?

Here is an example of analysis: Through Atticus Finch's unwavering commitment to defending Tom Robinson, despite facing societal backlash, Lee highlights the importance of integrity and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Steps

An analytical essay is an essay that meticulously and methodically examines a single topic to draw conclusions or prove theories. Although they are used in many fields, analytical essays are often used with art and literature to break down works’ creative themes and explore their deeper meanings and symbolism .

Analytical essays are a staple in academics, so if you’re a student, chances are you’ll write one sooner or later. This guide addresses all the major concerns about how to write an analytical essay, such as the preferred structure and what to put in the outline. Let’s start with an in-depth answer to the question, what is an analytical essay? Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What is an analytical essay?

One of the seven main types of essay , analytical essays intricately examine a single topic to explain specific arguments or prove the author’s theories. They commonly deal with creative works like art, literature, film, or music, dissecting the creator’s artistic themes and revealing hidden meanings. However, they can also address other issues in realms like science, politics, and society.

Analytical essays are a type of expository essay , so they’re not supposed to express bias, opinions , or persuasions . Even when the author is trying to prove their own theory (or disprove an opposing theory), their argument should stick solely to facts and logic and keep the author’s personal feelings to a minimum.

An analytical essay example could be a deep dive into the character of Hamlet, but this topic itself could have multiple interpretations. Your essay could focus on whether or not Hamlet truly loved Ophelia, question the motives for his constant hesitation, or even attempt to prove the theory that he was mentally ill—after all, he did see apparitions!

How to structure an analytical essay

Although analytical essays tend to be more detailed, specific, or technical than other essays, they still follow the same loose essay structure as the rest:

1 Introduction

3 Conclusion

The introduction is where you present your thesis statement and prepare your reader for what follows. Because analytical essays focus on a single topic, the introduction should give all the background information and context necessary for the reader to understand the writer’s argument. Save the actual analysis of your topic for the body.

The body is the nucleus of your essay. Here you explain each separate point and offer evidence to support the thesis, breaking up your argument into paragraphs. While the introduction and conclusion are each usually just a single paragraph, the body is composed of many different paragraphs and often stretches out over pages, thereby making up most of the essay.

Every paragraph in the body still relates to your chosen topic and your thesis, but each paragraph should make a different point or focus on a different piece of evidence. For example, if your topic is about how Edgar Allan Poe uses the theme of death in his writing, one paragraph could explore the use of death in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” while a different paragraph could explore death in “The Raven,” and so on.

Finally, the conclusion wraps everything up. Conclusions usually don’t introduce new evidence or supporting details but instead reiterate the previous points and bring them all together to strengthen your original thesis. At this point your reader has sufficient background to understand the topic. With your evidential examples in mind, they’ll be more receptive to your main argument when you present it one last time.

How to write an analytical essay in 6 steps

The process of writing an analytical essay largely follows the same guidelines as all essay writing . Here we break down each individual step from start to finish.

1 Choose your topic

This step may be optional if your topic has been given to you as an assignment. If not, though, you should choose your topic with care.

Your topic should be specific enough that you’re able to discuss it thoroughly. If you choose a broad topic like “love in novels from Victorian England,” it’s unlikely you’ll be able to cover all Victorian novels in a single analytical essay (or even ten analytical essays!). However, narrowing the topic down to something such as “love in Jane Austen novels” makes your task more achievable.

That said, don’t be too specific, or you won’t have enough material to cover. Try to find a good middle ground: specific enough that you can discuss everything but general enough that you’ll be able to find enough research and supporting evidence.

2 Research your topic

Once you know your topic, you can begin collecting data and evidence to discuss it. If your analytical essay is about a creative work, you may want to spend time reviewing or evaluating that work, such as watching a film closely or studying the details of a painting. It’s also useful to review other people’s critiques of that work to inspire new ideas or reveal details you hadn’t noticed before.

Don’t forget to write down where you get your information, including page numbers for books or time codes if you’re watching visual media. You may need to reference these in your essay, so making a quick note about where you find your information while researching saves time later when you’re citing your sources .

It helps to know your thesis from the onset. However, you may realize during your research that your original thesis is not as strong as you thought. If this happens, don’t be afraid to modify it or choose a new one. In any case, by the time your research is finished, you should know what your thesis will be.

3 Create an outline

An essay outline gives you the opportunity to organize all your thoughts and research so you can put them in the optimal order. Ideally, you’ll have finished your research by now and made notes of everything you want to say in your analytical essay. The outline is your chance to decide when to talk about each point.

Outlines are typically broken up by paragraph. Each paragraph should explore an individual point you’re making and include your evidence or statistical data to back up that particular point. Be careful about trying to squeeze too much information into a single paragraph; if it looks excessive, try to break up the information into two or more paragraphs.

Feel free to move around or rearrange the order of paragraphs while outlining—that’s what this step is for! It’s much easier to fix structural problems now in the outline phase than later when writing.

4 Write your first draft

Now is the time you sit down and actually write the rough draft of your analytical essay. This step is by far the longest, so be sure to set aside ample time.

If you wrote your outline thoroughly, all you have to do is follow it paragraph by paragraph. Be sure to include each piece of evidence and data you had planned to include. Don’t worry about details like choosing the perfect wording or fixing every grammar mistake—you can do those later in the revisions phase. For now, focus solely on getting everything down.

Pay particular attention to how you start an essay. The introduction serves different purposes, such as telling the reader what to expect, providing background information, and above all presenting your thesis statement. Make sure your introduction checks all those boxes.

Likewise, be extra careful with your conclusion. There are special techniques for how to write a conclusion, such as using a powerful clincher and avoiding certain cliches like “in summary.” Conclusions usually hold more weight than the other paragraphs because they’re the last thing a person reads and can leave a lasting impression on them.

Finally, don’t forget to include transition sentences in between your body paragraphs when needed. Moving abruptly from one topic to the next can be jarring for the reader; transition sentences improve the essay’s flow and remove distractions.

5 Revise your draft

Your first draft is never meant to be perfect. Once you have all your ideas down on paper, it’s much easier to go back and revise . Now is the perfect time to improve your phrasing and word choice and edit out any unnecessary or tangential parts.

When you revise, pay particular attention to details. Try to find areas that you can remove to make your essay more succinct or passages that aren’t clear that need more explanation. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes: Will someone with no background knowledge still understand your points?

6 Proofread your essay

Last, it’s time to fix any grammar and spelling mistakes by proofreading . While it’s tempting to do this at the same time as your revisions, it’s best to do them separately so you don’t split your attention. This allows you to focus only on word choice, phrasing, and adding/removing content while revising and to concentrate solely on language mistakes during proofreading.

If you’re not confident in your grammar or spelling expertise, you can always use an app like Grammarly . Our app highlights any spelling or grammar mistakes directly in your text and gives proper suggestions on how to fix them. There are even features that help you choose the perfect word or adjust your writing to fit a certain tone. You can also copy and paste your writing to check your grammar and get instant feedback on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other mistakes you might have missed.

Analytical essay outline example

If you’re having trouble, here’s an analytical essay example that shows how a proper outline or structure should look. The format here uses a five-paragraph essay structure, but for more complicated topics, you can add as many body paragraphs as you need.

Topic: Who is the real villain: Macbeth or Lady Macbeth?

Introduction

Briefly describe the plot of Macbeth for those who aren’t familiar with it
Thesis statement : Lady Macbeth is the real villain of Macbeth because she manipulates her husband into committing an atrocious crime

Body Paragraph 1

Murdering the king is all Lady Macbeth’s idea
Macbeth is initially against it until Lady Macbeth convinces him

Body Paragraph 2

Lady Macbeth has her own individual character arc where she is driven mad by her guilt
Her guilt insinuates she knows her actions are villainous, with appropriate consequences
Cite quotations from her “Out, damned spot!” speech

Body Paragraph 3

Macbeth decides to listen to Lady Macbeth, so he is still guilty
Speculate that he still would not have murdered the king if not for Lady Macbeth
Macbeth remains the main character because most scenes revolve around him, but the person acting against him most is Lady Macbeth
Remind reader that Macbeth didn’t want to murder the king until Lady Macbeth convinced him
Clincher : Macbeth is still the hero albeit a tragic one. But his main antagonist is not Macduff or the king or even the prophecy itself; it’s his wife.

Analytical essay FAQs

An analytical essay is an essay that deeply examines a single topic, often a creative work, to reveal certain conclusions or prove theories held by the essay’s author.

How is an analytical essay structured?

Analytical essays are structured like most other essays: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. However, the body paragraphs have a stricter emphasis on facts, logic, and empirical evidence compared to other essays.

What are the steps to writing an analytical essay?

As with all essays, you first research and then organize all your points into a working outline. Next, you write the rough draft with all the data and evidence collected during your research. Revise the rough draft when it’s finished to improve the phrasing and add/remove certain parts. Last, proofread the essay for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Analytical Essay

Analytical essay generator.

There are different types of essays which I would assume most of you are already familiar with. Persuasive essays , reflective essays , and descriptive essays are just among the few examples. Essays are rather seen important especially in the life of a student, because it is often what your grades are based on.

Knowing how to start an essay is an important in key in writing effective essay . In addition to that, your point of view will determine the kind of essay you are writing. This article will be able to help you in understanding another kind of essay, which is the analytical essay.

What is an Analytical Essay?- Definition

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing where the writer breaks down a topic or argument into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. It aims to convey a deeper understanding and insight into the subject being analyzed. Analytical essays require critical thinking and a clear argumentative structure, often addressing questions of “how” and “why.”

Structure of an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is structured to break down and examine a specific topic, idea, or argument in depth. The goal is to present a comprehensive analysis that offers insights and a deeper understanding of the subject. Here’s how it’s typically structured:

Introduction

Hook: Start with an engaging sentence to draw in the reader. Background Information: Provide context or background necessary to understand the topic. Thesis Statement: Present a clear, concise statement that expresses the main argument or analysis that the essay will support.

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Analysis: Present detailed analysis of the evidence. This includes interpreting the evidence, explaining how it supports the thesis, and discussing its implications. Evidence: Include specific examples, quotations, or data that support the analysis. Make sure to properly cite sources. Link: Conclude each paragraph by linking its main idea to the thesis statement, ensuring the essay remains focused on the analysis.

Summary: Briefly summarize the key points made in the essay, reaffirming how they support the thesis. Thesis Restatement: Restate the thesis in a new way, reflecting the insights gained through the analysis. Final Thoughts: Offer final insights, reflections, or a call to action, suggesting the implications of your analysis or areas for further exploration.

Works Cited (if required)

Sources: List all sources cited in the essay in the appropriate format.

How to Write an Analytical Essay: Key Steps

Choose Your Topic: Select a specific, analyzable topic that interests you.
Conduct Thorough Research: Gather information from credible sources to support your analysis.
Formulate a Thesis Statement: Develop a clear, concise thesis that outlines your essay’s main argument.
Create an Outline: Organize your main points and evidence in a logical structure.
Write the Essay:

Introduction : Start with a hook, provide context, and present your thesis. Body Paragraphs : Each should include a topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and a concluding sentence linking back to the thesis. Conclusion : Summarize the analysis, restate the thesis, and highlight the importance of your findings.

Revise and Edit: Review your essay for coherence, accuracy, and errors. Ensure clarity in argumentation and evidence presentation

Analytical Essay Samples

Essay on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Essay on Cyber Bullying
Essay on Deforestation
Essay on Discipline
Essay on Education Rules

Analytical Essay Examples

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High School Analytical

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

The purpose of an analytical essay is to break down and examine a piece of literature, film, event, or any other subject, in order to present a thorough understanding and insightful interpretation of it. This type of essay focuses on analyzing the subject’s structure, components, and underlying themes or messages. It aims to reveal deeper meanings, relationships, and complexities within the subject, encouraging readers to see beyond the surface level. Additionally, an analytical essay seeks to support its analysis with evidence, thereby fostering critical thinking and enhancing the reader’s comprehension and appreciation of the subject matter. Through this detailed examination, the essay not only contributes to academic discourse but also aids in developing the writer’s analytical and evaluative skills

Analytical Essay vs. Descriptive Essay: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between an analytical essay and a descriptive essay lies in their purpose and approach to the topic. Each serves a unique goal and employs distinct methods to achieve its objectives.

Importance of Analytical Essay

The aim of analytical essay to start is not to present a story but to analyze and it to make readers understand what the writer intends to accomplish with the essay. Some students who are asked to write an analytical essay tend to tell the readers the next scenario of the story instead of analyzing it. Remember that it is not a narrative essay, rather an essay which is aimed at analyzing the subject.

The importance of analytical essay is to provide readers a more comprehensible understanding of a story or a book by assessing all its important elements. It is a good way of practicing critical thinking by looking at a story from different angles.

How to Conclude an Analytical Essay

The conclusion of any essay, like in an expository essay , is to recap the main point in order for the readers to get a gist of the essay. This process of making a conclusion can also be applied to an analytical essay, except the writer should be able to present two important factors: the analysis and the argument .

The analysis is the study of the main issue that is presented with its supporting elements, like the plot of the story and the characters.
The argument is your personal response to the subject and line of reasoning based on the analysis.

How Do You Write a Text Analysis Essay?

To write a text analysis essay, start by reading the text critically to understand its themes, characters, and plot. Develop a thesis that makes a claim about the text, then organize your essay into an introduction, several body paragraphs that support your thesis with evidence from the text, and a conclusion that summarizes your analysis and reiterates the thesis.

What is the Pattern of an Analytical Essay?

The pattern of an analytical essay typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that present evidence and analysis to support the thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and reinforces the thesis. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the analysis.

Is an Analytical Essay a Persuasive Essay?

An analytical essay is not inherently a persuasive essay, but it can contain persuasive elements. While an analytical essay focuses on breaking down and interpreting information, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. However, both may use evidence and reasoning to support their purposes.

What is the Hardest Type of Essay to Write?

The hardest type of essay to write can vary depending on the writer’s skills and interests, but many find persuasive essays challenging due to the need to effectively argue a point of view, using logic, reasoning, and evidence to convince readers to agree with a specific stance.

What is an Analytical vs Descriptive Essay?

An analytical essay breaks down and interprets various aspects of a topic to provide in-depth understanding or argument, focusing on the “how” and “why.” In contrast, a descriptive essay vividly describes a person, place, object, or event, focusing on creating a sensory experience for the reader.

Is an Analytical Essay an Expository Essay?

Yes, an analytical essay can be considered a type of expository essay. Both aim to explain or inform. However, an analytical essay specifically analyzes and interprets elements of a subject to provide deeper insight, while expository essays can also define, explain, or instruct without necessarily analyzing.

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

Key Steps for Writing an Analytical Essay

Crafting Thesis Statements for Analytical Essays

Analytical Essay Outline: Structure Your Thoughts

Transition Words for Cohesive Analytical Essays

Analyzing Themes: Tips for Analytical Essays

Comparing and Contrasting in Analytical Essays

Using Evidence Effectively in Analytical Essays

Concluding Your Analytical Essay with Impact

Analytical Essay on Historical Events: How-To

Literary Analysis: Dissecting Symbolism in Texts

How To Write an Analytical Essay

If you enjoy exploring topics deeply and thinking creatively, analytical essays could be perfect for you. They involve thorough analysis and clever writing techniques to gain fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding of the subject. In this article, our expert research paper writer will explain what an analytical essay is, how to structure it effectively and provide practical examples. This guide covers all the essentials for your writing success!

What Is an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay involves analyzing something, such as a book, movie, or idea. It relies on evidence from the text to logically support arguments, avoiding emotional appeals or personal stories. Unlike persuasive essays, which argue for a specific viewpoint, a good analytical essay explores all aspects of the topic, considering different perspectives, dissecting arguments, and evaluating evidence carefully. Ultimately, you'll need to present your own stance based on your analysis, synthesize findings, and decide whether you agree with the conclusions or have your own interpretation.

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How to Structure an Analytical Essay

Crafting an excellent paper starts with clear organization and structuring of arguments. An analytical essay structure follows a simple outline: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction: Begin by grabbing the reader's attention and stating the topic clearly. Provide background information, state the purpose of the paper, and hint at the arguments you'll make. The opening sentence should be engaging, such as a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, present your thesis, summarizing your stance in the essay.

Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph starts with a clear topic sentence guiding the reader and presents evidence supporting the thesis. Focus on one issue per paragraph and briefly restate the main point at the end to transition smoothly to the next one. This ensures clarity and coherence in your argument.

Conclusion: Restate the thesis, summarize key points from the body paragraphs, and offer insights on the significance of the analysis. Provide your thoughts on the topic's importance and how your analysis contributes to it, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Meanwhile, you might also be interested in how to write a reflection paper , so check out the article for more information!

How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Simple Steps

Once you've got a handle on the structure, you can make writing easier by following some steps. Preparing ahead of time can make the process smoother and improve your essay's flow. Here are some helpful tips from our experts. And if you need it, you can always request our experts to write my essay for me , and we'll handle it promptly.

Step 1: Decide on Your Stance

Before diving into writing, it's crucial to establish your stance on the topic. Let's say you're going to write an analytical essay example about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work. Before you start writing, you need to decide what your opinion or viewpoint is on this topic.

Do you think remote work offers flexibility and improved work-life balance for employees?
Or maybe you believe it can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased productivity?

Once you've determined your stance on remote work, it's essential to consider the evidence and arguments supporting your position. Are there statistics or studies that back up your viewpoint? For example, if you believe remote work improves productivity, you might cite research showing increased output among remote workers. On the other hand, if you think it leads to isolation, you could reference surveys or testimonials highlighting the challenges of remote collaboration. Your opinion will shape how you write your essay, so take some time to think about what you believe about remote work before you start writing.

Step 2: Write Your Thesis Statement

Once you've figured out what you think about the topic, it's time to write your thesis statement. This statement is like the main idea or argument of your essay.

If you believe that remote work offers significant benefits, your thesis statement might be: 'Remote work presents an opportunity for increased flexibility and work-life balance, benefiting employees and employers alike in today's interconnected world.'

Alternatively, if you believe that remote work has notable drawbacks, your thesis statement might be: 'While remote work offers flexibility, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in collaboration, necessitating a balanced approach to its implementation.'

Your thesis statement guides the rest of your analytical essay, so make sure it clearly expresses your viewpoint on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 3: Write Topic Sentences

After you have your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work, you need to come up with topic sentences for each paragraph while writing an analytical essay. These sentences introduce the main point of each paragraph and help to structure your essay.

Let's say your first paragraph is about the benefits of remote work. Your topic sentence might be: 'Remote work offers employees increased flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to better manage their work-life balance.'

For the next paragraph discussing the drawbacks of remote work, your topic sentence could be: 'However, remote work can also lead to feelings of isolation and difficulties in communication and collaboration with colleagues.'

And for the paragraph about potential solutions to the challenges of remote work, your topic sentence might be: 'To mitigate the drawbacks of remote work, companies can implement strategies such as regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and flexible work arrangements.'

Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement about the benefits and drawbacks of remote work and provide a clear focus for the paragraph that follows.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Now that you have your thesis statement and topic sentences, it's time to create an analytical essay outline to ensure your essay flows logically. Here's an outline prepared by our analytical essay writer based on the example of discussing the benefits and drawbacks of remote work:

Step 5: Write Your First Draft

Now that you have your outline, it's time to start writing your first draft. Begin by expanding upon each point in your outline, making sure to connect your ideas smoothly and logically. Don't worry too much about perfection at this stage; the goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and polish your draft later.

As you write, keep referring back to your thesis statement to ensure that your arguments align with your main argument. Additionally, make sure each paragraph flows naturally into the next, maintaining coherence throughout your essay.

Once you've completed your first draft, take a break and then come back to review and revise it. Look for areas where you can strengthen your arguments, clarify your points, and improve the overall structure and flow of your essay.

Remember, writing is a process, and it's okay to go through multiple drafts before you're satisfied with the final result. Take your time and be patient with yourself as you work towards creating a well-crafted essay on the benefits and drawbacks of remote work.

Step 6: Revise and Proofread

Once you've completed your first draft, it's essential to revise and proofread your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness. Here's how to approach this step:

Check if your ideas make sense and if they support your main point.
Make sure your writing style stays the same and your format follows the rules.
Double-check your facts and make sure you've covered everything important.
Cut out any extra words and make your sentences clear and short.
Look for mistakes in spelling and grammar.
Ask someone to read your essay and give you feedback.

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

Analytical essays aim to analyze texts or topics, presenting a clear argument. They deepen understanding by evaluating evidence and uncovering underlying meanings. These essays promote critical thinking, challenging readers to consider different viewpoints.

They're also great for improving critical thinking skills. By breaking down complex ideas and presenting them clearly, they encourage readers to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.

This type of essay also adds to academic discussions by offering fresh insights. By analyzing existing research and literature, they bring new perspectives or shine a light on overlooked parts of a topic. This keeps academic conversations lively and encourages more exploration in the field.

Analytical Essay Examples

Check out our essay samples to see theory in action. Crafted by our dissertation services , they show how analytical thinking applies to real situations, helping you understand concepts better.

With our tips on how to write an analytical essay, you're ready to boost your writing skills and craft essays that captivate your audience. With practice, you'll become a pro at analytical writing, ready to tackle any topic with confidence. And, if you need help to buy essay online , just drop us a line saying ' do my homework for me ' and we'll jump right in!

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How to Write an Analytical Essay?

What is an analytical essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Analytical Essay Writing

Analytical Essay Examples

Analytical Essay Examples to Ace Your Grades

12 min read

Published on: Feb 6, 2020

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

Analytical Essay Overview

An analytical essay is a piece of document that analyzes a topic or subject in detail. It studies the topic by dividing it into sections and then interprets the observed information.

An analytical or analysis essay can be written for any form of literature or artwork. The writer analyzes the information, evaluates it, and interprets it for the readers.

If you are assigned this essay to draft for your academics, it is advised to go through a few good examples. It will help you understand the type of document to draft and the correct writing process.

Continue reading the blog to find out how a perfect analysis essay is written through examples.

Need an overview of how to write an analytical essay? This video provides a thorough summary to help you out!

The key to writing a good analytical essay is to have a strong grasp of the essay type and a clear understanding of the writing process.

Therefore, we have assembled an array of examples to give you a better understanding of analytical essays. Let's take a look at a short analytical essay example.

Before diving further, we will look at the various types of analytical essays with examples.

Literary Analysis Essay Example

A literary analysis essay is a type of paper that studies and interprets a piece of literature in detail. The writer analyzes different elements such as plot, situations, choice of characters, and message influence in the original text.

All the literary terms are studied in particular to draft this analysis paper type. A literary analysis essay uses the basic essay outline to organize and arrange information in the content.

Introduction

Body Paragraphs

To understand this writing form, carefully observe the example provided.

Literature Analytical Essay Example

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Critical Analysis Essay Example

A critical analysis essay requires a writer to analyze a document and form an argument over it as well. This analysis essay type can be written on any piece of writing, movie, or art.

The primary purpose of a critical analysis paper is to determine the author’s message or argument. Also, evaluate it by forming a stance on it. All the writing elements are critically analyzed, along with the techniques used by the author to persuade the audience.

This is how a critical analysis essay is written:

Critical Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

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Poetry Analysis Essay Example

Just as the name suggests, a poetry analysis essay analyzes a poem and its different elements. It studies the content, the structure of the poem, and its historical significance. It is a common essay type that is assigned to literature or language students.

Poetry Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

A rhetorical analysis essay is a type that is based on logic and facts. This essay examines how the author drafted a document and what persuasive techniques were used to convince the audience.

Take a look at this exemplary rhetorical analysis PDF sample!

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

Character Analysis Essay Example

A character analysis essay studies fictional as well as no fictional characters in detail. Characters that appear in films and literature are powerful and need a detailed analysis to identify their significance in the story.

Check out this incredible example of character analysis in PDF format!

Character Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

Process Analysis Essay Example

A process analysis essay is a type of essay that explains a step-by-step procedure of performing a certain task. This essay requires a writer to explicitly share the right process.

This essay is written using the traditional essay outline as well. A writer begins an easy with an introduction, which is followed by strong body paragraphs. The body paragraphs lead the audience towards the conclusion of the essay.

Process Analysis Essay Example (PDF)

Good Analytical Essay Examples

Below are some excellent analytical essay examples that can help illuminate the way.

Analytical Essay Example College

Analytical Essay Example University

Analytical Essay Example High School

Here are a few out-of-the-ordinary analytical essay examples, take a look!

APA Analytical Essay Example

Short Analytical Essay Example

History Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Outline

An analytical essay outline is similar to the essay outline used to organize information for other writing types. 5 paragraph structure arranges the data for your analytical essay. According to this structure, the content of an essay is divided into the following sections:

Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3

It does not matter which academic level you belong to, write an analysis essay using this basic outline.

The first section is the introduction, where the writer presents the thesis statement and the main theme of his analytical essay.

The introduction of the essay must contain the following things in order to be attractive:

A Hook Statement
Thesis Statement

Make sure to keep the introductory paragraphs clear and focused. The purpose of writing this section is to motivate the readers to read the entire document. Therefore, it should be interesting and well written.

For an illustrative guide on how to create an analytical essay check out the PDFs below.

Thesis Statement For an Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Introduction Example

The body of the analytical essay contains all the supporting evidence required to prove the thesis statement. Gather information for this section from the original work to support your claims and persuade the audience.

Following are the elements that should be present in the body paragraphs:

Topic sentence

In order to maintain a logical flow and connection among all the paragraphs, make sure to use transition words .

The conclusion is the last paragraph that sums up the writer’s discussion on the topic. The concluding paragraphs of your analytical essay are based on the following information:

Restated thesis statement
Summary of the major points
Final thought or point of view of the writer

To write an analytical essay effectively, make sure that the outlining and the writing process are correct. Without knowing the actual writing process of an analytical essay, it is impossible to draft a compelling piece.

How to write an Analytical Essay Example pdf

Analytical Essay Template (PDF)

Analytical Essay Writing Tips

Writing an analytical essay means you have to create an explanatory piece of document. This essay requires an in-depth analysis of every aspect of the topic to be drafted well. Moreover, there are other tips that professionals suggest to make your assignment stand out.

Follow the tips provided by the expert essay writers of CollegeEssay.org and write a fantastic essay.

Brainstorm ideas for your analytical essay topics and select the most interesting one.
The topic of your essay should have a wide scope
Thoroughly read and understand the original document to and analyze every aspect
Draft an essay outline to arrange your information into a logical content.
Understand the type of analysis.
Determine the audience and keep them in mind the whole time while drafting your essay
Proofread your essay after finishing writing it and make relevant edits.
If you are having trouble drafting this essay type, seek professional help.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Analytical Essay

Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when composing an analytical essay for optimal results:

Failing to plan and organize : An analytical essay requires structure, coherence, and a clear argument. Start by creating an outline and stick to it while writing.
Lack of critical analysis : An analytical essay is more than just summarizing information. Ensure to provide your own insights and critical evaluation of the subject matter.
Not considering counterarguments : A strong analytical essay considers opposing viewpoints and addresses potential counterarguments.
Improper citation : Ensure to properly cite any sources used in your essay to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original authors.
Inadequate proofreading : Proofread your essay thoroughly to catch any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or typos that could impact the quality of your work.

In conclusion, an analytical essay is one of the most complicated forms of essay. However, you can draft it perfectly if you have the basic knowledge.

Go through examples and consult your instructor before starting the writing process. It will help you stay focused and calm during the daunting journey.

Students often fail to provide quality and accuracy for an analytical essay. In such cases, you can always get professional help from our analytical essay writing service without much effort. CollegeEssay.org is a professional essay writing service that provides academic help and assistance to all students.

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What is an analytical essay example?

The goal of an analytical essay is to analyze something in depth so that it can be better understood. These types often focus on analyzing text or processes. But they could also explore ideas if their topic requires more than just a simple explanation.

What is the main purpose of an analytical essay?

An analytical essay is meant to help the reader learn more about something. This type of essay is all about exploring something in-depth and explaining what you see.

How many paragraphs should an analytical essay have?

An analytical essay should have five paragraphs. The first paragraph has some background information and a thesis statement. The next three paragraphs each have an analysis point with evidence to back it up. The last paragraph is the conclusion.

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Analytical Essay

Definition of analytical essay.

Analytical implies the breaking down of something into parts, or the discussion of something in a way that it becomes a dissection of the whole. An analytical type of essay differs from other types of essays in that its primary goal is to explain something bit by bit to enhance understanding. Most of the times, an analytical essay is written about the analysis of a text, or a process, or an idea. In literature, however, it is a critical analysis of some literary text which is done to enhance its understanding.

Difference Between an Analytical Essay and a Critical Essay

An analytical essay is just an analysis of a literary text. By contrast , a critical essay involves, not only an analysis of the text in question, but also dissection of the literary terms and devices used by the author to make his meanings clear. The critical essay also explains the functions of the literary terms used, and evaluates their usage, and whether they have achieved the intended purposes or not.

Types of Analytical Essay

Cause and Effect : One way of analyzing something is to discuss the cause of something, and its effect on other things.
Comparison and Contrast : Another way of analyzing something is to compare and contrast things among themselves.
Classification : Classification is yet another method of analyzing things, to learn of their nature.
Process : Process is also a type of analysis writing.
Definition : Defining things is also a way of analyzing the nature of things.

Examples of Analytical Essay in Literature

Example #1: liposuction: the key to energy independence (by barbara ehrenreich).

“I say to my fellow humans: It’s time to stop feeding off the dead and grow up! I don’t know about food, but I have a plan for achieving fuel self-sufficiency in less time than it takes to say ‘Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.’ The idea came to me from reports of the growing crime of French fry oil theft: Certain desperate individuals are stealing restaurants’ discarded cooking oil, which can then be used to fuel cars. So the idea is: why not skip the French fry phase and harvest high-energy hydrocarbons right from ourselves?”

This is an excerpt from the essay of Barbara Ehrenreich, in which she has made comparison and contrast between human beings and animals , regarding food choices . This is a good analysis of the food we use.

Example #2: Freedom (by Joyce M. Jarett)

“On the first day of school, I was escorted by hordes of national guardsmen. Like a funeral procession, the steady stream of official-looking cars followed me to the campus. Some patrolmen were parked near campus gates, while others, with guns strapped to their sides, stood near building entrances. Though many of my escorts had given me smiles of support, still I was not prepared for what I encountered upon entering my new school.”

This is a paragraph from a process analysis. The author, Joyce M. Jaret, has beautifully described her experience of the security in this paragraph, and how it is deployed when an important figure faces security issues in his life. This is an analysis of the process of security deployment.

Example #3: The Ways of Meeting Oppression (by Martin Luther King, Jr.)

“The third way open to oppressed people in their quest for freedom is the way of nonviolent resistance. Like the synthesis in Hegelian philosophy, the principle of nonviolent resistance seeks to reconcile the truths of two opposites—the acquiescence and violence—while avoiding the extremes and immoralities of both. The nonviolent resister agrees with the person who acquiesces that one should not be physically aggressive toward his opponent; but he balances the equation by agreeing with the person of violence that evil must be resisted. He avoids the nonresistance of the former and the violent resistance of the latter. With nonviolent resistance, no individual or group need submit to any wrong, nor need anyone resort to violence in order to right a wrong.”

This is the analysis by classification that Marth Luther King, a famous human rights activist, has done regarding oppression against African Americans.

Function of Analytical Essay

An analytical essay dissects something such as a concept, an idea, a thing, or even a character . Its major aim is to enhance the understanding of readers. An analysis could be done through a process, definition, classification and division, or comparison and contrast. The thing or idea is broken into several parts, through classification and division, and then analyzed. A process is broken into several steps for analysis. Not only do analytical essays enhance understanding, but they also make readers aware of minute details of things.

Elements of an Essay
Narrative Essay
Definition Essay
Descriptive Essay
Types of Essay
Argumentative Essay
Cause and Effect Essay
Critical Essay
Expository Essay
Persuasive Essay
Process Essay
Explicatory Essay
An Essay on Man: Epistle I
Comparison and Contrast Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay Step by Step Guide and Examples

What You'll Learn

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing in which a complicated topic or idea is broken down into smaller parts, analyzed and looked at, and a well-structured argument or evaluation is given. The main purpose of an analytical essay is to show that the writer has a deep understanding of the topic and can also think critically about it.

In analytical essays, students must look at and evaluate different sources, find patterns and relationships, and come to meaningful conclusions.

When students write analytical essays, they also improve their research skills because they have to find relevant information from multiple sources and put it all together in a logical argument.
Also, analytical essays are important in academic writing because they help students understand ideas, theories, and concepts that are hard to understand.
By breaking a topic down into smaller parts, students can better understand it and figure out what the main ideas and themes are. Analytical essays help students get better at writing by making them present their arguments in a way that is clear, concise, and well-organized.
Writing an analytical essay is a skill that students need to learn if they want to do well in school and in their careers. For analytical essays, you need to be able to think critically, do research, and write well, all of which are important for success in many fields.
By getting better at these skills, students can become better writers and thinkers, which will help them reach their academic and career goals.

Basics of Analytical Essays

There are a few main things that set an analytical essay apart from other types of essays. One of the most important things about it is that it requires a thorough look at the subject. An analytical essay isn’t just a description of a topic or a point of view. Instead, it calls for a thorough look at the subject, breaking it down into its different parts and evaluating each one carefully.

In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important analysis is. Analysis is the process of breaking down big ideas or thoughts into smaller, more manageable pieces. By analyzing the topic, the writer can find the main ideas, patterns, and connections, which can then be used to back up their arguments .

Also, analysis lets the author draw conclusions that make sense based on the evidence given. If there wasn’t any analysis in an analytical essay, it would just be a list of facts and opinions. Analysis is what gives depth and substance to an analytical essay and lets the writer make a well-reasoned, evidence-based argument.

Analytical essays are different from other types of essays because they focus on analysis and evaluation. They require a thorough look at a subject, breaking it down into its different parts and judging each one objectively. Students can get the skills they need to do well in school and in the workplace by learning what makes an analytical essay unique and what role analysis plays in this type of writing.

How to Write an Analytical Essay Step by Step Guide

Step 1: choosing a topic for your analytical essay.

It can be hard to decide what to write about in an analytical essay, but there are several ways to come up with ideas. One way to do this is to make a list of possible topics based on your interests, your schoolwork, or what’s going on in the world right now. You can also find possible topics by reading articles, books, or other materials in your field of study. When choosing a topic for your analytical essay, you should think about a few things. First and foremost, the topic must fit with the needs of the course or assignment. It should also be narrow enough to allow for a detailed analysis while still having enough information for research. Also, the topic should be something you’re interested in as a writer. This will make the writing process more interesting and fun.

To help you get started, here are some examples of potential analytical essay topics:

The impact of social media on mental health
Analyzing the themes of race and identity in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
The role of technology in modern education
An analysis of the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act
Examining the causes and consequences of income inequality in the United States
The portrayal of gender roles in Shakespeare’s plays
Analyzing the impact of climate change on global food production
A critical analysis of the role of the media in shaping public opinion
A comparison of different political ideologies and their impact on society
An analysis of the ethical implications of gene editing technology.

A topic for an analytical essay must be chosen with care, taking into account several factors such as relevance, scope, and personal interest. By brainstorming ideas, researching different sources, and applying these criteria, you can choose a topic that is both interesting and informative, allowing you to write a well-researched and well-argued analytical essay.

Step 2: Conducting Research for Your Analytical Essay

In order to write an analytical essay, you need to do research. It lets the writer gather relevant information, find patterns and relationships, and come to conclusions that make sense. If you didn’t do research for your analytical essay, it wouldn’t have much substance or credibility, and the arguments you made would be weak and not backed up. You can gather information for your analytical essay from a number of different places. There are many examples, such as books, academic journals, online databases, government reports, and reputable news sources. When choosing sources, think about how relevant, reliable, and trustworthy they are. Academic sources like peer-reviewed journals and scholarly books are more reliable and credible than popular sources like blogs and social media posts.

To conduct effective research for your analytical essay, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to conduct research, as it can be a time-consuming process.
Use multiple sources: Gather information from a variety of sources to ensure you have a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
Take notes: Keep detailed notes on the information you gather, including the source and page number, to make it easier to cite your sources later.
Evaluate your sources: Assess the reliability and credibility of your sources, looking for biases or conflicts of interest that may affect the information presented.
Organize your research: Create a system for organizing your research, such as using annotated bibliographies or note-taking apps, to keep track of your sources and ideas.

You can conduct effective research for your analytical essay by following these tips, gathering reliable and credible information that supports your arguments and improves the overall quality of your writing.

Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is a short sentence that sums up the main argument or point of an essay. It gives the reader a clear idea of where the author stands on the subject and acts as a road map. In an analytical essay, the thesis statement is very important because it sets the tone for the whole essay and shows the writer how to analyze and evaluate the subject.

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of your analytical essay. It should:

Clearly state your main argument or point of view
Be specific and focused
Provide a roadmap for your essay
Be supported by evidence from your research

Example thesis statement: “The widespread use of social media platforms has led to increased rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers due to constant social comparison, cyberbullying, and decreased face-to-face interactions.”

In an analytical essay, you can’t say enough about how important a strong thesis statement is. A well-written thesis statement states the writer’s main point in a clear and concise way, making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s thought process and understand the purpose of the essay. A strong thesis statement also helps the writer focus their analysis and evaluation, making sure that each paragraph supports the main point and builds on it.

How to develop a strong analytical essay thesis statement

Start with a question: Ask yourself a question related to your topic and use the answer to develop your thesis statement.
Be specific: Your thesis statement should be specific and focused on the main argument of your essay.
Use evidence: Support your thesis statement with evidence from your research, such as quotes or statistics, to give it more credibility and strength.
Be original: Your thesis statement should be unique and original, providing a fresh perspective on the topic.
Revise as needed: As you write your essay, revisit your thesis statement and revise it if necessary to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.

By following these tips, you can develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay, providing a clear and concise statement of your main argument and guiding the reader through your analysis and evaluation of the topic.

Step 4: Create an Analytical Essay Structure/Outline

An analytical essay is made up of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

A well-structured analytical essay typically includes:

Introduction
Body paragraphs (usually 3-5)

Analytical Essay outline

A basic outline might look like this:

I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background C. Thesis II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence C. Analysis III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence C. Analysis IV. Body Paragraph 3 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence C. Analysis V. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts

Step 5: Writing an Analytical Essay:

An analytical essay is characterized by:

A clear thesis statement presenting the main argument
In-depth analysis and evaluation of evidence
Logical structure with well-developed paragraphs
Use of formal, academic language
Objective tone

Unlike argumentative or persuasive essays that aim to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint, analytical essays focus on examining and evaluating information to reach a conclusion.

Tips for writing analytical essays a step by step guide

Use clear, concise language
Employ analytical verbs (e.g., analyze, evaluate, interpret)
Incorporate transitional phrases to connect ideas
Use evidence to support your claims
Consider counterarguments to strengthen your analysis
Maintain an objective tone

How to Start an Analysis Essay: Writing Your Introduction

The introduction of your analytical essay sets the stage for your entire analysis. It should engage the reader, provide context, and clearly state your thesis. Here’s how to write an effective introduction:

Hook the reader: Start with an attention-grabbing statement, question, anecdote, or relevant quotation.
Provide context: Give background information necessary for understanding your analysis.
Narrow your focus: Transition from general information to the specific aspect you’ll be analyzing.
State your thesis: Clearly articulate your main argument or point of analysis.

Analytical Essay Introduction Examples

Example 1: Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” “To be, or not to be?” This famous question, posed by Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s play, encapsulates the central conflict of the protagonist’s journey. As one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters, Hamlet has fascinated readers and audiences for centuries with his psychological depth and moral ambiguity. This essay will analyze how Shakespeare uses Hamlet’s soliloquies to reveal the prince’s inner turmoil and the play’s broader themes of mortality, revenge, and the nature of action versus inaction. Example 2: Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse In an era where information spreads at the speed of a click, social media platforms have become the new battlegrounds for political ideas and movements. From the Arab Spring to recent election campaigns, these digital spaces have reshaped how we engage with politics. But at what cost to the quality of our discourse? This essay will examine how social media’s inherent features—such as algorithm-driven content, character limits, and the viral nature of sensationalism—have fundamentally altered the landscape of political communication, often prioritizing emotional appeal over factual accuracy. Example 3: “Beautiful Analytical Essay Opening” – Analysis of Impressionist Art A shimmering reflection on water, a fleeting play of light on a cathedral facade, the vibrant energy of a Parisian cafe—these are the ephemeral moments captured in the brushstrokes of Impressionist painters. In their pursuit to seize the transient beauty of modern life, artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas revolutionized not only how we perceive art but also how we see the world around us. This essay will delve into the techniques and philosophy behind Impressionism, exploring how this radical 19th-century movement challenged artistic conventions and paved the way for modern art.

Body Paragraphs: Analytical Paragraph Structure

The body paragraphs of your analytical essay are where you present your arguments, evidence, and analysis. Each paragraph should focus on a single aspect of your overall thesis.

Analytical Paragraph Structure

An effective analytical paragraph typically follows this structure:

Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph and links it to your thesis.
Context/Background: Provides any necessary background information for your point.
Evidence: Presents specific examples, quotes, or data that support your point.
Analysis: Explains how the evidence supports your argument and its significance.
Transition: Connects this paragraph to the next, maintaining the flow of your essay.

Example Analytical Paragraph (Breakdown) Topic: The use of symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” Topic Sentence: The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as a multifaceted symbol in “The Great Gatsby,” representing Gatsby’s hopes, dreams, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Context: Throughout the novel, Gatsby is often seen reaching towards this light, which is physically distant yet tantalizing close. Evidence: “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (Fitzgerald, 180). Analysis: This quote, from the novel’s final passage, encapsulates the dual nature of the green light symbol. On one level, it represents Gatsby’s personal desire for Daisy, always visible yet unattainable. On a broader scale, it embodies the American Dream itself—a beacon of hope that drives people forward, even as it remains forever out of reach. Fitzgerald’s use of “us” in this passage expands the symbol’s significance beyond Gatsby to encompass a universal human experience. Transition: While the green light symbolizes hope and aspiration, Fitzgerald uses other symbols to represent the corruption and decay that lurk beneath the glittering surface of the Roaring Twenties.

Writing a Conclusion to Analytical Essay

The conclusion of your analytical essay should provide closure while reinforcing your main points. Here’s how to write an effective conclusion:

Restate your thesis: Rephrase your main argument in light of the evidence you’ve presented.
Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main arguments from your body paragraphs.
Provide broader context: Explain the significance of your analysis in a larger context.
End with a thought-provoking statement: Leave your reader with something to ponder.

The conclusion paragraph of an analytical essay summarizes the author’s main points and emphasizes the significance of the thesis statement. The conclusion’s goal is to leave a lasting impression on the reader by bringing the essay to a close and reinforcing the main argument .

To write a strong conclusion for your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

Restate the thesis statement: The conclusion should restate the thesis statement in a new and meaningful way, emphasizing its importance and relevance to the topic.
Summarize the main points: Summarize the main points of the essay, highlighting the evidence and examples that support the thesis statement.
Provide a final thought: End the essay with a final thought or reflection on the topic, leaving the reader with something to think about or consider.
Be concise: Keep the conclusion concise and to the point, avoiding any new information or arguments.
Make it memorable: Use language and phrasing that is memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Example of an Analytical Essay Conclusion

Topic: The impact of social media on political discourse

“As we’ve seen, the rise of social media has fundamentally altered the landscape of political communication, often prioritizing emotional appeal and brevity over nuanced discussion. The echo chambers created by algorithmic content curation, combined with the viral nature of sensationalist posts, have contributed to increased polarization and the spread of misinformation. While social media platforms have democratized access to political engagement, they have also fragmented our shared reality, making consensus and productive dialogue increasingly challenging. The implications of this shift extend far beyond individual political campaigns or movements. As society grapples with complex, global challenges like climate change and economic inequality, the quality of our political discourse becomes ever more critical. Moving forward, it is essential that we develop digital literacy skills and create online spaces that encourage thoughtful, fact-based discussions. Only by understanding and addressing the limitations of social media as a political forum can we hope to harness its potential for positive civic engagement. In the end, the power of social media in politics is a double-edged sword. It has the capacity to mobilize millions for social change, but also to divide and misinform. As users and citizens, the responsibility falls on us to approach these platforms critically, seek out diverse viewpoints, and strive for meaningful dialogue. The future of our democracy may well depend on our ability to navigate this new digital political landscape.”

This conclusion restates the thesis about social media’s impact on political discourse, summarizes key points about echo chambers and viral misinformation, provides broader context about the importance of quality political discourse, and ends with a thought-provoking statement about individual responsibility and the future of democracy.

Step 6:Editing and Proofreading Your Analytical Essay

The editing and proofreading stages of the essay writing process are critical. It ensures that the essay is clear, concise, and error-free, improving overall writing quality and the credibility of the arguments presented.

To edit and proofread your analytical essay, here are some tips to consider:

1. Take a break: After completing your essay, take a break before editing and proofreading it. This will allow you to approach the essay with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
2. Read it out loud: Reading the essay out loud can help you to identify awkward phrasing, grammatical errors, and other issues.
3. Be consistent: Ensure that you are consistent in your use of language, formatting, and citation styles throughout the essay.
4. Use a checklist: Use a checklist to ensure that you have addressed all the necessary components of the essay, such as the thesis statement, evidence, and analysis.
5. Get feedback: Ask a friend or colleague to read your essay and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

Common mistakes to avoid in analytical essays include:

1. Using overly complicated language or jargon that may confuse the reader.
2. Failing to provide evidence or examples to support the thesis statement.
3. Neglecting to address counterarguments or alternative perspectives on the topic.
4. Making unsupported claims or presenting opinions as facts.
5. Failing to proofread and edit the essay thoroughly, leading to grammatical errors and typos.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can edit and proofread your analytical essay effectively, producing a well-written and error-free piece of writing.

Analytical Essay Examples

Here are some examples of successful analytical essays:.

1. “The Symbolism of the Green Light in The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This essay analyzes the symbolism of the green light in the novel, arguing that it represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams and his ultimate failure to achieve them.
2. “The Rhetoric of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X: In this essay, Malcolm X analyzes his own rhetorical strategies, explaining how he uses language and persuasion to achieve his goals.
3. “The Role of Women in Shakespeare’s Macbeth” by William Shakespeare: This essay analyzes the role of women in the play, arguing that they are often marginalized and oppressed by the male characters.
Read more Analytical Essay Examples

Each of these essays follows a clear and well-structured format, with a strong thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a clear conclusion. The writers use analysis and evaluation to present their arguments, using evidence and examples to support their claims.

When using analytical essay examples to improve your writing, here are some tips to consider:

Choose examples that are relevant to your topic or subject matter.
Read the example essays carefully, paying attention to the structure, language, and evidence used.
Identify the thesis statement and main arguments of the essay.
Analyze the evidence used to support the arguments, evaluating its relevance and credibility.
Consider how the writer uses language and rhetoric to persuade the reader.
Use The examples as a guide for structuring your own essay, but be sure to use your own unique ideas and perspective.
Practice writing your own analytical essays and seek feedback from others to improve your writing skills.
Avoid copying or plagiarizing the example essays, as this can lead to serious academic consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is an analytical essay.

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that requires the writer to analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter. The writer presents an argument or thesis statement and supports it with evidence and examples, using analysis and evaluation to persuade the reader.

2. What are the main characteristics of an analytical essay?

The main characteristics of an analytical essay include:

– A clear and concise thesis statement that presents the writer’s argument
– Use of evidence and examples to support the argument
– Analysis and evaluation of the evidence presented
– Clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them
– Use of formal and academic language
– Objective and impartial tone

3. What are some tips for writing an analytical essay?

Here are some tips for writing an analytical essay:

– Choose a topic that interests you and that you can analyze in depth
– Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your argument
– Use evidence and examples to support your argument, ensuring that they are relevant, reliable, and credible
– Analyze and evaluate the evidence presented, demonstrating your critical thinking skills
– Use a clear and logical structure, with well-developed paragraphs and transitions between them
– Use formal and academic language, avoiding slang and colloquialisms
– Edit and proofread your essay thoroughly, ensuring that it is error-free and well-written.

4. How to Write an Analytical Essay?

Writing an analytical essay involves several steps:

Choose a topic: Select a subject that interests you and has enough depth for analysis.
Develop a thesis: Formulate a clear, specific argument about your topic.
Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources to support your analysis.
Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and evidence into a logical structure.
Write the introduction: Hook the reader, provide context, and state your thesis.
Develop body paragraphs: Present your analysis with evidence and examples.
Write the conclusion: Summarize your main points and reinforce your thesis.
Edit and proofread: Refine your essay for clarity, coherence, and correctness.
Focus on “how” and “why” questions rather than just “what” happened.
Use evidence to support your claims.
Maintain an objective tone throughout the essay.
Ensure each paragraph connects back to your thesis.

5. How Do You Structure an Analytical Essay?

A typical analytical essay follows this structure:

Hook to grab the reader’s attention
Brief background information
Thesis statement
Topic sentence
Evidence presentation
Analysis of evidence
Transition to the next point
Restatement of thesis
Summary of main points
Final thoughts or call to action

Each body paragraph should focus on a single aspect of your argument. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of your essay.

6. How to Write an Analysis Essay?

Writing an analysis essay involves:

Close reading of the subject (text, artwork, event, etc.)
Identifying key elements, patterns, or themes
Formulating a thesis about the significance of these elements
Supporting your thesis with evidence and reasoning

Steps to follow:

Read/observe your subject multiple times, taking notes.
Identify the main elements or themes.
Develop a thesis that explains the significance of these elements.
Gather evidence to support your thesis.
Organize your thoughts into a clear outline.
Write your essay, ensuring each paragraph supports your thesis.
Revise and refine your analysis.

Remember to go beyond mere description. Explain why certain elements are significant and how they contribute to the overall meaning or effect of the subject.

7. How Do You Structure an Analysis Essay?

An analysis essay typically follows this structure:

Introduce the subject of analysis
Provide brief context
Present your thesis (main argument about the subject)
Brief overview of the subject for readers unfamiliar with it
Several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your argument
Present evidence and explain its significance
Connect each point back to your thesis
Summarize your main points
Restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented
Discuss broader implications of your analysis

Ensure that your analysis is the bulk of the essay. The summary should be brief, serving only to give context for your analysis.

8. Do You Need an Outline for an Analytical Essay?

While not always required, an outline is highly recommended for an analytical essay. Here’s why:

Organization: An outline helps structure your thoughts logically.
Focus: It keeps you centered on your main argument and prevents tangents.
Balance: You can ensure each point receives appropriate attention.
Efficiency: It makes the writing process smoother and often faster.

9. What Skills Do You Need to Write an Analytical Essay?

Writing an effective analytical essay requires several key skills:

Critical Thinking: Ability to examine information objectively and make reasoned judgments.
Close Reading/Observation: Skill to identify key elements, patterns, and themes in the subject of analysis.
Research Skills: Capacity to find and evaluate relevant, credible sources.
Logical Reasoning: Ability to construct and support arguments with evidence.
Clear Communication: Skill to express complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Organization: Ability to structure information and ideas coherently.
Analysis: Capacity to break down complex topics into components and understand their relationships.
Synthesis: Skill to combine various pieces of information to form a cohesive argument.
Objectivity: Ability to set aside personal biases and examine topics impartially.
Attention to Detail: Skill to notice and interpret subtle elements that contribute to the overall analysis.
Academic Writing: Familiarity with formal writing conventions, including proper citation methods.
Revision Skills: Ability to critically review and improve your own work.

Developing these skills takes practice. Regular reading, writing, and engaging in critical discussions can help improve your analytical abilities over time.

To summarize, writing an effective analytical essay necessitates a thorough understanding of the subject matter, a well-developed thesis statement, strong evidence and analysis, and a clear and logical structure. To summarize the main points covered in this guide:
– The writer of an analytical essay must analyze and evaluate a specific topic or subject matter.
– A clear thesis statement, evidence and examples to support the argument, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, a clear and logical structure, formal and academic language, and an objective tone are the main characteristics of an analytical essay.
– Choosing a relevant topic, developing a clear thesis statement, using credible evidence and examples, analyzing and evaluating the evidence, using a clear and logical structure, using formal and academic language, and thoroughly editing and proofreading the essay are all tips for writing a successful analytical essay.

An effective analytical essay demonstrates critical thinking skills as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate complex issues. It is an important skill for both academic and professional success.

Finally, practicing writing on a regular basis, seeking feedback from others, and reading and analyzing examples of successful analytical essays can all help you improve your own writing skills.

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Free Analytical Essay Examples

Analytical essays are written to share the author’s insights on a piece of literature, event, or phenomenon. They provide an in-depth analysis of the chosen topic, often taking contrasting points of view to test their viability. These essays are the most common in newspapers and magazines, although academic journals can also publish the genre. Teachers assign analytical papers to high-school and college students.

Analytical essay examples range from art, music, and books to current or historical events, philosophy, and scientific research.

The list of analytical essay samples below will help you achieve the best result in your writing.

1369 Best Analytical Essay Examples

Walgreens and cvs health: proxy statements & annual reports.

Subjects: Accounting Business
Words: 1108

GCGDA’s Project Management

Subjects: Business Management
Words: 2771

Facebook Company

Subjects: Business Company Analysis
Words: 1478

The Rise of the Papacy

Subjects: Religion Religion History
Words: 1375

Outsourcing in Public and Private Entities

Words: 3078

Regional Trade Agreements

Subjects: Economics Trade
Words: 1178

Value of Eclectic Paradigm in Relation to International Business

Words: 1028

Analysis of UK Economy

Subjects: Economics Political Economy Processes
Words: 3024

Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Company Supply Chain Management

Subjects: Business Logistics
Words: 4966

Ford Automobile Strategic Business Model

Subjects: Business Strategy
Words: 1149

Heineken: A Company and a Brand

Words: 2784

Reducing Violent Street Gangs and Delinquent Activity in a Cost-Effective Manner

Subjects: Sociology Violence
Words: 1447

Motion to Suppress Evidence

Subjects: Common Law Law
Words: 1949

The Strategic Management Of Sport Organizations

The impact of studying abroad on graduate employability.

Words: 1893

Plato’s Thoughts About Education

Subjects: Education Education Theories
Words: 1399

Sexism in the English Language

Subjects: Languages Linguistics

Methamphetamine Abuse and Foster Placement

Subjects: Psychology Psychology of Abuse
Words: 1124

Planning Law and Governance

Subjects: Government Politics & Government
Words: 1184

Australian Education Policy

Words: 1608

Social Rules in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”

Subjects: Sociological Theories Sociology
Words: 1104

Comparison Between the Two Stories “Kitchen” and “Spirited World”

Subjects: Comparative Literature Literature

Is the Rise of China a Threat or an Opportunity for Europe?

Subjects: International Relations Politics & Government
Words: 1983

International Financial Reporting Standards in Kazakhstan

Words: 3141

TNT Company’s Marketing Management and Strategy

Subjects: Business Marketing
Words: 2248

Buyer Behavior and Integrated Marketing Communications

Words: 1937

Organizations and Economic Environment

Subjects: Economics Macroeconomics
Words: 1523

Labour Regulation in The Clean Air Act

Subjects: Labor Law Law

Language and Culture Interaction in English Language Teaching

Subjects: Literature World Literature
Words: 2061

Multinational Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Subjects: Business Company Structure
Words: 1781

Organizational Behaviour and Leadership

Subjects: Business Management Theories
Words: 3642

SOS Systems Engineering, Integration, and Architecting

Subjects: Engineering Tech & Engineering
Words: 1643

Economic Situation in Germany: Analysis & Forecasts

Words: 3923

Communist Manifesto, Time and Social Issues

Subjects: Politics & Government Social & Political Theory
Words: 1409

London’s Airports Strategy

Subjects: Air Transport Transportation
Words: 5498

Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Health

Words: 2770

Islamic Culture: Land Ownership in Pakistan

Words: 6179

The Causes and Consequences of the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka

Subjects: Disasters Environment
Words: 3372

Trauma of Sexually Abused Children

Words: 3344

Impact of Learner-Centered Approach on the Teaching of Language for Specific Purposes (ESP)

Subjects: Education Learning Challenges
Words: 2773

The Influence of Consumerism on 7-11 Years Children

Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology
Words: 1388

Technologies, E-business, and Virtual Organizations

Subjects: Business E-Commerce
Words: 3063

Impact of Technology on Healthcare Services

Subjects: Health & Medicine Health IT
Words: 1238

Ethical Decision Making Models in Guerrilla Government

Subjects: Environment Environmental Studies

Instability and Division of Yemen

Words: 1457

Community Development in Theory and Practice

Words: 2052

The Importance of Organisational Culture

Subjects: Business Organizational Management
Words: 2222

General Motor Corporation in China

Words: 2269

Family Therapy: Bowenian and Narrative Approaches

Subjects: Behavior Psychology
Words: 3602

Organisational Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

Words: 2210

Behavior Matters in Our Life

Words: 1688

Toyota Plant Case – Lexus RX 330 Line Plant Location

Subjects: Business Case Study

The Role of Leadership in Business and Its Advantages

Words: 1738

Why Migration Cannot Be a Basic Human Right but Always Been a Part of Human Culture

Subjects: Immigration Sociology
Words: 1686

The Effects of the American Correctional Policy

Words: 1228

Trends in the Workplace

Epistemological nature of the knowledge and skills needed for real estate management, the ethical issues of genetic engineering.

Words: 2755

Management of Human Resources: Sound Recruitment and Selection Systems

Words: 1181

Early Gifted Education: Why Is It Needed?

Words: 4017

London Interbank Offered Rate Scandal

Subjects: Big Economic Issues Economics
Words: 1189

Separation Between Girls and Boys in the Classroom

Words: 3093

What Is Social Class and How Does It Contribute to Our Understanding of the Social Determinants of Health?

Words: 1460

Piaget’s Quote in Relation to Adult Learning

Words: 1140

Model of the social contract

Words: 1410

Tanzania and the Local Communities

Subjects: Environment Planet Protection
Words: 1007

Job Analysis Importance

Subjects: Business Professions
Words: 1471

Instructional Design Principles and Theory

A journey to the disneyland: from oswald to cinderella. walt disney and his personal demons.

Words: 3327

Exegetical Study of Biblical Divorce

Subjects: Religion Sociology of Religion
Words: 2842

Kantian Perspective on Water Privatisation

Subjects: Philosophical Theories Philosophy
Words: 1132

Integrated Marketing Communication Approaches in the Global Market Place

Words: 3373

HRM Challenges in Multinational Companies

Words: 2212

Is the sweatshop concept adopted by the U.S. manufactures overseas ethical?

Words: 2237

Affirmative Action Policy in the US

Words: 1106

Assessment and Evaluation Using Technology

Managing values and corporate responsibility in global business operations.

Subjects: Business Business Ethics
Words: 2522

Employee Attitudes and Work-Related Behaviour: Ongoing Challenge for the Contemporary Manager

Words: 1998

Impact of Global Warming on Wine Makers

Words: 3347

Google Does No Evil

Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering
Words: 1194

The emergence of a discourse of class disgust and neoliberal citizenship

Words: 1683

Effective Assessment and Evaluation

Content analysis of gender roles in media.

Subjects: Gender Studies Sociology

Wal-Mart and Its Unexpected Marketing Results

Studying abroad as a chance to employed.

Words: 1714

Education, Knowledge, and Social Change

Words: 2149

Challenges of Millenial Generation

Words: 1408

Project Management: Conceptual Analysis

Causes of gasoline price fluctuations.

Subjects: Business Industry

Fashion of Lebanon

Subjects: Design Fashion
Words: 2791

Domestic and Global Expansion

The shift from global to international strategy, preparing a case analysis: swot.

Words: 1141

Landscape Ecology: Developing a New Discipline

Subjects: Environment Environmental Processes

Analyzing the Findings of Falcons

Charter communication company: case analysis.

Words: 1113

Contribution of Playstation and Playstation 2 to the World

Tenure and divorce status correlation in an organization.

Subjects: Business Decision Making

Reverse Logistics at the Planning

Words: 1126

Strategic Management Accounting

Words: 3118

Men and Women in Internet and Social Media: Real-Life Stereotypes in the Virtual Communication

Subjects: Gender Identity Sociology
Words: 2863

The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park

Words: 1946

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Strategies

Demand for energy. energy sources.

Subjects: Ecology Environment
Words: 2539

Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security

Words: 3071

Zhao Zhao and the Chinese Contemporary Art

Subjects: Art Visual Arts
Words: 1720

Martha Stewart case analysis

Subjects: Judicial Process on Criminals Law

Amazon Basin Economics: Brazil and Ecuador

Words: 3044

Human Rights in 21st Century: China

Words: 1176

Introduction to Global Business

Words: 2036

The Post-Colonial Theory of the Large European Empires

Words: 1395

Comparison of Guided Search Model and Feature Integration Model of Visual Search

Subjects: Cognition and Perception Psychology
Words: 1857

Using Activity-Based Management to Evaluate a Business

Words: 4114

Is There a Particular Attachment Style Linked With Conduct Disordered Children

Subjects: Development Psychology
Words: 1701

“Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela

Subjects: Historical Figures History

Tennessee Williams: Characters in “The Glass Menagerie”

Subjects: American Literature Literature

Kant’s Philosophy: Water and Ethics

Bonnie and clyde at shotgun players in berkeley.

Subjects: Art Theater
Words: 1413

Influence of the Formal Cultural System on Ethics

Subjects: Ethics Sociology
Words: 2287

Vulnerability of World Countries to Climate Change

Words: 2483

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What Is an Analytical Essay? A Writing Guide With Examples

definition of "analytical essay" from the article

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Analysis is one of those ubiquitous words that can mean anything. You can analyze a piece of literature , or you can analyze a beautiful puppy’s eyes as it smiles directly at you. An analytical essay might not be as cute as that, but it can potentially be as fun or elucidating, as long as you know what you’re looking for.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a type of essay that involves looking at a subject of interest and explaining what it is saying.

Analysis can mean a lot of things here, but analyzing something usually involves dissecting it into its discrete parts and interpreting what each of those parts means, individually and as a whole.

For example, your analytical essay may involve a close-reading of a poem where you break it down line by line and discuss the metaphors , word choice, and other language elements that the text is working with.

Analytical essays are common in school, but they also appear in magazines, newspapers , and scholarly periodicals. These essays can cover a broad range of subjects, from pieces of art and media to historical events and scientific theories.

The Difference Between Analytical Essays and Critical Analysis Essays

Students and educators alike tend to confuse analytical essays and critical analysis essays , and for good reason. There’s a lot of overlap in that both require you to analyze something. Like an analytical essay, a critical analysis essay will involve breaking down a text.

One big difference is objectivity. Analytical essays are objective in nature, so you’re not really writing about your own opinions. While it’s generally fine to state a thought of your own in an analytical essay, any larger opinions or arguments about the text should come from the subject or the author of the subject.

Essentially, it comes down to taking that next step. With an analytical essay, it’s “Let’s analyze what this text is saying.” With a critical analysis essay, it’s “Let’s analyze what this text is saying, and here’s what I think about what it’s trying to say.”

General Structure and Format of an Analytical Essay

Analytical essays can come in a few different forms with their own structures. Cause and effect essays are a type of analytical essay that looks at the cause of one thing and its effect on other things. Compare and contrast essays are a type of analytical essay that looks at the similarities and differences between two pieces (or elements within a single piece).

A “straightforward” analytical essay will generally include the main parts of an essay :

An introduction to grab the reader’s attention, provide some basic context, and state a thesis describing what you plan to analyze
Body paragraphs that go into the actual analysis as stated by the thesis
A conclusion that briefly restates your thesis and looks forward or beyond what you discussed in your paper, like with a call to action or rhetorical question

Analytical Essay Example

As much as we appreciate you, we can’t write your essay for you, but it’s only because we want to help you exercise your analytical abilities (and we don’t advocate cheating). However, along with all the information and tips for writing an analytical essay , seeing a simple example of one might help you figure out how to build out an essay of your own.

DESCRIPTION full analytical essay example with lables
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PERMISSION Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary

Analytical Essay Introduction Example

Like nearly every other essay form, you want your analytical essay introduction to be captivating in some way, without diverging too far from the actual topic at hand. No matter how great your analysis, you want to give people a reason to even start reading your essay in the first place.

Unlike other essays, the thesis statement in your introduction doesn’t have to really be an argument. It is much more about stating what you intend to interpret in a text or work, as opposed to stating an opinion about it (even if it might seem like an opinion).

No one can truly understand the sensation of jumping directly onto a turtle, but this is just one of many characteristics bestowed upon the main character in the book Super Plumber Guy . The book depicts a brightly lit world of wonder, fungi, and amphibians in varying biomes. While the main character, Mr. Plumber, is depicted as an everyman, his distinct look, style, and behaviors as described in the book show that he is anything but.

Analytical Essay Body Paragraph Example

You’ll want to spend most of your time on the body paragraphs. This is where you’ll really dive into the content and dissect the topic. Unlike other essays, an analytical essay typically doesn’t require outside texts or sources to support your argument — specifically because you’re not arguing anything. Your sole focus is the text at hand, so don’t be afraid to really get in there.

Mr. Plumber was originally written as something of an everyday character that the reader could embody. He has no true personality, nor does he have a voice, often allowing secondary characters around him to fill in the gaps. The reader does know that he wears a brightly colored hat, jumps high, and enjoys mushrooms. These are humble characteristics that bring out the humanity of the character. Most people are not a list of unique characteristics but a mosaic of smaller idiosyncrasies.

Analytical Essay Conclusion Example

It can be really easy to overthink a conclusion . Don’t worry about saying something profound or summing up the entirety of human existence by way of your analysis. Instead, consider further questions or things that you might be wondering.

Super Plumber Guy remains a popular read containing a human character that many might consider boring or free of personality. However, Mr. Plumber is an exceedingly human character who acts as a blank slate for the reader. Diving deeper into other characters and their interactions with him may glean further insight into Mr. Plumber’s motivations and inner psychology.

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Writing Guides / How to Write an Analytical Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay

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A relatively advanced type of expository essay , an analytical essay is in-depth, asking you to pick apart, dissect, and discuss anything from a work of art or literature to a public policy initiative or a historical event.

View 120,000+ High Quality Essay Examples

Learn-by-example to improve your academic writing

Analytical essays ask you to put your thinking caps on. The best analytical essays are thoughtful and insightful.

Instead of summarizing the text, you critique it.

Instead of just saying what caused an event, you say why.

With an analytical essay, you are asked to read into everything with a critical eye.

Writing an analytical essay is your first step towards becoming a scholarly writer. This article will introduce you to how to write an analytical essay from start to finish.

What Is An Analytical Essay?

There are many types of analytical essays, depending on the class. The most common include:

Rhetorical analysis
Literary analysis
Formal analysis
Policy analysis
Historical analysis

All analytical essays should follow the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay format. The five-paragraph essay format follows the following outline:

I. Introduction

II. First Body Section

III. Second Body Section

IV. Third Body Section

V. Conclusion

Remember, even if your essay does not have exactly five paragraphs, you can still create a format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Format

A rhetorical analysis asks you to analyze someone else’s argument, speech, or essay. You can also do a rhetorical analysis on an advertising campaign or a work of literature.

Rhetoric refers to the tools of argument or persuasion.

When you write a rhetorical analysis essay, you are analyzing someone else’s argument to determine its overall effectiveness, or the types of rhetorical strategies being used.

For example:

Analyze the effectiveness of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail”

Analyze how Jonathan Swift uses irony and satire in “A Modest Proposal”

Analyze the use of gender stereotypes in a car commercial.

In a rhetorical analysis, you are focusing on the primary source: the original work of art or literature, the advertisement, or the political speech.

Questions to ask yourself will be:

What rhetorical strategies or techniques does the author use?

How effective are those strategies and techniques, and why?

The three main rhetorical strategies or techniques include pathos, ethos, and logos .

Pathos refers to emotional appeals:

“All the children are dying—your donation will help save them now!”

Ethos refers to appeals to ethical credibility, which often entails celebrity:

A basketball player is the marketing spokesperson for a Big and Tall store.

Logos refers to facts, logic, and statistics:

Although they comprise only 9% of the population of Los Angeles, African Americans comprise 39% of the city’s homeless population.

The trickiest part to writing a rhetorical analysis is remembering that you are analyzing the primary source.

You are not using the primary source as a springboard to discuss your own opinions. That approach would be more like an argumentative essay or a persuasive essay.

A rhetorical analysis is a type of analytical essay that asks you to critique a primary source.

The thesis statement for a rhetorical analysis will be your strong stance on how effective the author was, or what tools the authors used to achieve his or her goals.

Literary Analysis Essay Format

If you ever take an English literature class, you will be asked to write a literary analysis at some point.

A literary analysis asks you to critically engage a work of literature—the primary source text.

However, you may also be asked to include secondary sources in your literary analysis. Secondary sources are scholarly articles that analyze the same primary source text. In the field of literature, secondary sources are referred to as literary criticism.

In a literary analysis, you will look for things like:

Historical context
Other works by the same author

With a literary analysis, you come up with a strong argument about the primary source.

Because her female protagonist in “ The Yellow Wallpaper ” is trapped in a children’s nursery, Charlotte Perkins Gilman overtly critiques not just patriarchy but the social institution of marriage.

With this thesis, you are letting the reader know that you are going to discuss the way Gilman uses the motif of the nursery and the symbol of a prison as a means of critiquing patriarchal norms and institutions.

Formal Analysis Essay Format

A formal analysis is commonly assigned in an art, architecture, theater, or music classes.

The term “formal” in this case refers to the form the object takes: which will of course be mainly visual in the visual arts and mainly sonic in music.

Examples of formal analysis would be:

A formal analysis of a dance performance including its choreography and stage production

A formal analysis of a famous painting

A formal analysis of a classical composition

A formal analysis of a landmark cathedral

When you write a formal analysis, you will follow the five-paragraph essay format and take a strong stance in your thesis statement.

Van Gogh’s vivid color palette and intense brush strokes contradict the otherwise peaceful nature of the still life scene, revealing the artist’s conflicted mental state when he painted “Irises.”

With visual arts including architecture and performance art, you will take into account everything your eyes can see including line, composition, color, size, shape, and movement.

With music, you will take into account instrumentation, pauses, crescendo, intensity, harmony, and rhythm.

With most formal analyses, you can also take into account culture and history in addition to the manifest content of the work of art, music, or architecture. For example:

The flying buttresses, tall spires, and ribbed vaulting make the Chartres cathedral emblematic of French Gothic architecture.

[related essays]

Policy Analysis Essay Format

A policy analysis essay is common in political science courses. When you write a policy analysis, you will follow the basic elements of an argumentative essay including having a strong thesis statement.

The goal of a policy analysis exercise can be either to critique an existing policy and make recommendations for change, or to analyze a specific social or political issue and propose policy changes.

Topic examples for a policy analysis paper:

Analyze the Affordable Care Act and make recommendations for improvement.

Propose solutions to homelessness in your community.

Respond to arguments for and against gun control, making specific policy recommendations for your state.

Historical Analysis Essay Format

History classes will invariably include writing assignments related to specific people, places, and events.

Sometimes when you write a historical analysis , you may find it similar to the process of a cause and effect essay.

Topic examples:

Discuss how Hitler came to power.

How did the War of 1812 shape Canadian history, identity, and culture?

What role did the Ottoman Empire play in obfuscating the differences between Sunni and Shia communities?

A historical analysis can also be similar to a compare and contrast essay.

Some historians have suggested that the United States has been following a similar trajectory as ancient Rome; discuss.

Analyze the different effects of the War of Independence on the United States and Great Britain.

Come Up With a Topic

You start every analytical essay with either a prompt or a general subject area. Sometimes, coming up with the topic is the most difficult part of essay writing. When you are offered a particular essay prompt, it may be easier to get started on the next step of writing: brainstorming.

When you are already familiar with the subject area, you may be able to skip the brainstorming process altogether and skip straight to outlining or perhaps right to the rough draft.

Essay Prompt Examples:

Analyze the function of magical realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novel One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Compare and contrast the different fiscal or foreign policy strategies India and China have used over the past twenty years.

Especially when you are starting with nothing but a broad subject area, you will want to brainstorm some ideas first before you actually start composing your essay.

If your instructor asked you to choose your own topic, start with what you know or are interested in. Then, start with a Google search on various subjects to see how much information you can find.

Before you actually start writing whole sentences and paragraphs, take a few minutes at least to settle and gather your thoughts.

Brainstorming and other prewriting exercises like outlining [A4] are not wastes of time. On the contrary, these exercises save you time and trouble.

A good essay outline or brainstorming session will make your writing flow easier.

You can brainstorm any way you like: in a study group with friends, jotting down ideas, using abstract methods like drawing, or using techniques like clustering.

Analytical Essay Outline

Outlining your essay first helps you stay on track and organized. You will get much better results with your essays if you start with an outline.

In some classes, you will be expected to hand in your outline.

Analytical Essay Outline Example

A. Romantic literature frequently represented a turning away from modernization and a sentimental longing for a simpler life more connected to the natural world.

B. Mary Shelley’s dire warning of tampering with nature and playing God in Frankenstein reflects the unexpressed fears of modernization and rapid industrial development.

II. Body paragraph/section

Analytical Essay Format

An analytical essay follows the essay structure used in the five-paragraph essay as follows:

A. Lead-in or hook

B. Background information about the main ideas.

1. Main idea one

2. Main idea two

3. Main idea three

C. Thesis Statement: This happens because of main idea one, main idea two, and main idea three.

II. Body Paragraph/Section One

A. Topic sentence: The main idea for this paragraph

1. Will relate to main idea one

2. Will show how main idea one proves the thesis

B. Reason One

1. Evidence/direct citation to support reason one

2. Explanation of the evidence/citation

C. Reason Two

1. Evidence/direct citation to support reason two

D. Sum up the main idea for this paragraph to transition to next.

III. Body Paragraph/Section Two

1. Transition from main idea one (eg. “In addition to___, this is also a factor”)

2. Will show how main idea two proves the thesis

a) Use parenthetical in-text citations or footnotes

IV. Body Paragraph/Section Three

1. Transition from main idea two (eg. “In addition to___, this is also a factor”)

2. Will show how main idea three proves the thesis

D. Sum up the main idea for this paragraph to transition to conclusion.

A. Summary thesis statement: This happens because of main idea one, main idea two, and main idea three.

B. Why this matters or what it implies for future research

Although a title page is not always warranted, you may want to include a title page.

Similarly, some papers require headers, footers, or page numbers.

Almost all analytical essays will include a bibliography, such as a References or Works Cited page. All citations or in-text parentheticals used in the body of the paper will include a corresponding entry in your bibliography.

Make sure you follow all the directions and use the preferred citation style such as APA , MLA , or Chicago Style.

A. Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is more than just a work of gothic horror fiction.

B. Shelley’s novel encapsulates Romanticism.

1. The Creature symbolizes the way human beings alienate each other through the process of Othering.

2. The setting in winter symbolizes coldness in the human spirit, and the longing for warmth and comfort.

C. Mary Shelley uses powerful symbolism and imagery to show how faith in technology and science leads to alienation, isolation, and existential angst.

II. Body Section One

A. Topic sentence: The creature’s motherless birth makes it disconnected from the rest of humanity.

III. Body Section Two

A. Topic sentence: The setting of the novel is in the dead of winter, creating the perfect atmosphere of cold, isolation, and hibernation.

IV. Body Section Three

A. Topic sentence: The father’s fear of his own creation represents the failure of patriarchal norms to generate a warm and caring human race.

A. Mary Shelley shows how the vehicle of Romantic and Gothic fiction enables powerful social and political commentary, via the use of imagery and symbols related to human isolation and alienation.

Analytical Essay Example

Mary Shelley created one of the most iconic characters in literary history: Frankenstein’s creature. Although film adaptations of the story and pop culture appropriations of the original Shelley story have turned the creature of Dr. Frankenstein into a supernatural horror monster, the author’s original text sends quite a different kind of message to readers. Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is more than just a work of gothic horror fiction. In fact, Shelley’s novel encapsulates Romanticism: a return to nature and a longing for a life that is simpler than what modernity and its trappings like urbanization and industrialization provide. In Shelley’s novel, an ambitious scientist creates life: essentially an act of god. Yet the life he creates turns out to be monstrous: so ugly and hideous to the eye that his own “father” abandons him. The Creature symbolizes the way human beings alienate each other through the process of Othering. Likewise, the Creature represents the way that science and technology can be detrimental for human spiritual and ethical growth. The setting of the novel in winter symbolizes coldness in the human spirit, and the longing for warmth and comfort. Mary Shelley uses powerful symbolism and imagery to show how faith in technology and science leads to alienation, isolation, and existential angst.

The creature’s motherless birth makes it disconnected from the rest of humanity. Born in an insolated laboratory to a self-seeking Dr. Frankenstein, the Creature is abandoned instantly after its birth. Dr. Frankenstein is repulsed by the Creature: “How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?” (Chapter 5). Dr. Frankenstein clearly does not care that the Creature he created has feelings, and hastily abandons it to the cold. When Victor Frankenstein and his Creature reunite one day in the woods, the Creature proves his humanity through heartfelt tales of his alienation and abandonment, yet nothing comes from his pleas. The only person that warms to him is a blind man, who cannot judge the creature based on his appearance alone. Also, given that the Creature was not born of a woman, he is inhuman. Shelley may also be offering a feminist message that shows that only women should have the power to bring life into the world. When men usurp that power, they end up creating monsters. Thus, Shelley shows how people alienate and isolate each other through a process of Othering.

The setting of the novel is in the dead of winter, creating the perfect atmosphere of cold, isolation, and hibernation. The Creature is the ultimate symbol of Otherness. He is not fully human, even though he has feelings. The Creature has superhuman features and the ability to destroy life with his rage. Through the Creature, Shelley shows how people who are oppressed and disenfranchised come to view life with bitterness, resentment, and despair, perhaps leading to violence and aggression. The Creature can never be accepted by his fellow beings, and ends up killing wantonly out of revenge. Yet readers sympathize a lot more with the Creature than with Dr. Frankenstein because of the way Shelley uses potent symbolism and imagery.

Science is what enables Dr. Victor Frankenstein to create life from nothing, a power that is typically considered divine and spiritual in nature. Shelley does not necessarily suggest that science is evil, but that placing too much faith in science and not enough in moral virtues can undermine the human spirit. The reader in some way admires Dr. Frankenstein’s obsession with his work, yet deplores his coldness, his inability to connect with or feel any compassion for the life that he created. The reader wonders if Dr. Frankenstein would behave the same way towards a child that was born with a genetic abnormality. The father’s fear of his own creation represents the failure of patriarchal norms to generate a warm and caring human race.

Mary Shelley shows how the vehicle of Romantic and Gothic fiction enables powerful social and political commentary, via the use of imagery and symbols related to human isolation and alienation. Through the central symbol of a creature who is not-quite-human, Shelley shows how patriarchal norms may prevent natural human connection. Similarly, Shelley sets the novel in winter to accentuate coldness and lack of compassion. Although Frankenstein is not a polemic against science, Shelley does use the vehicle of Dr. Frankenstein to warn readers about losing their humanity through an overly materialistic life.

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. eBook. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm#

An analytical essay can be about almost anything. You can analyze a work of literature like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or you can analyze films, movies, songs, political campaigns, or historical events. Analysis is the process of thinking critically and creatively about your subject.

When you write an analytical essay, you take a step towards becoming a better writer. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding about what an analytical essay is and how to write one. If you need further assistance, seek help from a writing tutor.

Take the first step to becoming a better academic writer.

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