Guidelines for Writing an Analytical Essay
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5-line Heading (in the upper left-hand corner; single-spaced)
1) Name
2) Date
3) Course
4) Instructor
5) Period
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Title
Capture the essence of the thesis, the central point of the paper. Don't underline your own title
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The Introduction (5 sentences maximum)
1) Be sure to mention author and title (1 sentence)
2) Set up the context of the work (2-3 sentences)
3) Thesis (what) and
4) Structure sentence (why) (1-3 sentences)
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Supporting Evidence Paragraphs
1) Fluid transition with a strong, focused topic sentence (1 sentence)
2) Set up the quote (2-3 sentences)
3) Quote in the proper format (3 lines or fewer--embed within paragraph; 4 lines or more--block quote)
4) Analysis of the quote (50%+ of the space of the paragraph)
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The Counterargument Paragraph
1) Identify possible alternative viewpoint(s) to your thesis
2) Explain the logic by which one might hold opposing view(s) (Why might a person see it this way?)
3) Reveal the shortcomings of the counterargument and underscore why your interpretation is primary
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The Conclusion
1) Underscore the idea of your thesis without repeating it verbatim. Re-emphasize the central argument of the essay (without restating the thesis).
2) Step back and consider the wider implications of your thesis: So what? Who cares? What's the larger point of your argument?
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