How to Write an Analytical Essay: a Quick Guide for Students

Writing an analytical essay does not have to be difficult. With a little general essay writing knowledge and analytical know-how, you can craft a high quality analytical essay that will earn a respectable grade. From choosing a topic to completing the conclusion, here are a few tips to help you write your analytical essay:

• Choose a topic you understand. When you analyze any subject, you need to have a good understanding of the components that make the subject a whole. Your analytical essay will show your knowledge of the subject. If you have to analyze a book, you should have read the book or if you are analyzing a movie, you should have actually watched the movie (hopefully more than once).
• Write a great introduction. There are two ways to impress your instructor with your writing assignments. The first is by writing an outstanding introduction. The second is by showing that you know the subject. Your introduction should have an attention-getting hook, like a quote from the book or movie you are analyzing, a short anecdote that relates to the topic, or a series of thought-provoking questions. Then, you should provide ample background so your reader can immediately connect with your topic. Lastly, the introduction should have a thesis that shows what the rest of the essay will prove.
• Prove your thesis. As you write your analysis, you should always keep your thesis in mind. It is vital that use the body of your paper to prove your thesis and show your thorough understanding of the subject. If you are analyzing a book or movie, you should look into the characterization, the setting, and all of the other smaller parts. You should also include strong transitions that help the reader make sense of what you are proving in the analysis.
• Remember the conclusion. This is the place where you can serve up the last punch to the reader. You should restate the thesis, remind the reader of the main points, and then leave the reader thinking about your topic. While the conclusion is not one of the items that instructors usually look at closely, a good one will prove to your instructor that you really do care about your grade.
• Always proofread and edit. This final step also shows you care. Check your sentences for first word variety. Look for typos. Catch those innocent mistakes. By doing this, your instructor will reward you with a top grade.