Nova A.
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Analytical Essay Writing - An Ultimate Guide

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Published on: Feb 23, 2018

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2022

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Writing an analytical essay is different from writing a regular academic essay. This essay type highly depends on critical analysis and a thorough understanding of the topic at hand.

Read below to know everything about writing your essay successfully.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a writing piece in which a writer’s perspective and analysis of the chosen work is done. This essay requires observing things through a critical lens. It can take any form, including a piece of art or nonfiction writing.

This essay can be written for a movie, a video, a written piece of work, or a concept, issue, or idea. The writer presents a point of view based on the evidence from the text and personal research.

An analytical essay is subjective and based on facts and information related to the chosen topic. The ultimate goal of any analytical essay is to explore the subject matter in detail. It also highlights the gaps in research and available data on the issue.

Students usually get this type of essay as their academic assignment in both high school and college. For this purpose, it is essential to learn how a professional analytical essay is drafted.

Analytical Essay Outline

An analytical essay outline is the very first thing that you should consider when writing this kind of essay. It is usually between 500 and 1,000 words and it could be written following the usual five paragraph structure.

Here is a typical analytical essay outline structure;

Introduction

  • Hook Statement
  • Background Information
  • Thesis Statement

1st Body Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Supporting and Relevant Evidence
  • Transition to 2nd Paragraph

2nd Body Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Supporting and Relevant Evidence
  • Transition to 3rd Paragraph

3rd Body Paragraph

  • Topic Sentence
  • Supporting and Relevant Evidence
  • Transition to Conclusion

Conclusion


  1. How to Write an Introduction for an Analytical Essay?

    An analytical essay introduction is the first section of an essay. In this section, the topic is introduced to the readers. It is essential to make your introductory paragraphs engaging to grab the reader’s attention.

    Choose a catchy hook statement and avoid summarizing the prompt in this section. A catchy hook statement can be a fact, question, or a general idea. A good hook statement could be,

    “Terrorism is one of the biggest problems we face in the 21st century.”

    The hook statement here is the fact that nobody can deny. Also, the readers will be intrigued to know your reasons for making that statement.

    Next, put forward your stance or thesis statement at the end of your introduction after giving background information. For background information, state how laws have been dealing with terrorism and how people have to pay its price.

    As the introduction sets the stage for further information, make it compelling. Writing an exciting introduction will motivate the readers to read the entire essay.

  2. How to Write an Analytical Essay Body Paragraph?

    The body section of an analytical essay gives a detailed explanation of the text. The body paragraphs are based on the following elements:

    • A topic sentence
    • Analysis
    • Evidence

    A topic sentence is an opening sentence of a paragraph. This sentence states the main point that the section is talking about. Writing a topic sentence provides a structure to the body of the essay.

    For example, the first evidence to support your topic can be how freedom of free movement has been violated. This paragraph can say something like:

    “In developed countries, if an individual is suspected of any criminal activity, they can be detained without explanation.”

    This will give your audience an idea of what the point is to be discussed in that particular paragraph.

    After stating a topic sentence, provide analyzed information. This information is the claim or argument about the point made in the topic sentence. For example, talk about the physical restrictions enforced on a suspect. Also, discuss the penalties laid on the suspect of terrorism in terms of physical movement.

    In the end, each analysis provided is supported by the evidence. Together, all the sub-arguments support the main thesis statement of the essay. The harmony of the paragraphs is maintained by using linking words in the sections.

    These transition words are used to bring a smooth and logical flow in the content.

    Paraphrasing And Quoting

    When supporting your claim in the body paragraphs, a writer often uses the original text’s exact lines. This is known as quoting. It is suitable for the writer when he wants to use the author’s precise wordings to support his argument.

    But it is vital to make sure that this quoting is done correctly depending on the writing format. For example, if you are using an APA, MLA, or Chicago style in formatting your essay, quote accordingly.

    Paraphrasing is when a writer uses his words to summarize the author’s sentences in the text. The gist of the information remains the same while the writer changes wordings. Both paraphrasing and quoting are essential to make the body of your essay convincing.

  3. How to Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion?

    All of the paragraphs in the body should gradually lead the audience to the analytical essay conclusion. Concluding paragraphs are written to remind the audience how you supported the main argument.

    A conclusion sometimes asks for a broader connection to the world at the end of the essay. While writing a conclusion, the writer summarizes the significant points that justify his stance.

    For example, a reasonable conclusion of an analytical essay will be:

    “Though I have mentioned only a few civil rights that are most commonly violated, there are many others. To give up freedom for security is not a fair trade. There are surely better ways to fight and prevent terrorism. It is not worth it to cede your liberty in the fight against terrorism.”

    The conclusion is precise and reflects the whole discussion made in the body section. Keep in mind that the conclusion’s length is the same as the length of the introduction section.

How To Write An Analytical Essay?

Once you have taken all the necessary pre-writing steps, start writing your analytical essay. Use the following writing procedure to structure your analytical essay.

  1. Choose A Topic

    When reading a piece of writing or work, the title is the first thing that a reader comes across. So it should be exciting and appealing to the audience.

    While deciding on a topic, the following things should be kept in mind:

    • The topic should entice the reader to read your essay.
    • It should be unique enough to grab the audience’s attention.
    • And provide an adequate explanation of the content.

    For example, you decide on writing an analytical paper on “Is It Worth Giving Up Freedom To Defeat Terrorism?”. Think of possible ways in which you can make your topic interesting and relatable for the audience.

    Your essay topic should be direct and straightforward. For example, “Stop Terrorism.” It is simple yet enticing for the audience.

  2. Understand The Objective

    The objective of an analytical essay topic is identified by breaking the subject into parts. Each part is then studied in detail, and evidence is provided that supports your argument.

    In our example topic above, the writer’s objective can be to analyze how terrorism has affected the right to freedom. And Is it even justified? And why should terrorism stop? 

  3. Brainstorm Ideas

    Brainstorming ideas for your topic will help you identify a stance you can take on the issue. Think of points and ideas from different angles and choose the best perspective.

    You can always get help from other external sources. Research the topic and find patterns and ideas that will support your stance. These pieces of information are often essential and help in forming an excellent thesis statement.

    Think of ideas in which you can explain your topic and purpose the best. For the topic “Stop Terrorism,” study real-life examples and other writers’ work to support your case.

  4. Create A Thesis Statement

    A thesis statement is a primary stance or claim on the topic by the writer. This statement takes a sentence or two at the end of the introduction section of an essay. Make sure that the written thesis statement is arguable and is supporting one side of the argument.

    Writing a strong thesis statement is essential for an analytical essay. A good thesis statement can be: “Whatever the cost of terrorism, freedom seems like too high a price to pay.”

  5. Conduct Research

    In order to support your thesis statement, gather facts and evidence. Analytical essay works on both primary and secondary sources of information. 

    When researching the topic under study, you will see how people have to compromise freedom of speech, privacy, and free movement. Choose this information to discuss in your essay to support your point.

  6. Draft An Analytical Essay Outline

    An outline of an essay provides shape and structure to the content. The basic information is divided among different sections of the outline to give meaning to the essay. An analytical essay uses a basic essay outline. This outline consists of 5 paragraphs;

    1. Introduction
    2. Body paragraph 1
    3. Body paragraph 2
    4. Body paragraph 3
    5. Conclusion

    The quality of your essay will be assessed on how well the essay is structured. So draft an analytical essay outline to make your content presentable.



  7. Proofreading

    Always proofread your essay before submitting it. Check for mistakes and errors by revising your essay. See if the grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, tone, quoting, spellings, and syntax are correct or not.

Analytical Essay Examples

Students always look for examples to guide them in drafting their essays. These analytical essay examples will help you write an impressive essay.

How To Write An Analytical Essay?

Once you have taken all the necessary pre-writing steps, start writing your analytical essay. Use the following writing procedure to structure your analytical essay. 

1. How to Write an Introduction for an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay introduction is the first section of an essay. In this section, the topic is introduced to the readers. It is essential to make your introductory paragraphs engaging to grab the reader’s attention.

Choose a catchy hook statement and avoid summarizing the prompt in this section. A catchy hook statement can be a fact, question, or a general idea. A good hook statement could be,

“Terrorism is one of the biggest problems we face in the 21st century.” 

The hook statement here is the fact that nobody can deny. Also, the readers will be intrigued to know your reasons for making that statement.

Next, put forward your stance or thesis statement at the end of your introduction after giving background information. For background information, state how laws have been dealing with terrorism and how people have to pay its price.

As the introduction sets the stage for further information, make it compelling. Writing an exciting introduction will motivate the readers to read the entire essay.

2. How to Write an Analytical Essay Body Paragraph

The body section of an analytical essay gives a detailed explanation of the text. The body paragraphs are based on the following elements:

  • A topic sentence
  • Analysis 
  • Evidence

A topic sentence is an opening sentence of a paragraph. This sentence states the main point that the section is talking about. Writing a topic sentence provides a structure to the body of the essay.

For example, the first evidence to support your topic can be how freedom of free movement has been violated. This paragraph can say something like:

“In developed countries, if an individual is suspected of any criminal activity, they can be detained without explanation.”.

This will give your audience an idea of what the point is to be discussed in that particular paragraph.

After stating a topic sentence, provide analyzed information. This information is the claim or argument about the point made in the topic sentence. For example, talk about the physical restrictions enforced on a suspect. Also, discuss the penalties laid on the suspect of terrorism in terms of physical movement. 

In the end, each analysis provided is supported by the evidence. Together, all the sub-arguments support the main thesis statement of the essay. The harmony of the paragraphs is maintained by using linking words in the sections.

These transition words are used to bring a smooth and logical flow in the content.

Paraphrasing And Quoting

When supporting your claim in the body paragraphs, a writer often uses the original text’s exact lines. This is known as quoting. It is suitable for the writer when he wants to use the author’s precise wordings to support his argument.

But it is vital to make sure that this quoting is done correctly depending on the writing format. For example, if you are using an APA, MLA, or Chicago style in formatting your essay, quote accordingly.

Paraphrasing is when a writer uses his words to summarize the author’s sentences in the text. The gist of the information remains the same while the writer changes wordings. Both paraphrasing and quoting are essential to make the body of your essay convincing.

3. How to Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion

All of the paragraphs in the body should gradually lead the audience to the analytical essay conclusion. Concluding paragraphs are written to remind the audience how you supported the main argument. 

A conclusion sometimes asks for a broader connection to the world at the end of the essay. While writing a conclusion, the writer summarizes the significant points that justify his stance.

For example, a reasonable conclusion of an analytical essay will be:

“Though I have mentioned only a few civil rights that are most commonly violated, there are many others. To give up freedom for security is not a fair trade. There are surely better ways to fight and prevent terrorism. It is not worth it to cede your liberty in the fight against terrorism.”

The conclusion is precise and reflects the whole discussion made in the body section. Keep in mind that the conclusion’s length is the same as the length of the introduction section.

Analytical Essay Topics 

Analysis essays topics should be engaging for the readers, but coming up with the right topic can be quite challenging.

Below are some excellent analytical essay topics presented by experts to help you draft your essay:

  • How to promote gender equality?
  • Does physical appearance affect a person’s professional life?
  • Is digital life a dream came true for us?
  • How does street art highlight the good and bads of our society?
  • Is the trend of doping increasing in sports?

Analytical Topics about Psychology

  • How does personality affect the way we interact with others?
  • How do different psychological theories explain human behavior?
  • What is the role of emotions in human behavior?
  • What are the different types of mental disorders and how do they impact our lives?
  • What are the causes of addiction and how can it be treated?
  • How do our childhood experiences shape our adult lives?
  • How does stress impact our physical and mental health?
  • What are the different methods of therapy used to treat psychological disorders?
  • What is the role of genetics in mental disorders?
  • How does the brain influence our behavior?

Analytical Topics about Pop Culture

  • How does pop culture affect society?
  • How has pop culture evolved over time?
  • What are the most popular aspects of pop culture?
  • How does pop culture influence our behavior?
  • What are the negative effects of pop culture?
  • Is pop culture a positive or negative influence on young people?
  • How does the media play a role in shaping pop culture?
  • What are some of the most controversial aspects of pop culture?
  • What is the future of pop culture?
  • How can we use pop culture to create positive social change?

Analytical Topics about Art and History

  • Elements of design in ancient Greek art.
  • The influence of Roman architecture on modern-day architecture.
  • The development of perspective in Renaissance art.
  • Impressionism VS Post-Impressionism: A Comparative Analysis.
  • 20th-century movements in art history.
  • The meaning of color in different cultures throughout history.
  • Iconography in medieval art.
  • Analyzing specific pieces of art through a feminist lens.
  • Deconstructing the male gaze in works of art.
  • A critical analysis of popular portraiture throughout history.

Tips For Writing An Analytical Essay

Below are some useful tips provided by MyPerfectWords.com that you can follow to write an analysis essay professionally:

  • Planning your work is mandatory to write an analysis paper. The planning will help you create a checklist for your essay. Also, it will keep you on track the whole time.
  • Use present tense to draft your analytical essay.
  • Use an objective tone to discuss ideas and points.
  • Avoid using casual or informal language in your essay.
  • Do not use abbreviations in the text while writing your analytical essay.
  • Choose a unique and compelling topic. The text’s title should not be used as an essay topic.
  • Analyze the story and discuss it rather than retelling the story.

Hire an Analytical Essay Writer

If you are looking for assistance for your analytical essay, hire an analytical essay writer at MyPerfectWords.com. We are a legitimate essay writing service that provides assistance in all academic assignments, including research papers and college essays. 

It is a good idea for students to get help from an experienced analytical essay writing service. So feel free to contact us today to hire our online essay writer as we will love to help you out!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an analytical essay?

The purpose of writing an analytical essay is to explain, analyze, and make connections between ideas. Rather than summarizing the input like a traditional paper would do, it focuses on analyzing texts through critical thinking with literary works as examples for this process.

Does an analytical essay need a title?

Yes, analytical essays should have an interesting title for the readers to know what the essay is about. Do not use the title of your literary work as your essay's title.

Nova A.

WRITTEN BY

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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