Introduction to Analysis Essay Writing
Writing an analysis essay requires you to carefully examine a text, whether it’s a book, poem, work of art, movie, person or event. For this type of essay, you must breakdown key elements and concepts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the material. Your overall goal is to analyze what the text, person or event means rather than simply rehash or summarize what it is about. This involves careful reading and consideration of themes, arguments, evidence and other important factors.
Throughout your analysis essay, you need to clearly communicate your own ideas about the meaning and significance of what you are analyzing. You should not simply state your opinion without backing it up with examples and explanations from the source material. Developing an insightful analysis takes planning, focus and logical reasoning skills. Follow these steps to write an effective analysis essay on any given subject.
Choosing a Topic for Analysis
The first key step is choosing a suitable topic that lends itself well to in-depth analysis. Be sure to select a source that interests you as you will be analyzing it in detail. Also consider choosing a topic that is narrow enough to thoroughly cover within the scope of your essay, usually between 5-10 pages. Some good options for analysis include:
A novel or short story: Analyze characters, plot, themes, symbolism, narrative techniques, etc.
A poem: Analyze language, metaphors, rhyme/metre, symbolism, themes.
A painting, photograph or other visual work of art: Analyze composition, symbolism, colors, subject matter, intended message.
A historical event: Analyze causes, key players, consequences, significance.
A scientific theory or discovery: Analyze evidence, methodology, impact, open questions.
A speech, essay or opinion piece: Analyze arguments, evidence, rhetorical techniques, intended audience.
Developing an Analytic Angle
Once you’ve selected your topic, the next step is deciding on a specific analytical angle or thesis for your essay. Avoid broad, vague topics like “an analysis of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird” which does not indicate your focus. Instead, formulate an argument about some element of the text and how it contributes to meaning. For example:
“An analysis of how Harper Lee uses symbolism of the mockingbird to represent innocence in To Kill a Mockingbird.”
“An analysis of how Picasso uses color and composition in his cubist painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon to break conventions of realism.”
“An analysis of how Malcolm X’s use of rhetoric in his ‘Ballot or the Bullet’ speech mobilized the civil rights movement.”
Your analytic angle provides a focused thesis for your essay rather than just describing the text. Make sure it can be argued and supported convincingly.
Gathering Evidence and Developing Your Analysis
Once you have your topic and analytic angle determined, the next major step is gathering textual evidence that is relevant to supporting your argument. As you re-read or re-view the source material, take comprehensive notes on specific passages, quotes, images, events or other details that illustrate elements relating to your thesis. These passages will serve as evidence within your essay’s body paragraphs as you develop your analysis.
Organize your notes thematically based on how different evidence contributes to your overall argument. For example, you may have groups of notes on:
Symbolism used
Characterization techniques
Historical context
Rhetorical devices
Formal composition elements
Themes addressed
As you analyze different parts of the text, explain their significance to your thesis using specific evidence. Draw logical conclusions about meaning, themes, impact and related factors based on discussion of relevant excerpts or details from the source. Your analysis should go beyond surface level description to offer meaningful insights.
Structuring the Analysis Essay
Effective essay structure and formatting is important for delivering your analysis in a clear, coherent way. Most analysis essays follow a basic introduction, body, conclusion structure:
Introduction:
Provide context on the subject of analysis
Clearly state your focused analytic thesis
Body Paragraphs:
Each paragraph analyzes a different theme, element or piece of evidence
First sentence establishes topic being discussed
Following sentences integrate quoted evidence with your own analysis
Conclude each paragraph by linking analysis back to thesis
Conclusion:
Summarize key points of analysis without just restating them
Restate thesis in different words to conclude overall argument
Leave reader with final reflective thoughts on significance
Include proper in-text citations whenever directly quoting or paraphrasing from the source material. Be sure to also include a Works Cited page following MLA or other formatting standards. Throughout, maintain an academic, objective tone avoiding overly casual language. Focus on in-depth analysis rather than surface-level description.
Revising and Editing for Quality
Like any essay, an analysis paper requires careful revision and editing to develop cogency and fluency. Take time away from your initial draft before re-reading with a critical eye. Check for:
Logical flow and connection between ideas in body paragraphs
Well-integrated and cited evidence that clearly supports analysis
Missing analysis or undeveloped points needing more depth
Transitions between paragraphs and sentences for coherence
Conventions of spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting
Voice – is it objective, insight-oriented and engaged throughout?
Solicit feedback from others to identify areas for revision or clarification. With multiple rounds of refinement, your analysis essay can achieve a sophisticated, nuanced and persuasive final form for maximum success. By selecting an appropriate topic, establishing a focused thesis and gathering evidence to thoughtfully develop your analysis, you can write an excellent analysis essay meeting assignment rubrics.
Andrew Stroud