Analytical Writing

  • Standard Essay

    • hook

    • background

    • thesis statement (last sentence of intro)


  • Timed Essay

    • brief intro, can just be a thesis statement

    • could have limited context in body paragraphs due to time

    • conclusion should be short and meaningful - AT LEAST end the essay by restating your thesis statement


  • Thesis Statement

    • don’t restate, answer the question

    • include title of text and author


  • Supporting Paragraphs

    • transitional words

    • context

    • quote of evidence

    • explain

      • answer the whole prompt

      • tie idea back to the thesis statement


  • Conclusion

    • restate thesis statement

    • final insight on the body paragraphs

    • no new examples


  • Language

    • usually for formal essays

    • no first or second pronouns (I, you, we, us)

    • no abbreviations or contractions

    • use present tense, unless there is a mentioning of the past

    • use active voice, not passive

    • underline or italicize longer works (ex. Frankenstein)

    • use quotation marks for shorter works (ex. “The Necklace”)