The analytical essay goes beyond simple summary and description. Rather than telling the reader the facts of the situation, the analytical essay demands that you examine information and evaluate it. Put another way, the analytical essay does not simply ask what, where and when; it asks why and how.
Read your assignment instructions carefully. Questions about your analytical essay? Ask your instructor or TA.
Read critically. Think about strategies to compare-constrast sources, if you are doing an essay that that asks you to compare-contrast two works.
Focusing your research topic is a challenging process which takes time and work. Try brainstorming through pre-writing strategies, creating a concept map, or asking questions to generate possible topics.
Create a working thesis statement.
Note that a working thesis will change as you work with your topic, and you will eventually create a final thesis statement.
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Write a first draft. Be careful to construct a logical argument, with coherent paragraphs, and a strong introduction and conclusion.
Revise drafts of your work.
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