An analytical essay is an essay that methodically and meticulously examines a precise topic to make conclusions or prove a theory or theories. Though analytical essays may be utilized in several fields, they are often used with literature and art to break down the various creative themes and examine their hidden symbolism and meanings.
An analytical essay plays a major role in the academic life of students. Thus, this guide by HelpHub is to address all the key concerns of analytical essay writing. Such concerns include how to write analytical essays and the appropriate outline and structure of the analytical essay. Therefore, before we dive into the writing process, it is critical to know what is an analytical essay and what is analytical essay writing.
What Is an Analytical Essay?
Analytical essays are essays that examine a sole topic intricately to provide an elaborate explanation of a particular claim or prove the theories of the author. Analytical essays normally deal with creative works such as film, literature, music, or art, dissecting the artistic themes of the creator and revealing the hidden meanings. Nevertheless, they can also address other disciplines such as society, politics, and science.
Guide On Analytical Essay Writing
It is critical to know how to write an analytical essay. Writing an analytical essay is simple as it follows the guidelines of writing any essay. Below is a comprehensive guide on analytical essay writing:
- Select a topic
- Research your topic
- Create an outline
- Write the first draft
- Revise the first draft and make a final draft
- Editing and proofreading
ü Select A Topic
Selecting a topic can be optional when the topic has been provided. However, when you are not provided with one, you should select one carefully. Your topic should be precise enough that you can comprehensively discuss it. Avoid topics with a wide scope since you are likely to create an argumentative environment. An analytical essay is not about leaving room for arguments but creating a creative environment for analysis and comprehension. Additionally, do not be too specific as you might lack what to cover in the material or work of art. Maintain a good level ground, that is, be specific enough to have room to discuss every essential aspect but general enough that you will be in a position to research and support your claims with tangible evidence.
ü Research On Your Topic
Once you have decided on a topic, you can start collecting information and evidence to back you up. If the analytical essay is on an accretive work, then you will need to spend enough amount of time evaluating and reviewing the work, if it is a film, you will have to watch closely, if it’s a painting, you will have to take note of all the details. Also, take note of what critics say about that work, this will help you identify some aspects you might have missed.
Make sure that you quote your references, and if it’s a movie, note all the time codes for visual media. Making such short notes during research saves on time since you will easily identify them while writing.
Good research helps you create a suitable thesis onset. However, it is essential to note that you are likely to realize that the initial thesis is not as strong as you would want it to be. If this happens, be flexible enough to make adjustments.
ü Create An Outline
An outline gives you a chance to organize your thoughts and research to enhance coherence and clarity. Normally, you create an outline when you are done doing the research and have ready talking points. Have an outline that gives you room to have all your ideas flowing.
Have paragraphs that bear single ideas. Ensure that every paragraph exhaustively elaborates on a point and does not have two points in a single paragraph. Also, avoid clashing perspectives in one paragraph. Remember you want to showcase your comprehension of the subject. The last thing that should happen is to confuse the readers.
ü Write The First Draft
Writing the first draft takes time as it’s the longest, therefore, it is important that you set aside enough time. Use the outline to guide you through the writing process. Ensure that you include every piece of data and evidence you had initially planned to include. Focus on including all the relevant information.
Be keen on how to start the essay. The introduction is crucial at this stage as it serves different roles. First, it tells the readers what to expect, it provides the readers with background information, and most importantly, it bears the thesis statement. Thus, it is vital to ensure that your introduction has all these details.
ü Revise The First Draft and Make a Final Draft
The initial draft does not have to be perfect. Once you have all your ideas, it is easier to revise the work. This is the best time to improve your words and phrases. During revision, pay keen attention to details. Remove phrases or words that make the essay wordy. Always put yourself in the shoes of the reader. How easy is it to understand the essay?
ü Editing And Proofreading
All your insights and opinions require well-structured and precise expression in an essay-free language free of errors. To ensure that you achieve your academic objectives and goals, you ensure that we carefully proofread your essay and fix all the language errors. Some of the errors include punctuation, grammar, spelling, and so much more. Make sure that you edit your essay to improve clarity, style, sentence structure, and, most importantly, coherence.
We do so to ensure that your work has a strong implication for the reader. To ensure that your essay attains the needs and guidelines required by the university or college, you should ensure that you provide all the required references and adhere to all the instructions provided. For more insight on analytical essay writing and related articles, visit HelpHub.