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Analytical Writing
Looking for writing help? You've come to the right place!! There are so many different types of writing but in this class, we often focus on literary, analytical writing.
Some important questions we'll address this year:- What is the purpose of analytical writing?
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How is it used?
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Why does it matter?
General ResourcesSTART HERE:
- Writing Process: Carlino's 11 Steps..
- Quick Reference Resource Packet: This includes
- the basics of intros, conclusions, and body paragraphs
- a CQA/RVT overview
- organization tips
- paragraph structure options
- analytical verbs list
- MLA formatting
THEN...
- OWL at Purdue - This is the link to the MLA formatting page, but there are LOADS of other resources on here if you explore it!!
- MLA formatting
- Download a one-page quick reminder/explanation of requirements.
- View a video screencast explaining the requirements and how to meet them.
- Works Cited made-easy: easybib.com
- Works Cited Video tutorial from Owl@Purdue
- Works Cited Sample with reminders
- Checklist to make sure you've got it all right!
- Embedding DQs
- This is one resource on Embedding "Quotations"
- Here's another explanation page that might be more helpful; this is using 9th grade materials.
- View a video screencast explaining how to Correctly Embed Quotations.
Getting to know the Literary Analysis EssayThesis Statements...where it all begins.- Thesis Statement PowerPoint - This reviews the 4-part thesis format with some examples.
- Thesis Statement "Formula" with Practice + Samples
- Open or Closed Thesis? This is a short reading on the types of thesis statements we'll craft in class.
- Thesis Statement Truths (Samples and Non-Samples)
- Establishing a Preliminary Thesis Statement
- Sample + How-To construct a thesis, using The Catcher in the Rye.
Analytical Paragraph Features
- Paragraph Structure Options - Not all paragraphs are created equal. You need to decide what structure you need to best convey your message. This is using J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, but the explanations can be applied to any writing.
- Constructing Effective Paragraphs: This is a copy of the packet that has the image above and gives more information about what each part of the paragraphs. It also has a quick R-V-T tutorial.
- When and how to BREAK a long paragraph
Topic Sentences & Transitions
- ...check out this WHOLE PAGE of resources
- Paragraph Transitions: Hilariously & Helpful Video (which are connected to Topic Sentences but not always the same thing!)
- Transitions: Website with Written Explanation & Super Helpful video at the bottom.
- Transitions: Side by side comparison of essay with and without transitions
Analysis
- Analysis Dos and Don'ts (using Catcher): Click here for specific reminders about HOW to analyze. Showing vs. telling and examples of strong personal analysis following a quotation.
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While I encourage you to use this sample writing as a model, please take care to do your own original thinking when crafting a thesis and supporting details
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- Analytical Verbs List
Introductions (and some Conclusions)
- Sample intros (Using Catcher)
- Sample intro & Conclusion (Using Gatsby)
- How-To Guide from Princeton (including conclusions)
Writing Advice from Real PeopleBefore I give my perspective on it, I recommend you read these Survey Responses from friends and coworkers who wrote about how they use analytical writing in their jobs every day.Also - just a few other gems of wisdom they've shared can be found on the Writing Tips page.
Other tidbits:- Substitute Words for "Said" and "Shows"
- Useful Linking and Transition Words
- Style Stars (ways to spice up your writing!
- Showing vs. Telling- View these paragraphs side by side to see the difference between telling about an event and actually including it specifically.
