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How to Write a Strong Analytic Essay: A Manual for Students

Students have to learn how to communicate efficiently using a written language. This means that they need to develop strong writing, persuasive, analytical, and other skills. School instructors ask students to prepare analytic essays in order to gain these skills. However, it is not easy to gasp all the recommendations at once, so students often use different manuals that explain how to write a strong analytic essay, and what things are important to keep in mind. The material below can be used as such a manual.

Step 1: Do Some Initial Work

The first and a very important thing to do is to prepare for the writing. Read the piece of writing that you are going to analyze carefully, note significant details, and study some background sources related to it and its author. When you are done, you should organize your notes and write an essay outline.

Step 2: Work on Your Thesis

A strong thesis statement is something that your supervisor is looking for in your paper. It should be clear and plausible. You can come up with an original thesis but make sure it is not too complicated. In most cases, your thesis should be one-sentence long.

Step 3: Analyze the Most Important Ideas

You should focus on specific ideas stated in a paper that you analyze. While you are writing your analysis, try to support it with specific evidence, provide quotes from the text, and avoid simple observation. Do not add too many details; you should be selective and make the essay readable. Your paper should offer some original insights. Your task is to show understanding of your analytic essay assignment providing strong arguments and defending against counterarguments.

Step 4: Revise Your Essay Structure

After you complete your first draft, you should revise it to understand whether its structure includes necessary elements such as:

  • An introductory paragraph including a thesis.
  • Body paragraphs that explain your analysis supported by evidence.
  • A conclusion that restates your thesis and raises further implications.

Step 5: Finalize Your Essay

The last step that you should take is to check your essay. You should correct grammar and spelling mistakes, avoid passive voice, fragments, run-on sentences, and comma splices. It is better to take a break after you have finished the writing, and then proofread the essay. Sometimes, students ask their friends or family members to help them proofread their papers because it is easier to notice mistakes in pieces of writing made by others.