Girl Writing Analytical Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay? (With Samples)

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As a student, you may wonder how to write an analytical essay when assigned this task for the first time.

 

1. What Is an Analytical Essay?

Analytical essays zone in on a specific topic, dissect it into multiple segments, approach each from various perspectives, and use detailed arguments to present a conclusive opinion based on the findings.

Students must use their research, critical thinking, and analytical skills to the fullest when working on this essay. From choosing topics for an analytical essay to conducting comprehensive research and compiling the analytical essay conclusion, they need to present strong, well-articulated arguments to persuade the reader. If you’re tasked with this project, we understand your problem. It’s not easy to compile this writing piece.

The biggest issue arises from students not being used to working on analytical assignments. Other categories of essays, like literary, narrative, and descriptive, are more common in school. It’s why students feel under so much pressure to work on this specific essay type.

The major difference between analytical (or other expository types) and other essays is that the former focuses on hard facts, analysis, and resulting consequences. In contrast, others usually include the author’s personal opinions.

 

How to Approach an Analytical Essay?

So you have an analytical essay assigned to you. You understand you will need to put on your thinking cap for this one. But how should you approach it? What should be your goal? And where do you even start?

Here, UK Writing Experts’ writing professionals will describe how to work on your analytical essay. You will get a step-by-step guide for everything from creating an outline to compiling your introduction, thesis statement, body, and conclusion.

 

2. How to Create Analytical Essay Outline?

Creating an analytical essay outline is a crucial step in the writing process. Let’s discuss how to build one.
Typical analytical essay outline
Following is the standard outline used in analytical essays. We’ve included details for your reference.

 

a. Introduction

1. Hook: This is the phrase, statement, or line that grabs a reader’s attention from the get-go. It has to be strong and pack a punch.

2. Background information: This gives some context to the hook. It provides readers with information while allowing a transition to the thesis statement.
3. Thesis statement: This is the most important part of the introduction. It explains to the reader what they can expect from the rest of the essay.

 

b. Body paragraph 1

1. Topic sentence: This statement describes the main idea of your paragraph to set the foundation.
2. Supporting evidence: This may include any legitimate source or relevant data to back up your argument.
3. Transition to the next body paragraph: This will help your readers transition to the next paragraph seamlessly.

 

c. Body paragraph 2

1. Topic sentence: Same structure as described above.
2. Supporting evidence: Same structure as described above.
3. Transition to the next body paragraph: Same structure as described above.

 

d. Body paragraph 3

1. Topic sentence: Same structure as described above.
2. Supporting evidence: Same structure as described above.
3. Transition to the next body paragraph: Same structure as described above.

 

e. Conclusion

1. Summary of major points: This section presents your arguments briefly.
2. Thesis statement: This is the same statement as in the introduction but described in light of the results of your analysis. It connects your conclusion to your introduction to come full circle.
3. Key takeaways: This section covers the impact of your findings and highlights the key takeaways.

 

3. How to Write Analytical Essay Introduction?

A well-crafted introduction works wonders to engage your readers from the very beginning. It sets the foundation for your essay and gets your audience to lean in for your arguments and analysis.
The first sentence usually makes up the hook. So, keep it short and catchy. Avoid using too much jargon—there will be ample time to use them later in your arguments.

The beginning of your introduction should give your audience a reason to keep reading, so take your time to compile a great one.

Once you’re done with the hook, you need to give background information to the reader, so they understand what the hook is about and where you are going with it in your write-up. You can bring in more detail here. For example, define major terms, add some geographical, historical or social context, summarise existing research on the subject, or describe the structure you will use (for lengthier essays).

However, keep in mind this is still part of the introduction, so while you can mention these points, don’t get into too much detail. You can return to the subject later in your body paragraphs and provide evidence, but this is not the place to do so.
Finally, you need to wrap up your manuscript with a strong thesis statement summarising your main argument or argument points. Remember to restate this in the conclusion section as per your analysis findings. It’s why the professionals at UK Writing Experts always suggest writing the introduction and conclusion last. This way, you will be able to link your introduction with your conclusion better.

 

4. Formulating an Analytical Thesis Statement

In an analytical thesis statement, you will have to take a stance on the topic. You will present your arguments and evidence to back up your thesis throughout the essay. For instance, if you are assigned an analytical essay on the topic of making school uniforms mandatory around the world, this can be your thesis statement:
“The negatives of school uniform policies are outweighed by their numerous benefits to students: mandatory uniform policies allow students to save time and effort in dressing up every day, instil a work ethic, and help them familiarise themselves with the professional environment where following a dress code is a given.”

The above statement tells the reader what the author believes and lists the main points they will provide evidence for in the essay.

Make sure your thesis statement contains a strong stance, or your readers will be confused about the purpose of the write-up.
We understand working on your analytical essay introduction can be challenging, so if you need help, you can always talk to our experts!

 

5. How to Write an Analytical Essay Body?

The best way to draft excellent body paragraphs is to follow a good structure. The standard academic outline begins with the topic sentence, provides detailed information and analyses it, and concludes with a transition statement for the next body paragraph.

The easiest way to remember this is with the mnemonic PIE.
P: Main Point
I: Information
E: Explanation

a. The Point

The “point” will be your topic sentence. Like the top crust and topping of any delicious pie, it should entice the audience to keep reading. State your argument here without adding too much detail—you can add that to the information section.

b. The Information

This will be the “meat” of your paragraph. It contains most of the information and evidence to back up your point. You can cite journal sources and use relevant stats and facts to support your argument. This will be the lengthiest portion of your paragraph.

c. The Explanation

This is the bottom crust of your paragraph that ties the whole thing together. Without this, your point and information will fall apart. This is where you analyse the information, conclude your argument, and transition to the next body paragraph.
This outline will help you categorise your information easily. However, remember that there is often an overlap between the information and explanation section. So, don’t be afraid to analyse the new points you presented to the reader without waiting to cover all details first. It all depends on your writing style and how you manage the flow of your essay.
If any of this sounds confusing and you need help, the specialists at UK Writing Experts will be happy to help. Hop on a call or reach out to them on the website, and they will guide you.

 

6. How to Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion?

Once you’re in the writing flow, it can be much easier to continue your essay than wrap it up. It’s a bit like Newton’s first law—things tend to stay in motion or at rest unless you put some external work. In this case, the external work would be a conscious attempt to close your essay.
That said, it’s not easy to conclude your document.

Many people will advise you to summarise your arguments in your analytical essay conclusion. This is the worst thing to do because if the readers sense you’re only repeating what you said, they will be put off. A better option is to synthesise your points instead—show how the arguments you made and the evidence you presented throughout the essay fit together. Use your conclusion to drive home your thesis statement.
You can also present some areas that point to a bigger picture. For instance, if your assignment is an analytical essay on the writing style of Mary Shelley, your conclusion can include her stories’ impact on the formation of the horror and science fiction genres.

Now, enough for the “dos”. Here are the “don’ts” of writing your analytical essay conclusion and why you should avoid them:
a. Short statement-style conclusions: This is the complete opposite of how you should conclude this style of essay. You need to convince readers with evidence instead of forceful statements.

b. Emotional conclusions: Like the above, this also stands against the nature of analytical essays. Cheesy, emotional conclusions will not impress your reader and devalue your arguments.

c. “New ideas” conclusions: This type introduces readers to new ideas, arguments, or evidence. It confuses readers and negates the purpose of a conclusion, i.e., wrapping up your essay.

 

7. Analytical Essay Examples

Following is a small excerpt from a critical analysis essay we worked on for the Lord of the Flies. The topic was to discuss the different forms of fear of the three main characters and how it impacts the storyline.
“…While other personality traits like narcissism have a definite place in the progression of Jack’s personality, his fear of losing power is the main driving force for his increasingly violent nature throughout the book.
For instance, when Ralph is elected leader, Jack sees it as Ralph “taking” his power. He is fueled by the fear of losing authority forever and spends the rest of the story trying to win it back by any means. He also uses fear to scare others and defame Ralph.

“Yes. The beast is a hunter… The next thing is that we couldn’t kill it. And the next thing is that Ralph said my hunters are no good…Ralph thinks you’re cowards, running away from the boar and the beast…He’s like Piggy…He isn’t a proper chief… (Golding 126-127) …”

Our experts also worked on an analytical essay that discussed the advantages of making uniforms mandatory in schools. Here is an excerpt from the manuscript:
“…The necessity of uniforms in school has been a long recurring global debate. And the views are quite mixed. Research shows inconclusive results from surveys conducted to gauge public opinion. While the UK is strict on the school uniform policy, many countries, regions, and private schools around the world allow regular clothes for school. Institutions favouring the former option often tout the reason as ease.

When students wear the same clothes daily, they don’t have to waste time picking the right outfit or worry about making the right fashion choices every day. A school uniform instils the same work ethic as a professional working environment where a specific dress code is not only expected but required. A uniform teaches discipline and separates the personal life from the academic one…”

 

8. Analytical Essay Topics

Picking your own topics for analytical essay assignments can be both a blessing and a boon. While you get creative freedom, getting started is often tough because you’re either lost or drowning in the numerous possibilities. Our experts have compiled a list of sample topics to help you get through this challenge. You can either use these subjects as is or modify them as per your preference:

 

i. Analytical Essay Topics about Psychology

a. Modern issues in multicultural psychology
b. Discuss the psychological effects of an economic crisis
c. Discuss the psychological development of people of colour in predominantly white regions
d. Discuss the psychology of consumer behaviour in light of current trends
e. Discuss the psychological impact of COVID-19
f. A poor home environment disrupts a child’s psychology. Discuss
g. Apply organisational psychology to a company’s recruitment process
h. Discuss the psychological effects of advertisements
i. Discuss the impact of culture shock on individual and group psychology
j. Discuss the psychological effects of technology use in Generation Z

 

ii. Analytical Essay Topics for College

a. How does peer pressure impact college life?
b. Discuss the positive effects of cognitive therapy on mental disorders
c. Euthanasia should be legalised. Discuss
d. Discuss the causes of suicide among young girls in the UK
e. Discuss the negative effects of optimism
f. Discuss the side effects of animal testing and alternatives
g. Discuss the major players in climate change
h. What factors encourage and instigate war?
i. How did abstract art develop over history?
j. Minimalist architecture removes personality. Discuss

 

iii. Analytical Essay Topics for High School

a. Why do ants live in colonies?
b. Every classroom should have a pet
c. Men gossip more than girls. Discuss.
d. Healthcare and education should be free
e. Societal pressure severely impacts mental and physical health
f. Firstborns are better at studies than younger siblings. Discuss
g. How do bold movie topics influence society?
h. Current teaching methods are not effective. Discuss
i. Discuss the newest forms of addiction and their impact
j. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of homework

 

iv. Analytical Essay Topics on Education

a. Can education bring social change?
b. School uniforms are better than regular clothes. Discuss
c. How can students avoid bullying in schools?
d. Sex education in schools is important. Discuss
e. Are school authorities performing their duties loyally?
f. How can education standards be raised?
g. Higher education ensures better career opportunities. Discuss
h. Why is practical learning more important?
i. Homeschooling is better. Discuss
j. How are education and wealth connected?

 

v. Funny Analytical Essay Topics

a. Why do humans not have a tail?
b. People love pets more than people. Discuss
c. Why are dropouts more successful than valedictorians?
d. What street skills do detentions inadvertently teach students?
e. Why does every horror movie have the same plot?
f. Honesty is not always the best policy. Discuss
g. How does nihilism help lead a better life?
h. Shakespeare was a laid-back, chill bloke. Discuss
i. Civil vampires, if real, would succeed more in our society today. Discuss
j. Why is America the bad kid on the block?

 

9. How Can We Help You Write Great Analytical Essays?

At UK Writing Experts, we have teams of professionals who can compile high-scoring essays with ease. This is because we have a strict hiring and training system. We only add experts to the team who pass our rigorous hiring and vetting process. Furthermore, we train them in the art of writing and conduct regular sessions to keep them updated on current trends and allow them to hone their skills.

Another part of our training sessions includes working on tight deadlines without compromising quality. We make sure all our experts can handle urgent orders without getting too worked up over it. This helps them keep a clear mind when such projects come in and allows us to delight more clients.

Our professionals not only provide complete writing and editing assistance but can also deliver ad hoc services like help with specific sections of an assignment or editing drafts.
The UK Writing Experts are there for you no matter what you need. So, call us now to get help with your analytical essays!