Analytical Writing

Analytical Writing Your How-To Guide for AP

What is Analysis • By definition, analysis is the processasamethod of studying the nature of something or of determiningitsessentialfeaturesandtheirrelations. • Simply put, it is looking closely at something and figuring out what is going on.

IT IS NOT SUMMARY!

Key Elements of Analysis • There are three terms that you will need to become familiar with for this class: • Assertion • Commentary • Evidence These are the three key elements of good analysis, and it will be what I look for when I grade your writing.

Assertions • Assertions are the key points that you are making in the paper. • Your first assertion will be your thesis statement as it will lay out each major point discussed in the paper. • Each body paragraph should begin with a concise assertion that will lay out what the paragraph will be about. • Good assertions will eliminate problems with transitions from paragraph to paragraph.

Evidence • This one is the easiest, and most forgotten. • You must have proof to support any assertion you make in the paper. • Your evidence can be in the form of summary or direct quotes. • Good analysis utilizes both.

Evidence cont. • Remember: when using quotes, only use relevant information that will help to get your point across. Using 15 lines of extra information does not make up for a lack of information in your analysis, nor does it fake out the reader into thinking that you have met the paper requirements.

Commentary • Commentary is your explanation of your assertion—the analysis. • It is the answer to “why is this important?” • This should be the majority of the paragraph, and should not include any summary of the text

Now, let’s look at the prompt.

First, dissect the prompt to figure out what direction your analysis should go. Read the passage below from the opening scene of Act II of The Crucible. Then, in a well-organized essay, discuss how Miller uses the language, both verbal and nonverbal, of John and Elizabeth’s conversation to convey important insights into their marriage. This is what your commentary will be focused on—how every bit of language tells you about the relationship. You have to look for both dialogue used, as well as the stage directions, for hints on the answer to this question

Now, your thesis… • You should cover all of the points for the paper in the thesis statement. • It should be concise—don’t give me the whole paper in the thesis, just the main points. • Rule of thumb: don’t cover any less than two points, and no more than three, in the paper.

So, if you are going to cover these things: Your thesis may look something like this: InThe Crucible, Miller usesthe Proctor’s tone and physicality to show that their marriage is unsettled and insecure. They are tentative around one another They are distrusting of one another They both try really hard to please the other

First, the assertion

1st body paragraph:Discussion of how they are tentative with one another • Your assertion should be a broad statement for the paragraph so that your commentary can get more specific. Example: John and Elizabeth are tentative with one another in an effort to create a sense of normalcy in their home. Adding spice to the stew—running away when Elizabeth comes in Elizabeth has a hard time accepting his compliment The kiss from John Elizabeth mentioning him going to Salem

Where is the proof? • Adding spice to the stew—running away when Elizabeth comes in • Elizabeth has a hard time accepting his compliment • The kiss from John • Elizabeth mentioning him going to Salem “As he is tasting again, her footsteps are heard on the stair. He swings the pot into the fireplace and goes to a basin and washed his hands and face. Elizabeth enters.” When he compliments the food, she “blushes with pleasure” and when he says he means to please her, she has a hard time saying she understands. When he kisses her she accepts it and “with certain disappointment” he sits back down. When she feels as though she must mention him going to town, Miller states “she doesn’t want friction, and yet she must” say it.

The Commentary • You need to explain why the marriage is uncertain and how their actions prove this. • Example: After the affair, John attempts to gain his wife’s forgiveness by trying to recreate the life they had before. He is quick to compliment her cooking, even though he surreptitiously added spice to make it more palatable, and he tries to give her nice things in the form of adding to their farm, in an effort to gain her trust and love back. She is hesitant to give much of her emotion to him, as evidenced by the ill-received kiss that he gives to her, leaving him with “much disappointment.” Through these actions, we can see that there is still much pain to be addressed, leaving them uncomfortable with one another.

Analytical Writing