Your analysis should be 2 to 3 pages long, 400 to 600 words, double spaced.
It should follow the MLA format. Since you have only one source, you won’t need to cite that source. You will mention it in the introduction. Do not create a separate cover page.
Your introduction to the essay can be straightforward. Simply address the following components: Identify the following components for the essay you are analyzing: title, author, type of argument (refer to your vocabulary sheet), line of argument, intended audience, thesis. The rest of your essay should be based on the three or four quotations that prove the thesis you identified. Each body paragraph should analyze one of the quotations that you identified.
Do not refer to outside sources.
Do not argue with the writer.
Do not merely summarize the essay.
Analyze the way the writer is trying to get their point across to a specific audience.
You must provide at least three quotations from the text. In each of your body paragraphs, analyze one of the quotations.
Devise an original title for your analysis.
Some definitions. (Ground rules for our course.)
A summary: Here’s is what they say.
The summary of an essay is comprised of a short recapitulation of an essay. This consists of identifying the thesis of the work. Typically, you will provide an overview of the beginning, middle, and end of the piece. You must point out the thesis. You will not provide your thoughts on the thesis. You will not provide any outside sources.
A response: You are wrong. I am right.
This is a first-person point of view essay that identifies a particular position or points of an essay and then provides a rebuttal. Although some summary of the work in question is offered to make clear the claim the author is countering, the majority of the essay is comprised of evidence to prove your counter-argument. (Of course, an author you can also respond by further enforcing, or agreeing, with the claim/s of the essay.)
Analysis: Reading between the lines.
This consists of breaking down some specifics components of the essay i to point out how the original author was structuring their argument. You will not give your opinion about the claims in the work. You will not agree or disagree with the essay. Provide an examination of how specific words, evidence, even metaphors are used by the original author to make their case.
Practice for the Final Exam.
The final exam will consist of analyzing an essay. If the course is in person, the essay will be distributed at the beginning of class. The analysis must be completed during the class and submitted at the end of the class.
If the course takes place online, the final will simulate an in-person final exam, and will have a time limit and possible proctoring rules.
I’ve provided two essay for practice. There is also an example of an analysis written by a student. It earned an “A” and provides a great model. Read the essays and write an analysis for practice.
