Guidelines for Writing an Analysis Paper

A critical analysis paper requires a student to present an informed opinion about a text, movie, subject or issue. To be successful, the writer needs to identify the claims made in his subject matter and whether or not those claims agree with his own position.

Questions and Approach

Questions can be used to structure an analysis. They may inquire about the theoretical background of the subject matter, the clarity of the points made and the concepts explained, and whether or not the evidence presented is compelling. Questions like these help a student to structure a response to the subject of the analysis.

Essay Structure

An analysis paper should have a strong introduction, body and conclusion. Start by identifying and describing the work. Sum up the ideas within the work. Critique those ideas and draw a conclusion. It is essential to keep an analysis organized and easy to follow; to that end, the writer needs to use an effective thesis statement.

Thesis Statements

An effective thesis statement cannot be a statement of fact; rather, it must be an opinionated expression of the central argument the writer is making. Effective thesis statements are one sentence in length; for example, a writer might state that an analysis of the movie "Crash" shows that racial roles and tensions are complex in America.

References

• University of Washington Writing Center: Writing Critical Analysis Papers
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

Resources

• Indiana University: Writing Tutorial Services: How to Write a Thesis Statement