Analytical+Essay


 * How to write an analytical text essay**

Analyse the Topic/Question
· Identify themes, issues and ideas in the topic · Note key words and write synonyms for them · List the questions the topic is asking and link these to themes and characters · Challenge the topic if necessary · Decide your opinion on the topic · Pay careful attention to directions in the topic and make sure you follow them ( Do you agree; discuss etc)**
 * · Identify all parts of the topic – often more than one

Plan the response
__**Guaranteed to be a high scoring**__ formal essay structure: Target – 800+ words Mention form (novel), genre (fantasy/science fiction etc.), creator's name (author) and title somewhere Define terms if necessary (that is, the terms that are open to different interpretations) Briefly mention key points related to themes and characters Use your own voice and a formal language style. (No 'I' statements, abbreviations or slang) || 100-150 words each || Separate paragraph for each key point Use TEEL structure **__E1__** expands and explains this idea. **__E2__** provides specific clear evidence for the point you make. Must also include **specific __analysis__ of the evidence**. Also use linking words to link ideas and paragraphs together like: However, conversely, Nevertheless, Although, It could be argued, On closer examination, From a different perspective, In another sense… (Include these links through the topic sentences)
 * Introduction. 1 paragraph – 100 words || Give your perspective/viewpoint on the topic
 * Body – 4-5 paragraphs
 * __Topic__ ** sentence: Makes a clear statement in response to the topic. Uses at least one of the key words from the topic
 * __L__ ** links these ideas to key words and ideas in the topic.


 * Make sure you have used Metalanguage, that is using words which demonstrate your understanding of the structures and features of the text – eg play, scene, character, theme, symbol, aside etc. (Do not overuse them or make their use sound contrived.)

E2 Evidence and analysis**: (This step is essential to access the higher grades) __Key scenes__ (Briefly identify key scenes, explore what they teach you about the characters/ideas and show how they advance the story. __Quotes__ (Make sure they are appropriate, relevant and fully explained)** See 'writing a text essay analysis' link above for advice on analysing quotations. __Writing conventions and techniques__ (How has the author used various language and structural techniques to enhance our understanding of the characters/ideas?) Tip: refer to the author by name. e.g. Orwell show us through Winston his...... __Background__ (How has the social, historical and cultural setting of the text shaped the characters and/or ideas?) || 50 – 100 words || Clearly restate your viewpoint or perspective in response to the topic and in the light of the evidence you have given Ensure there is a use of metalanguage in this paragraph – noting the way the author has constructed the text for meaning in relation to the topic Use the key words from the essay topic No new ideas (New ideas need to be in the main paragraphs where they can be explored and supported with evidence) ||
 * Conclusion – 1 paragraph

Making use of metalanguage and showing understanding of structures and features:
The [text type and title] exemplifies the [genre] because… [Author’s name] explores [list themes] in his/her [text type]… [Author’s name] gradually reveals…. The [adjective] title alerts the audience to the significance of …. The world of [setting]portrayed by [author] …. The theme of [theme] links characters together by… The protagonist of the text, [character name], invites/evokes sympathy/empathy/condemnation because… In [title] [authors name] explores [theme] against a backdrop of [setting] .. In their [text type, title], [authors name] challenges beliefs that.....