analytical essay example for college students

Analytical Essay: Dissection of Student’s Feared Topic

Analytical essay is not just a nightmare for college students, it also gives them a headache when they are making one. Every student finds these essays cumbersome and excessively demanding due to the nature of complexities involved in them. That’s the prime reason these students fail in their term papers, coursework projects, etc.

We almost had you! Right? In the presence of our esteemed professional writers, there’s nothing to worry about! We will make your day by offering you all the information you need to become successful in your academic career. If you’re struggling to get to grips with such assignments, this blog post is for you. Today, we will discuss everything from writing an analytical essay to outlining its various parts.

Additionally, we will provide you with an ideal essay example that’ll do more than just providing you knowledge. So, take out your notepads / tablets / computers and start scribbling right away. Let’s get ready because we are deep diving into this topic right now!

Table of Contents

How to Write an Analytical Essay?

Writing an analytical essay is not as difficult as doing a thorough analysis yourself. Since a critical analysis essay is all about analyzing a topic / subject/ personality/ character / book / or any literary write-up or idea, we have to do two types of analysis in it. The first one is looking at it through a microscopic view and secondly is by the author’s point of view or eyes.

Analytic essay is your golden opportunity to demonstrate your skills to provide a critical point of view about a topic and enlighten your audience. Let’s just start learning how to write one when you’re clueless and need immediate help.

Read the Prompt Thoroughly

The first thing a student must do is thoroughly study the essay prompt if given by your professor. Typically, an analytic essay is given by your professor or college board to evaluate a candidate’s abilities of examining a phenomena. On the other hand, if you have been given a free choice of picking any topic of your liking then you must do so, as you’re told.

Your essay prompt provides you directions and rest is on you to figure out the purpose of the assignment. The first thing a student must do is to read the prompt a minimum of three times. Read it and understand what are the requirements you must follow and in case you need further guidelines or space in exploring the topic further.

It’s alright if you feel confused at first or even at second attempt, because college assignments are not meant to be a piece of cake. For the same reason, it’s recommended to read three times and understand the context from your teacher’s point of view. After you do it a couple of times, you’ll know what to do and how to do it.

Pick a Topic

The second and one of the essential steps of writing an analytic essay is choosing a topic. Your topic is the direction you will choose to achieve your objectives. For example, if you’re a psychology student then you can choose a subject such as what is an  existential crisis  and how to overcome it. For students of applied and clinical psychology this topic is relevant and allows them to present their analysis.

Similarly, medical science students can choose a topic for a cause and effect essay and enlighten their audience on the extent of a disease, etc. When choosing a topic do remember to avoid certain steps that will cause nothing but trouble:

• Choosing a topic out of discipline / scope /
• Topic that requires resources other than your institution provided you
• Subject that requires prior authorization or approval
• A topic that’s based on opinions rather than facts
• Challenging previous studies without proof / evidence(s)
• Going beyond the depths of your skills and abilities
• Easy topic that lacks your audience’s interest or surface-level information

When a subject for your analytic essay, it’s important to avoid aforementioned mistakes that are common in academic writing.

Start Researching on it

After going through the topic’s selection process, it’s time to start researching about it. In today’s digital age, you can speed up the process by finding relevant information on the internet as well. There are two types of research involved in this process: one deals with empirical or statistical data, and the other is non-empirical.

To start a statistical or quantitative research method, you first need to gather evidence that demonstrates results in numbers. Most of the science, medical, psychology, economics and marketing subjects require quantitative methods to follow in the assignment making process.

On the contrary, literature, sociology, history and anthropy requires only the use of qualitative research techniques. Regardless of the requirement of the research method, your evidence must be solid and should stand firm with time. To have a credible research readily available at your side, here are the things that you should follow:

• Start your research from prominent scholarly journals, books, newspapers, etc
• After collecting the evidence from them, use secondary sources such as books, articles written on the primary sources of research and experiments, etc
• The last step is gathering the evidence on the opinions from the readers who get to read the book and understand the context as well.

By doing the steps above mentioned, you’ll be able to gather three types of research and it will help you create your narrative on the topic.

Formulate an Outline Deduce from the Research

The next essential component of writing an analytic essay is making an outline from the arguments you deduce from your research. Making an outline is a technical part and one must consider how many arguments they should add in the body section that respond to queries appropriately. A general outline of analytical essay consist of three sections or parts known as:

• Introduction (starting paragraph)
• Body paragraph (middle section)
• A conclusion part (last paragraph)

Irrespective of the word count or requirements of the essay, it must consist of these parts. These parts of outline help your readers navigate to the exact section they want to read. For example, if your audience wants to read about the facts or evidence you’ve collected they can easily move to body paragraphs.

The last part of an outline is a conclusion. It circles around restating your thesis statement and provides a closure or end for your audience. An author provides a summary of all the main findings in this section, and gives their concluding remarks. Upon making an exclusive and wonderful conclusion, you can leave a lingering impression on your audience.

Write your First Draft

Here comes the composing part where you must write all the worlds and thoughts you gathered on the topic. As we discussed before you need to compartmentalize all of your arguments into an outline and then add them in the relevant sections. Your first draft must have these following details in the essay such as:

Introduction

An introduction is the first paragraph of the essay. It consists of three parts such as a hook sentence, background information and a thesis statement. All of these parts collectively form the outer shell of the intro section. Let’s discuss the role of each part in detail here.

A hook statement is the first line of the essay that serves as the eye grabbing or attention grabber sentence. It can be a famous quote, a historical fact or an eye opening result. You can write it in one or maximum two lines with word count ranging from 8 to 20.

The second part is background information that informs the audience about the origins of the topic or subject in question. This way you provide your audience with information that plays a pivotal role in their understanding and evokes an emotional response in them.

And finally, we have the life line of the essay and yes that’s a “Thesis Statement”. It’s the crux of the entire effort and educates the audience why they should accept the author’s opinion. Typically, you can formulate the thesis sentence after you gather all the evidence and read all the books and supporting evidence.

Body Paragraph(s)

A body paragraph section is the middle part of the essay and is by far the lengthiest one. It consists of the author’s opinion, corroborating evidence and adding anti-thesis and its answers in the rebuttal.

The body paragraph must start with a topic sentence that provides a short summary of the entire paragraph’s discussion. After that, you must add your arguments on the topic and let the conversation flow logically. A golden rule of thumb says you must add one argument and then its supporting evidence. This way, each of your arguments is backed by evidence and informs the audience appropriately.

Lastly, you can add transition words to crossover from one topic or point of discussion to the next one. It helps connect two different or opposing ideas and makes a bridge between them.

This is where you end your discussion and assure your readers that there’s nothing more that should be added in the context and they have to accept the author’s take on the topic. When you write this section, divide your attention into three sections.

When you start writing a conclusion, start from presenting the summary of the entire discussion you’ve started and is about to end. Secondly, reiterate the thesis sentence to provide emphasis on your research and its crux.

Thirdly, you must present your final remarks that closes the door for further discussion on the topic for now. Your conclusion remarks must be strong and persuasive enough to demonstrate your command on the topic.

Finally, the conclusion must show its significance to future generations and usefulness in the field of your studies.

Revise the Essay

After writing all the parts of the essay such as introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, it’s time to revise your write-up. A revision is the best way where structural issues can be diagnosed and rectified timely.

Revision is a technique that not only helps you in seeing the issues but it also educates students on common slip-ups in their writing.

Proofread and Edit the Analytical Essay

The last part of writing an essay is doing a thorough proofreading for rectifying typos. Any grammatical issues can be solved at this stage. Students can use many tools for such work and improve their vocabulary and grammar issues. Lastly, in the light of the highlighted changes, edit your draft and make appropriate changes. Read the essay again and seek professional help if you think of having less skills and time required for this task. Submit the essay to your professor after completing it.

By following these guidelines students can compose breathtaking analytical essays for their college assignments. Our expert’s guide provides a step by step process that helps in understanding the actions students must take without deviating from the requirements.

Defining What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytic essay is a college assignment typically assigned to higher education students who are seeking master’s or PhD level degrees. By its definition an analytical essay allows students to choose a topic and discuss it with critical analysis under a microscope.

For instance, students can choose a topic such as dictatorship and then they must do thorough research on this subject. On the other hand, students also need to educate their audience about what are the benefits and disadvantages of this ideology, etc. Origins, current state and future iterations also needed to be mentioned in this write-up.

In short, the further you dig, the better it will get for your audience. Additionally, your analysis must be objective, adding a subjective tone may cost you top grades. Although, a small space is given for a subjective opinion but exaggeration is strictly prohibited for doing so.

This definition will help students get to grips with this academic writing style that focuses on the examination of an idea or topic with a critical eye.

Creating an Analytical Essay Outline Template

It becomes a handful for students to create an outline for an analytical essay and make it work. Don’t worry, here we will be discussing all about it and make you a pro in no time. Let’s look at the following parts of the analytical essay outline.

Start Making a Good Introduction

The initial step for a student is to craft an engaging introduction for their essay, a crucial component of an analytical essay’s structure. As it’s the first element that your reader or professor encounters, adhering to the guidelines we’ve outlined here is critical.

Begin with a captivating hook sentence that will pique your audience’s interest. Ensure your hook is compelling enough to entice your readers to peruse the entire essay. Following this, provide some background information on the topic to enlighten your readers. Finally, incorporate a thesis statement to exhibit your mastery of the subject.

This way, you will quickly complete the first part of the structure, which will inspire your peers as well. Here is an example of introduction template for better understanding of the practical work:

“Religious fascism is today’s biggest dilemma and causes mass influx of cruelty and terror in the world. Since the inception of religion and its cult following, people who are followers of any theology interjected and forcefully stomp their superiority on others. Supposedly the pious leadership of the catholic church and other organized religion took control of the state and held captive basic civil rights and freedom of speech. Salem trials of 1692 is a best example of injustice in persecution of women harassed, tortured and killed under the name of religion.

Step by step abolition of churches and religious authority over the state results in greater peace, one that was never predicted has been achieved. For longer peace and prosperity, it’s essential for state institutions to completely suppress religion and make them limited to the compounds of the church, temple etc should be the top priority of any country or a free state.”

Students we have presented you with the best version of an introduction part of an critical analysis essay. You can take an example from it and make one for your college assignment.

Make Body Paragraphs

The main body of an essay’s blueprint is the most pivotal component. It encompasses the writer’s investigation, contrasting viewpoints, and corroborating proof. Learners should initiate their main body sections with a concise introductory sentence that encapsulates the paragraph’s content.

The subsequent step involves presenting your arguments on the subject, supplemented by substantiating evidence that aligns with your position. If the subject’s investigation is extensive and the proof exceeds a couple of points, you may consider incorporating a second and third paragraph.

Following the enumeration of corroborating evidence, it’s advisable to introduce counter arguments or dissenting opinions. These opposing views originate from individuals who disagree with your position. Their inclusion offers a balanced outlook that underscores your reliability and objectivity regarding the topic.

The final task is to incorporate transitional phrases to facilitate movement from one paragraph to another. These transitions also maintain coherence when shifting from one section to another or transitioning to an entirely different subject.

Let’s have a look at body paragraph’s template:

“Just like crimes, organized religion spreads its tentacles into the society and makes it hollow with fake preaching and surface-level understanding. All the elected popes run secretive societies where they allow for persecution,torture and brainwashing techniques to their followers and non-followers. 

Dan Brown’s book Da Vinci Code clearly provides historic evidence of catholic church’s involvement in Salem Witch Trial and killings of Protestant and Eastern Orthodox church followers. Knights Templars were the biggest army at the church’s disposal and they killed thousands on the behest of the Pope of Rome. Religious extremism exists in many forms today and 9/11 attacks on twin towers is an example of one where islamic terrorists killed more than 3000 people in New Work City according to the US Department of Defense website. So we can safely establish that religious extremism in any form should be disbanded by all possible means.

End the Debate in Conclusion Paragraph

The concluding section of the analytical essay blueprint is the finale. The initial step you should undertake is to reaffirm your thesis statement, underscoring its significance and applicability. Following this, encapsulate the primary points of the essay along with a final remark. The closing comments bring the discussion to a halt, leaving no room for further debates or disagreements. Lastly, highlight the value of your work and its potential contribution to future scholarly research.

The conclusion you provide must be good and composed keeping in view the future challenges. This way you will be able to forecast five to ten years in future and provide your perspective to your readers. Let’s look at a conclusion example:

“We have established that organized religion and its extremist wing have created havoc in our society. There are no instances where religion played a good role in society. From creation of killing squads like Knights Templar to public prosecution of Salem Witches, history has witnessed brutality all over the world. It’s essential for political parties to part ways from such criminal actions and arrest supporters as well.

For creating greater harmony and love between different cultures and societies, it’s essential to devoid these actions or steps from religion and promote non-religious discussions and trade of ideas than selling beliefs and hatred”

Students we have presented a completed outline template for your understanding. You can take inspiration or follow it and compose marvelous essays for your assignments.

Analytical Essay Introduction

The opening paragraph of an analytical essay introduction serves as the initial segment of the task. Its main objective is to convey information to the readers utilizing a variety of methods. The first line you pen down will serve as your captivating sentence, designed to elicit an emotional reaction from the readers.

A writer possesses the liberty to sway their reader’s perception by employing a captivating sentence that personally engages them. This strategy allows you to persuade them to pursue your scholarly paper from beginning to end.

The subsequent section involves incorporating background data into the context. This portion underscores the significance of the issue addressed in the final paper. It also acquaints the audience with the historical background of the topic and underscores the urgency of its resolution.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement

The third stage commences with the creation of a succinct analytical essay thesis statement that encapsulates the research question and topic. Once you’ve amassed your research materials and evidence, crafting your thesis sentence becomes a straightforward task. However, without comprehensive and relevant information, the formulation of this critical statement is unattainable. For a college term paper research statement, it’s imperative to keep it brief yet packed with insightful details.

A hypothesis statement, positioned at the conclusion of the introductory paragraph, enlightens readers about your method of arriving at the results. It serves as the cornerstone of your entire discussion and the arguments put forth in support or opposition of the subject.

To articulate your central idea of analytical essay thesis statement, adhere to the steps outlined below:

• Ensure it’s incisive and compelling
• It should be pertinent to the overall topic and its context
• Strive for utmost precision
• It should encapsulate the topic, research question, and research answer in a single sentence.
• Once you’ve drafted your thesis sentence, polish it further before proceeding to the outline section.

Analytical Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an analytical essay serve as the core of the outline, where students are required to incorporate their comprehensive research. This section includes a review of literature, discussion, methodologies, and more. It’s a critical juncture for students where they need to demonstrate their proficiency and abilities to convince their readers.

Initiate the body paragraph with a sentence that encapsulates the topic, providing your audience with a glimpse of what’s to be discussed in this section. Following this, you can delve into the key points and substantiate your arguments with solid evidence.

In the body section, you can also explore the literature review and pinpoint the gaps in the existing material. This approach allows you to swiftly identify areas requiring enhancement and propose solutions to address them.

Incorporating counterarguments in your research paper is also advisable. This step enables you to present your responses or counterarguments, showcasing your impartiality and competence as a writer, which can help persuade your readers. After embedding all the persuasive elements and proofs in the body paragraph, you can then transition to crafting a conclusion.

Steps for How to Write an Analytical Essay

The steps to process analysis essays are given below that will surely help students from all disciplines and knowledge. Let’s look at them one by one:

Step 1: Choose Topic for Process Analysis Essays

Even if you’re a skilled writer with aspirations of turning professional, there are still many steps to take. One of the first steps in writing an analytical essay is choosing a topic. Your topic serves as a compass, guiding your research and ensuring you stay on track.

There are several strategies students can use to choose a topic effectively. If you’re unsure about what to choose, consider reviewing previously published work for inspiration. This can be a quick way to find a solution.

Alternatively, you could seek guidance from your professor or student counselor. They are well-equipped to provide valuable advice that can greatly benefit your essay.

Lastly, you could choose a topic based on your personal interest and its breadth. This allows you to stay engaged and delve deeper into the subject and its various subtopics.

Step 2: Conduct Research

The second phase involves conducting an exhaustive investigation on the subject matter. The depth of your research will directly influence the novelty of the information you present to your readers. A robust research foundation is crucial for ensuring your essay unfolds as intended.

During the research and evidence collection process, students should steer clear of common pitfalls that could compromise their work and its credibility. These errors are not confined to any particular field and include:

• Conducting inadequate research or providing insufficient justification for research points
• Relying on sources with questionable credibility
• Using outdated or invalidated analyses that have been superseded by newer methodologies
• Including content that is not relevant to the specific scenario discussed in the topic
• Citing research sources without obtaining the author’s consent.

Step 3. Create Ideas in your Mind

Upon conducting thorough research, begin by creating a mind map of your arguments. Consider various strategies that could effectively convince your audience to favor your viewpoint over existing ones. Incorporate ideas that align with the evidence you’ve gathered. Once your mind map is fully developed, you’re prepared to move on to the subsequent step.

Step 4. Start with Intro Section

Begin the drafting process by crafting an engaging opening paragraph. Draw in your audience with a compelling first sentence, often referred to as a hook. This should be concise and designed to pique their curiosity about the topic. Follow this with some contextual information about the subject to give your readers a solid foundation. At this point, your readers should have a good understanding of the topic. Conclude with a thesis statement that offers your unique viewpoint on the subject.

Step 5. Add Research to the Body Paragraph

Now, incorporate the research or evidence you’ve gathered and refined for your audience. The best practice is to follow each of your statements with its corresponding evidence. This approach allows for a swift presentation of your narrative and its supporting evidence, preventing any confusion for the audience.

After you’ve presented your evidence, which could be a quote, an interview, or a journal reference, introduce contrasting viewpoints to demonstrate your neutrality on the subject. Include a counter-argument that addresses these opposing views. At this point, you’ve reached the crucial phase of your essay writing process.

Step 6. Write a Conclusion

The conclusion serves as the juncture where the key points of the assignment are recapped. It weaves together various thoughts and offers a final viewpoint on the subject matter. The conclusion underscores the thesis statement and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Step 7. Reference or Bibliography

It’s imperative to recognize the resources utilized in your work. The section for references or bibliography enumerates all the books, articles, websites, or other materials you consulted during your research. This part not only enhances the trustworthiness of your assignment but also safeguards against any plagiarism allegations. By grasping these elements of coursework structure, you can efficiently arrange your assignments and articulate your thoughts in a logical manner. Therefore, when you undertake such tasks next time, ensure to include these vital aspects and observe your grades escalate.

These steps will help you write process analysis essays with comfort and compliance. 

Analytical Essay Topics

Analytical essay topics pertain to a specific category of essays that necessitate comprehensive scrutiny. The author meticulously inspects the topic, deconstructs it into its fundamental elements, and delivers a critique or evaluation. These topics can span a wide array of fields such as literature, films, art pieces, societal matters, scientific phenomena, and more.

For example, in the realm of literature, an analytical essay topic could be “Examine the motif of deceit in Shakespeare’s Hamlet”. In this scenario, the author would dissect the play, furnish evidence of deceit, and interpret its influence on the storyline and characters.

When it comes to societal matters, a topic like “Examine the origins and repercussions of income disparity in metropolitan regions” would necessitate an in-depth exploration of socio-economic elements contributing to income inequality and its aftermath.

In the field of science, a topic could be “Examine the repercussions of climate change on polar ice caps”. This would entail an exhaustive analysis of climate data and interpretation of its impact on polar regions.

Bear in mind that the objective is not merely to recapitulate the topic but to delve into it, comprehend its subtleties, and deliver an educated evaluation. It’s about probing beneath the surface to understand the intricacies of the subject matter.

Click to see more “ Analytical Essay Topics “

Analytical Essay Examples

Many students wonder how to find the analytical essay examples but today their luck is about to change for good! We will share the types and examples of analytical essays here to end the confusion for students. These examples are mentioned below:

Poetry Analysis Essay

Poetry analysis essays allow a writer or a student to examine or present their critical analysis on a piece of poem, book’s paragraph or stanzas, etc. Typically, these assignments are common for English literature students. They are difficult and make students dig more into the historical value of the poem and its effects on the readers.

Process Analysis Essay

Process analysis essays explain how a process in a system works such as “how the car engine works”, etc. Students need to explain everything in a step by step approach and educate their audience how a process is completed.

Character Analysis Essay

A character analysis essay allows writers to explain or provide an analysis about a character. This character can be a historical figure, such as a politician, actor, philosopher, writer, etc. Students must choose a character that played a significant role in history or in the present and explain the intimate details about them.

click to see more “ Analytical Essay Examples “

Analytical Essay Conclusion

“The final part of your analytical essay is the conclusion, where you summarize your narration and connect it to your main point. To write a good conclusion, you should follow these steps:

• Show how the thesis and the story are related.
• Remind the reader of the key events that shaped the story.
• Explain the main message that your narration conveys.
• Emphasize the importance of the climax and its effects on the story.
• End with a statement or a question that makes the reader think.
• Do not introduce new information.
• Reinforce a takeaway message.

Understanding the nuances of an analytical essay necessitates a tactical plan. The steps outlined in this guide are organized and straightforward, ensuring that you can craft an exceptional illustrative essay by adhering to them.

If you encounter difficulties while composing an analytical essay, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Expert assignment writing services are available to provide guidance and support.

With the right assistance, you can create compelling work that includes powerful arguments and reliable evidence.

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The Ultimate Guide to Analytical Essay Writing: How to Craft an A-Grade Paper?

25 January, 2021

17 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

An analytical essay is often considered the most challenging piece of writing. However, those who have dealt with it at least once are a step closer to calling themselves masters of essay writing. This type of paper requires plenty of analytical skills to carry out an in-depth analysis of the assigned topic. Yet, the main goal of an analytical essay is not only to demonstrate your ability to learn the basics of the theme.

You also need to think critically, analyze facts, express your standpoint, and clearly show a deep understanding of key concepts. In short, your main task as an author is to prove the validity of your views by coming up with strong arguments that do not beg any questions.

The given guide provides a full analytical essay definition, as well as specifies its features and structural aspects. The following information will help you properly start your paper, choose a relevant topic, and come up with compelling conclusions. 

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a piece of writing aimed to provide a thorough analysis of a definite phenomenon using persuasive arguments and supporting assertions. Analysis in the analytical essay writing process stands for a method of research that allows one to study specific features of an object. Analytical papers also have to do with analysis of a specific problem; that is consideration of the problem itself and identification of its key patterns. The subject matter of analysis can be a well-known or little-studied scientific phenomenon, artistic work, historical event, social problem, etc.

The content of an analytical essay will totally depend on the object that has been chosen for analysis. Thus, when shedding light on any kind of scientific work, an analytical essay can be devoted to the analysis of research credibility, its relevance, or the adequacy of conclusions. When considering a work of art, an essay writer can focus on the analysis of the author’s artistic techniques or issues raised in the book. For this reason, it is essential to accurately determine the topic and subject matter of your future analytical essay.

Steps to Take Before Writing

The preparational stage of analytical essay writing cannot be omitted. It lays the basis for the A-grade paper and should be carefully completed. If you don’t know how to start an analytical essay, read a few handy tips that will ensure a solid foundation for your paper.  

Define a subject matter

You first need to clearly understand the issue you will base your essay on. Since analytical essays imply an in-depth analysis of a specific problem, you need to define its core. Try to split the analysis into several components and provide arguments taken either from a book, a research, a scientific work, or a movie (depending on the subject matter of your analysis), and support your views comprehensively.

Decide on the content of your analytical essay

If you are a student who was given an analytical essay topic, read the task several times before you are 100% sure that you clearly understand the requirements as to the analytical essay format. In case you were lucky to choose the topic of the analytical paper by yourself, make sure the theme you will be dealing with is familiar or at least seems interesting to you. 

Remember that different subject matters require a different approach to their analysis. If you examine some literature work, you can prove your opinion based on the deeds of a certain or several characters. But if you have been assigned the task to elaborate on some historic events, analyze their main causes, driving forces that have affected their course, and their global consequences.  

Take care of the proper start

Don’t forget to start your analytical essay with a thesis statement. It is a sentence or a couple of sentences that aim to summarize the key statements of your paper. A thesis statement should provide readers with a preliminary idea of what your essay is all about.  

Find extra reasoning

Make sure your thesis is supported by compelling arguments. To find enough evidence, you should carry out a thorough analysis of the assigned topic. List the crucial points of your research and ponder over the ways they can be used to prove your final opinion. 

Elaborate the outline

A sound outline elaborated at the preparation stage will help you ensure a proper analytical essay structure and make the overall writing process easier. As a rule, an analytical essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your outline plan should include the key arguments you want to discuss in each paragraph. 

Analytical Essay Thesis

A thesis statement represents the central idea of your paper and must serve as strong proof of your standpoint. While elaborating your thesis statement, it is crucial to include it at the end of the first paragraph and thus set a direction for the overall paper. 

Analytical Essay Outline

An outline is not a required element of analytical essays writing and should not be included in the text, but it can greatly facilitate the whole process of paper writing.

The analytical essay structure looks as follows:

Introduction

In the introduction of an analytical essay, you will need to identify your paper’s subject matter. Mention the purpose of your work and specify its scope of research. Don’t forget to include a thesis to let readers know what your work is about.

Body Section

As has already been mentioned, the body section covers three or more main paragraphs, each being supported with arguments and details. Besides, you need to provide a small conclusion to each statement to make your essay sound professional and persuasive. 

At this stage, you need to summarize the points elucidated in your paper and make sure there is a smooth and logical transition from the body section to the concluding part of the text. If you don’t know how to conclude an analytical essay, try to restate the thesis statement without copying it word for word.  

Analytical Essay Examples

Writing an analytical essay may seem to be a thorny way. If you are still not sure how to properly craft one, try to find some examples that will help you go in the right direction. Below, there are some great examples of analytical essays. Take a look at their structure and try to write something similar based on your views and ideas:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeR4i4RIZIj448W3KVFyHP-eS3QPN7gW/view

https://stlcc.edu/docs/student-support/academic-support/college-writing-center/rhetorical-analysis-sample-essay.pdf

https://www.germanna.eduhttp://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/tutoring/handouts/Literary-Analysis-Sample-Paper.pdf

30 Analytical Essay Topics

If you were allowed to choose the theme for your paper by yourself, check on the following analytical essay topics. Each of them can bring you the highest score:

General topics

• The influence of social networks on the life of teens
• Are salaries of football players too high?
• Wearing uniforms in schools should be banned
• A person in society: the problems of loneliness and privacy
• Sociology of corporate relationships
• Does the observation of space need more investments?
• Should the voting age in the UK be decreased?
• Reasons why capital punishment should be brought back in the UK
• A world with no rules: a new human era or a road to the global collapse?
• Life without technologies: will modern people survive?
• Should scientists test drugs on animals to fight cancer?
• The problem of keeping the balance between career and family life
• The importance of listening to your body 
• Problems caused by the lack of communication
• Food addiction and the problems it causes
• Problems of vaccination in the XXI century
• Does evil really rule the world?
• How does body size affect life quality?
• Pros and cons of video games 
• The role of a family model in the life and career of a person

Analytical Essay Topics on Literature

• “Robinson Crusoe”: fantasy vs reality
• Observation of the artistic uniqueness in the comedy by W. Shakespeare “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 
• Observe the social problems in the novel by John Steinbeck “The Grapes of Wrath”
• Convulsions and death of the “little man” in the networks of impersonal, alienated forces in the novel “The Metamorphosis”
• Observation of the problems of a man on a plagued land in the novel “The Plague”
• Revolt of the protagonist in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Observation of friendship and love in the fate of humanity in the XX century
• The triumph of immorality in the novel by F. Sagan “Hello Sadness”
• Observation of the personality of an American student in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Eternal tragedies of humanity in the tragedy by W. Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”

How to Write a Well-Structured Analytical Essay With a Solid Argument

Writing an analytical essay with a clear structure might be challenging unless you are thoroughly prepared. We decided to help you out and create a detailed guide listing the main things to consider when creating an analytical essay outline. You need to explain your main idea in a concise way to bring your point across. As analytical writing has high requirements, it pays off to find an analytical essay example and analyze how this text was written. It will allow you to understand the analytical essay format better and learn how to provide substantive analysis on various topics. Read on to learn how to write a top-level analytical paper and submit it on time.

Main Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay should provide a comprehensive analysis of a chosen topic. What makes an analysis essay different from other assignments is that it includes a personal opinion of an author. This is why analytical writing should be persuasive.

Below, we have rounded up the key tips you need to follow when producing an analytical essay outline and the main body of your text. Read on to learn more about the analytical essay format and create a text that will fully meet the requirements.

Select an Analytical Essay Topic

Before creating an analytical essay outline, make sure to pick a topic that you are interested in. It should be provocative enough to engage your readers. A widely-debated topic will help you write an analytical essay that grabs the attention of a wide audience.

Consider your goals and conduct thorough research to see if you have enough sources to support the main thesis of your analysis essay.

Come Up With a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement

When writing an analytical essay, start by formulating a thesis statement that includes the topic and the main goal of your text. It will help you create an analytical essay outline and show your readers what you will discuss in your analysis essay.

Add it to the last paragraph of your analytical essay introduction. Due to this, your analytical essay outline will look better structured. Look at any analytical essay example to see how you can introduce your subject. In most cases, one sentence will suffice to state your analysis essay’s goal. However, a complex analytical essay outline might require you to use two sentences for a thesis statement.

Write an Analytical Essay Body with a Clear Structure

Your analytical essay outline should include 3-4 paragraphs. However, a literary analysis essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. When it comes to analytical writing, it is important to cover a different point in each section of the main body of an analysis paper.

After writing an analytical essay, check whether each paragraph contains an introduction and the main point. Besides, it should contain evidence. An expertly written analytical essay outline will help you reach out to your target audience more effectively.

Conduct Research Before Writing an Analytical Essay Outline

While this step is preparatory, it is a must for those who want to write a well-grounded analytical paper.

• First, select the best ideas for your essay
• Then, emphasize the problems with works written by other researchers
• Finally, write your analytical essay outline to demonstrate what approach you want to take

Examine the context and find examples to illustrate the scope of the issue. You may draw parallels to emphasize your point and make your topic more relatable.

Analyze the Implications of the Evidence

After listing your pieces of evidence and demonstrating how it is related to your thesis, show why it is important. You need to explore it deeply and use it to support your argument. It will make your analytical essay outline well-grounded facts.

Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion

Whether you write a literary analysis essay or other types of assignments, there is no need to add any new data at the end of your analysis paper. Instead, summarize the arguments you mentioned in your analytical essay outline. The conclusion of your analysis essay should be short and clear. Here, you need to demonstrate that you have achieved your goals.

Analytical Essay Writing Tips

If you want to get the highest grade for your analytical essay, you need to know a little bit more than just the basics of paper writing. Read these handy tips to write a perfect essay you will be proud of:

• Double-check your paper for spelling and grammar mistakes. In case your essay contains too many errors, neither an in-depth analysis nor the elaborate writing style will make it look any better. Situations when essays of great value in terms of research and a message they convey are poorly assessed because of the abundance of mistakes are not rare. Make sure you have enough time to proofread your paper before submission. Also, you may consider asking somebody to take a fresh look at your essay and check it for you.
• Reading your analytical essay out loud helps you discover all types of errors or weak phrases. This method might seem a bit uncomfortable, but it has proved to be very effective for many students. Note that silent reading of your paper isn’t even half as helpful as reading it aloud. 
• Another great idea to check on the rhythm and flow of your paper is to ask someone to read it for you. While listening to the text, you could perceive it from another perspective and discover even more inconsistencies and mistakes.  
• Double-check the facts you use in your analytical essay. The names of people, books, research, publications, as well as dates of historical events are too important to be misspelled. Things like these show your professionalism and the way you treat your readers.

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Analytical Essay: Tips, Structure, Examples

Analytical essays could be perfect for you if you enjoy immersing yourself in tasks and excel at thinking creatively. By conducting thorough analysis and employing innovative writing techniques, you can discover new viewpoints and enhance your understanding of the subject.

In this article, our research paper writer will explain what it entails, learn how to structure your paper for top marks, snag some snazzy topic ideas, and glean practical examples. This guide has got all the essentials you need for writing success!

What Is an Analytical Essay

To write an effective analytical essay, it is important to understand its purpose and method. In basic terms, it requires using textual evidence to logically support the author's arguments rather than relying on emotions or personal anecdotes. ‍ Compared to persuasive essays that advocate for one specific viewpoint, a quality analytical essay example should delve into all aspects of the subject. This involves examining different perspectives, dissecting arguments, and assessing evidence thoughtfully. ‍ Ultimately, you will have to express your viewpoint after conducting your analysis. This requires combining your research and determining if you agree with the conclusions made or have a different interpretation.

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How to Structure an Analytical Essay

Now it's time to ace the process of crafting an excellent paper. To make writing easier, organize your thoughts and structure your arguments clearly. An analytical essay needs the introduction, body, and conclusion of an outline, which acts as a guide from start to finish. Here's the simple breakdown of an analytical essay outline:

‍Introduction‍

• Background information
• Thesis statement

Body paragraph 1‍

• Topic sentence
• Supporting evidence
• Transition to the body paragraph to‍

Body paragraph 2‍

• Transition to body paragraph 3

Body paragraph 3

• Transition to conclusion
• Summary of major points
• Restate the thesis
• Key takeaways

Introduction: To begin your essay successfully (see our analytical essay example), captivate the reader's interest from the very start and clearly outline the topic. A good beginning should give some background information, outline the essay's purpose, and suggest the main arguments that will be made. Grab the reader's attention with an engaging and pertinent opening sentence, such as a surprising fact, a funny story, or a challenging question. After that, introduce your thesis statement, which summarizes your main point in the essay.

Body Paragraphs: In an analysis essay, each paragraph begins with a topic sentence that helps guide the reader. The paragraph then provides evidence to support the thesis, concentrating on a single issue. By summarizing the main point at the end of each paragraph, the essay flows smoothly from one idea to the next, maintaining clarity and coherence in the argument.

Conclusion: The final paragraph of an analytical essay usually adheres to a specific structure:

• Reiterating the main argument
• Outlining the main ideas discussed in the essay
• Providing thoughts on the overall significance of the analysis

It is crucial to include your perspective on the topic's relevance and how your analysis adds to the understanding of it. This approach can strongly impact the reader's perception of the essay.

Meanwhile, you might also be interested in how to write a reflection paper , so check out the article for more information!

How to Write an Analytical Essay

Once you understand the structure, there are some steps you can take to make writing an analytical essay easier. Preparing beforehand can simplify the process and improve the overall flow and structure of your essay. Here are some tips from our experts. Meanwhile, you can also request from our experts - write my essay for me . And we'll take care of it right away.

• Think Ahead : Before writing, a good analytical essay writer should spend some time thinking about the topic. Make a list of ideas or themes related to it. This helps you find interesting angles for your essay.
• Create a Thesis Statement : Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay. This will guide you in how to write an analytical essay introduction and keep your writing focused.
• Visualize Information : Use graphs or charts to organize your thoughts visually. This makes your research easier to understand. For example, you can compare ideas with a chart.
• Consider Different Views : Address opposing viewpoints in your essay. This shows you've thought about different perspectives and strengthens your argument.
• Use Original Sources : Include interviews, presentations, or original documents in your research. They give a unique insight into your topic. For instance, old letters can offer personal views on historical events.
• Analyze Cause and Effect : Explore the cause-and-effect relationships within your topic. Analyze how different factors contribute to certain outcomes or phenomena.

Analytical Essay Topics

Choosing the right one among lots of analytical essay topic ideas is crucial when tackling your essay. Here's a guide to help you pick wisely:

• Find a topic that piques your interest. It's easier to dive into analysis when you're passionate about the subject.
• Look for topics that catch the reader's eye. Think about what would make someone stop and want to read more.
• Avoid topics that are too broad. Focus on something specific that you can thoroughly analyze within the scope of your essay.
• Ensure there's enough quality research available to support your analysis. You'll need evidence to back up your points.
• Your topic should raise questions worth exploring. Aim for something that sparks curiosity and has significance.

Now, here's a mix of engaging topics from our dissertation services to consider:

• Analyzing the Impact of Blue Light from Screens on Sleep Quality
• Exploring the Environmental Effects of Microplastics in Ocean Ecosystems
• Understanding the Benefits of Deep Breathing Exercises for Anxiety Relief
• Analyzing the Influence of Instagram Filters on Body Image Perception
• Exploring the Health Risks of Artificial Sweeteners in Diet Soda
• Understanding the Psychological Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
• Analyzing the Environmental Impact of Fast Food Packaging Waste
• Exploring the Effects of Social Media Validation on Self-Esteem
• Understanding the Benefits of Indoor Plants for Air Quality Improvement
• Analyzing the Relationship Between Sugar Consumption and Dental Health
• Exploring the Psychological Effects of Online Shopping Addiction
• Understanding the Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Textile Dyes
• Analyzing the Effects of Smartphone Notifications on Focus and Productivity
• Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Exercise for Vitamin D Production
• Understanding the Relationship Between Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Health
• Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Colorful Food Presentation on Appetite
• Exploring the Impact of Petting Therapy Dogs on Stress Reduction
• Understanding the Benefits of Classical Music for Concentration While Studying
• Analyzing the Effects of Lavender Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality
• Exploring the Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting and Sedentary Lifestyles

Analytical Essay Examples

Here is our analytical writing sample to see theory in action. Notice how analytical thinking applies to real-world situations, improving your understanding of concepts. By studying these examples, you'll learn to analyze complex issues, build strong arguments, and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Final Thoughts

With our tips on how to write an analytical essay and examples, you're ready to boost your writing skills and craft essays that captivate your audience. With practice, you'll become a pro at analytical writing, ready to tackle any topic with confidence.

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Analytical Essay Guide

Analytical Essay Example

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Analytical Essay Example to Help You Write Better

By: Dorothy M.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Nov 19, 2019

Need some examples to understand the basics?

Analytical essays are one of the most common types of papers that students are assigned to write. They ask you to think critically about a topic and present your thoughts in an organized fashion.

This blog post will provide you with an analytical essay example to help you understand how it is structured. So that when the time comes for you to have to write one, it won't seem as daunting.

Explore this blog to know the details and master your analysis essay writing skills.

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Good Analytical Essay Examples

An analytical essay has a wide range of scope and topics. This type of essay deals with various subjects and ideas and uses varying approaches to describe them.

An analytical essay is one of the most common types of essay. It is mostly assigned to students of high school and college academic levels. This type of essay can help you improve your skills.

Here are some interesting analytical essay examples that use different analysis techniques.

Poetry Analysis Essay Example

Poetry analysis essays require you to examine, interpret and explain the content, structure, and historical importance of a poem.

The prime focus of a poetry analysis essay is to explain the poem to help the readers understand its various aspects. This is done by explaining the details like the setting, themes, symbols, and mood of the poem.

Following are some examples of analytical essay topics which can be used for the poetry analysis essay.

• “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” - Robert Frost
• “There is a pain — so utter —" - Emily Dickinson's
• “The valley of unrest” - Edgar Allan Poe

Here is a poetry analysis essay example that will help you write a good poetry essay.

POETRY ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example

Rhetorical analysis essays revolve around logic and the available facts. Have you ever had an argument attempting to prove a fact to someone who didn’t believe that it was true?

That is the nature of a rhetorical analysis essay.

Here are some rhetorical analysis essay topics that you can use to write your essay:

• Theory of Relativity
• Fundamentals of Economics
• Statistical Proofs

Check out the example given below and write an amazing rhetorical analysis essay.

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

Literary Analysis Essay Example

A literary analysis essay analyzes a book, novel, or any other piece of literature. It evaluates the plot, a particular situation, a quote, and its influence, or the choices made by some character. While writing a literary analysis essay, students have to explain the literary terms.

Here are some interesting literary analysis essay topics to help you get started:

• The effects love has on people's decision-making – Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare.
• Women and misogyny – Hamlet by Shakespeare
• Witchcraft – Macbeth by Shakespeare

Look at the literary analysis essay example given below and get some inspiration to write your essay.

LITERARY ANALYTICAL ESSAY EXAMPLE

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Process Analysis Essay Example

A process analysis essay is written to explain the process and steps of performing a particular task. It should have a strong thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs, which explain the details with supporting evidence. This type of essay should have a proper linkage that connects the body paragraphs.

Here we have presented process analysis essay topics for your help:

• Recipe for making a strawberry cheesecake
• The process of grading a research paper
• The filmmaking process that the directors go through

Check out the process analysis essay example given below and start writing your own.

PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

Character Analysis Essay Example

Fictional characters appear throughout literature and in popular films. These characters are often the main drivers of the three-act dramatic structure and the resulting plot.

If you have to write an essay based on character analysis, you must consider all aspects. Also, check how a particular character can affect the overall storyline. You have to prove your thesis statement to submit an effective analysis paper. A successful character analysis essay will provide details of character traits. Also, their impact upon other characters over the course of a story.

Choose your character analysis essay topic from the topic ideas given below:

• Viktor Navorski role in The Terminal
• How Will Hunting’s character evolved in Good Will Hunting
• Rick’s decision-making process in Casablanca

Get help from the sample given below to write your character analysis essay.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

Causal Analysis Essay Example

The purpose of a causal analysis essay is to ask and answer the question “why?”The causal analysis essay requires you to answer a “why” question. Causal academic analysis is also known as “the speculation about causes” essay. It describes the process of the occurrence and analyzes the reasons behind the happening. It should have an engaging hook sentence and topic sentences to grab the attention of the readers.

Below are some causal analysis essay topics:

• Why are teenagers rebellious?
• Why is gun violence increasing in the US?
• Why do we fear the dark?

Having difficulty writing a causal analysis essay?

Get help from the example given below.

CAUSAL ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

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Writing Tips for an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is explanatory in nature. However, this explanation is paired with an in-depth analysis of the chosen event or any other chosen topic. It explains a certain event in detail and analyzes the reasons behind it. Follow the tips given below to learn how to write an analytical essay.

• Brainstorm Different Ideas

Brainstorm ideas thoroughly to choose a specific topic for your analytical essay. Choose a topic that has a wide scope so that you have some space to write your analysis.

• Expand the Reader’s Knowledge

The main focus of the analysis essay is to help the reader understand the piece of literature. It takes a deeper look at the literature work and communicates its actual meaning more efficiently.

Research on the internet or your institute’s library to collect information about your selected topic. It will make writing a more streamlined task for you. It also gives you an insight into your topic and helps you analyze the literary work.

• Analyze and Evaluate

Carefully analyze the quality of the discovered sources and evaluate the information selected to write in your paper. Make sure you clearly understand the subject and literary work that you’re going to analyze.

• Craft a Thesis

Find the core of your analytical essay to come up with a solid thesis statement. The thesis statement for a simple analytical essay and a critical analysis essay is different. The thesis statement for a critical analysis essay presents an argument that you will defend throughout your essay. While the thesis statement for a simple analytical essay only states your analysis of the literary work.

• Make an Outline

Create an analytical essay outline before indulging in the actual writing process. It will help you organize your collected information and maintain a logical flow. The typical five-paragraph essay structure follows the intro-body-conclusion formula. It normally has one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph.

• Write the Introduction

Start with an interesting hook statement to grab the reader’s attention. Provide some background information about the piece of writing you are going to analyze. It will help your reader understand your selected piece of literature. Incorporate the thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph.

• Draft the Body

Focus on a certain aspect of your thesis and support your thesis statement and prove it in the body section. Maintain the proper structure of the body paragraph while presenting your analysis. Start with a topic sentence, present the supporting evidence, analyze the evidence, and make a transition to the next paragraph.

• Write the Conclusion

Writing a conclusion for the analytical essay is a little bit tricky. You need to exemplify to your reader that you have proven your thesis. Sum up your essay and restate the thesis statement to remind the reader what you were talking about. Create an overall concluding statement and give a takeaway for your audience.

Follow the step-by-step process and examples given above and write a perfect analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an analytical essay.

An analytical essay explains an idea and describes and analyzes it in detail. It is different from a summary and instead of just retelling, it critically analyzes the main theme or topic.

How do you start an analytical paragraph?

The introductory paragraph will inform the readers about the main themes and points that you will discuss in the body of the essay.

How do you end an analytical essay?

Ending an essay on a strong note is as important as starting the essay. To make sure that your analytical essay has the desired effect, restate the thesis statement and inform the readers about the points that are discussed in the essay.

What is the difference between descriptive and analytical writing?

In descriptive writing, the writer describes the main topic in detail but does not evaluate it. Analytical writing, on the other hand, is analytical in nature and it analyzes the main topic in detail and properly.

How many paragraphs should an analytical essay have?

On average, every essay, including the analytical essay, should have five paragraphs. It is a standard essay structure but the essay can have more than five paragraphs also.

What are the 4 features of analytical writing?

Here are the 4 features of analytical writing;

• It is not a summary.
• It is different from a thesis statement.
• It needs evidence for support.
• It must be well-structured.

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• How to Write an Analytical Essay - Step-by-Step Guide

• Best Analytical Essay Topics for Students - 2024 Ideas

• Critical Analysis Essay: Expert Guide to Craft a Brilliant Essay

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Free Analytical Essay Examples

Analytical essays are written to share the author’s insights on a piece of literature, event, or phenomenon. They provide an in-depth analysis of the chosen topic, often taking contrasting points of view to test their viability. These essays are the most common in newspapers and magazines, although academic journals can also publish the genre. Teachers assign analytical papers to high-school and college students.

Analytical essay examples range from art, music, and books to current or historical events, philosophy, and scientific research.

The list of analytical essay samples below will help you achieve the best result in your writing.

1478 Best Analytical Essay Examples

Disequilibrium in the labor market for nurses in florida.

• Subjects: Economics Microeconomics

Effects of Caffeine on Open Field Behavior of the Rat

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Research
• Words: 1319

Walgreens and CVS Health: Proxy Statements & Annual Reports

• Subjects: Accounting Business
• Words: 1108

GCGDA’s Project Management

• Subjects: Business Management
• Words: 2771

Facebook Company

• Subjects: Business Company Analysis
• Words: 1478

The Rise of the Papacy

• Subjects: Religion Religion History
• Words: 1375

Outsourcing in Public and Private Entities

• Words: 3078

Regional Trade Agreements

• Subjects: Economics Trade
• Words: 1178

Value of Eclectic Paradigm in Relation to International Business

• Words: 1028

Analysis of UK Economy

• Subjects: Economics Political Economy Processes
• Words: 3024

Saudi Dairy & Foodstuff Company Supply Chain Management

• Subjects: Business Logistics
• Words: 4966

Ford Automobile Strategic Business Model

• Subjects: Business Strategy
• Words: 1149

Heineken: A Company and a Brand

• Words: 2784

Social Media Marketing: Facebook

• Subjects: Business Marketing
• Words: 1680

Reducing Violent Street Gangs and Delinquent Activity in a Cost-Effective Manner

• Subjects: Sociology Violence
• Words: 1447

Peace and Democracy: US Impact in the Middle East

• Subjects: International Relations Politics & Government
• Words: 2871

Motion to Suppress Evidence

• Subjects: Common Law Law
• Words: 1949

The Strategic Management Of Sport Organizations

The impact of studying abroad on graduate employability.

• Words: 1893

Plato’s Thoughts About Education

• Subjects: Education Education Theories
• Words: 1399

Sexism in the English Language

• Subjects: Languages Linguistics

Methamphetamine Abuse and Foster Placement

• Subjects: Psychology Psychology of Abuse
• Words: 1124

Planning Law and Governance

• Subjects: Government Politics & Government
• Words: 1184

Australian Education Policy

• Words: 1608

Social Rules in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”

• Subjects: Sociological Theories Sociology
• Words: 1104

Comparison Between the Two Stories “Kitchen” and “Spirited World”

• Subjects: Comparative Literature Literature

Is the Rise of China a Threat or an Opportunity for Europe?

• Words: 1983

International Financial Reporting Standards in Kazakhstan

• Words: 3141

TNT Company’s Marketing Management and Strategy

• Words: 2248

Buyer Behavior and Integrated Marketing Communications

• Words: 1937

Organizations and Economic Environment

• Subjects: Economics Macroeconomics
• Words: 1523

Labour Regulation in The Clean Air Act

• Subjects: Labor Law Law

Language and Culture Interaction in English Language Teaching

• Subjects: Literature World Literature
• Words: 2061

Multinational Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

• Subjects: Business Company Structure
• Words: 1781

Organizational Behaviour and Leadership

• Subjects: Business Management Theories
• Words: 3642

SOS Systems Engineering, Integration, and Architecting

• Subjects: Engineering Tech & Engineering
• Words: 1643

Economic Situation in Germany: Analysis & Forecasts

• Words: 3923

Communist Manifesto, Time and Social Issues

• Subjects: Politics & Government Social & Political Theory
• Words: 1409

London’s Airports Strategy

• Subjects: Air Transport Transportation
• Words: 5498

Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Health

• Words: 2770

Islamic Culture: Land Ownership in Pakistan

• Words: 6179

The Causes and Consequences of the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka

• Subjects: Disasters Environment
• Words: 3372

Trauma of Sexually Abused Children

• Words: 3344

Environmental Issues for Managers: UK’s Current Strategy on Renewable Energy & Technologies

• Subjects: Ecology Environment
• Words: 2211

Impact of Learner-Centered Approach on the Teaching of Language for Specific Purposes (ESP)

• Subjects: Education Learning Challenges
• Words: 2773

The Influence of Consumerism on 7-11 Years Children

• Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology
• Words: 1388

Technologies, E-business, and Virtual Organizations

• Subjects: Business E-Commerce
• Words: 3063

Impact of Technology on Healthcare Services

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Health IT
• Words: 1238

Ethical Decision Making Models in Guerrilla Government

• Subjects: Environment Environmental Studies

Instability and Division of Yemen

• Words: 1457

Community Development in Theory and Practice

• Words: 2052

The Importance of Organisational Culture

• Subjects: Business Organizational Management
• Words: 2222

General Motor Corporation in China

• Words: 2269

Family Therapy: Bowenian and Narrative Approaches

• Subjects: Behavior Psychology
• Words: 3602

Organisational Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

• Words: 2210

Behavior Matters in Our Life

• Words: 1688

Toyota Plant Case – Lexus RX 330 Line Plant Location

• Subjects: Business Case Study

The Role of Leadership in Business and Its Advantages

• Words: 1738

Why Migration Cannot Be a Basic Human Right but Always Been a Part of Human Culture

• Subjects: Immigration Sociology
• Words: 1686

The Effects of the American Correctional Policy

• Words: 1228

Trends in the Workplace

Epistemological nature of the knowledge and skills needed for real estate management, the ethical issues of genetic engineering.

• Words: 2755

Management of Human Resources: Sound Recruitment and Selection Systems

• Words: 1181

Early Gifted Education: Why Is It Needed?

• Words: 4017

London Interbank Offered Rate Scandal

• Subjects: Big Economic Issues Economics
• Words: 1189

Separation Between Girls and Boys in the Classroom

• Words: 3093

What Is Social Class and How Does It Contribute to Our Understanding of the Social Determinants of Health?

• Words: 1460

Piaget’s Quote in Relation to Adult Learning

• Words: 1140

Model of the social contract

• Words: 1410

Tanzania and the Local Communities

• Subjects: Environment Planet Protection
• Words: 1007

Job Analysis Importance

• Subjects: Business Professions
• Words: 1471

Instructional Design Principles and Theory

English literacy lessons for australian students. when theory meets practice.

• Words: 1503

A Journey to the Disneyland: From Oswald to Cinderella. Walt Disney and His Personal Demons

• Words: 3327

Exegetical Study of Biblical Divorce

• Subjects: Religion Sociology of Religion
• Words: 2842

Kantian Perspective on Water Privatisation

• Subjects: Philosophical Theories Philosophy
• Words: 1132

Integrated Marketing Communication Approaches in the Global Market Place

• Words: 3373

HRM Challenges in Multinational Companies

• Words: 2212

Human Behavior and the Best Principles to Follow

• Subjects: Life Philosophy Philosophy
• Words: 1971

Is the sweatshop concept adopted by the U.S. manufactures overseas ethical?

• Words: 2237

Affirmative Action Policy in the US

• Words: 1106

Assessment and Evaluation Using Technology

Managing values and corporate responsibility in global business operations.

• Subjects: Business Business Ethics
• Words: 2522

Employee Attitudes and Work-Related Behaviour: Ongoing Challenge for the Contemporary Manager

• Words: 1998

Impact of Global Warming on Wine Makers

• Words: 3347

Google Does No Evil

• Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering
• Words: 1194

The emergence of a discourse of class disgust and neoliberal citizenship

• Words: 1683

Effective Assessment and Evaluation

Content analysis of gender roles in media.

• Subjects: Gender Studies Sociology

Wal-Mart and Its Unexpected Marketing Results

Studying abroad as a chance to employed.

• Words: 1714

Education, Knowledge, and Social Change

• Words: 2149

Challenges of Millenial Generation

• Words: 1408

Project Management: Conceptual Analysis

The key to understanding political development.

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Analyzing the Findings of Falcons

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• Words: 1113

Contribution of Playstation and Playstation 2 to the World

Tenure and divorce status correlation in an organization.

• Subjects: Business Decision Making

Reverse Logistics at the Planning

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Strategic Management Accounting

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Men and Women in Internet and Social Media: Real-Life Stereotypes in the Virtual Communication

• Subjects: Gender Identity Sociology
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The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park

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Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Strategies

Demand for energy. energy sources.

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Nuclear disarmament as a way to keep peace and provide human security

• Words: 3071

Zhao Zhao and the Chinese Contemporary Art

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Martha Stewart case analysis

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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Analytical Essay

There are different types of essays which I would assume most of you are already familiar with. Persuasive essays , reflective essays , and descriptive essays  are just among the few examples. Essays are rather seen important especially in the life of a student, because it is often what your grades are based on.

Knowing how to start an essay is an important in key in writing effective essay . In addition to that, your point of view will determine the kind of essay you are writing. This article will be able to help you in understanding another kind of essay, which is the analytical essay.

What is an Analytical Essay?- Definition

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing where the writer breaks down a topic or argument into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience. It aims to convey a deeper understanding and insight into the subject being analyzed. Analytical essays require critical thinking and a clear argumentative structure, often addressing questions of “how” and “why.”

Structure of an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is structured to break down and examine a specific topic, idea, or argument in depth. The goal is to present a comprehensive analysis that offers insights and a deeper understanding of the subject. Here’s how it’s typically structured:

Introduction

Hook: Start with an engaging sentence to draw in the reader. Background Information: Provide context or background necessary to understand the topic. Thesis Statement: Present a clear, concise statement that expresses the main argument or analysis that the essay will support.

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Analysis: Present detailed analysis of the evidence. This includes interpreting the evidence, explaining how it supports the thesis, and discussing its implications. Evidence: Include specific examples, quotations, or data that support the analysis. Make sure to properly cite sources. Link: Conclude each paragraph by linking its main idea to the thesis statement, ensuring the essay remains focused on the analysis.

Summary: Briefly summarize the key points made in the essay, reaffirming how they support the thesis. Thesis Restatement: Restate the thesis in a new way, reflecting the insights gained through the analysis. Final Thoughts: Offer final insights, reflections, or a call to action, suggesting the implications of your analysis or areas for further exploration.

Works Cited (if required)

Sources: List all sources cited in the essay in the appropriate format.

How to Write an Analytical Essay: Key Steps

• Choose Your Topic: Select a specific, analyzable topic that interests you.
• Conduct Thorough Research: Gather information from credible sources to support your analysis.
• Formulate a Thesis Statement: Develop a clear, concise thesis that outlines your essay’s main argument.
• Create an Outline: Organize your main points and evidence in a logical structure.
• Write the Essay:

Introduction : Start with a hook, provide context, and present your thesis. Body Paragraphs : Each should include a topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and a concluding sentence linking back to the thesis. Conclusion : Summarize the analysis, restate the thesis, and highlight the importance of your findings.

• Revise and Edit: Review your essay for coherence, accuracy, and errors. Ensure clarity in argumentation and evidence presentation

Analytical Essay Samples

• Essay on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Essay on Cyber Bullying
• Essay on Deforestation
• Essay on Discipline
• Essay on Education Rules

Analytical Essay Examples

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Poetry Analytical Example

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Persuasive Analytical

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High School Analytical

What is the Purpose of an Analytical Essay?

The purpose of an analytical essay is to break down and examine a piece of literature, film, event, or any other subject, in order to present a thorough understanding and insightful interpretation of it. This type of essay focuses on analyzing the subject’s structure, components, and underlying themes or messages. It aims to reveal deeper meanings, relationships, and complexities within the subject, encouraging readers to see beyond the surface level. Additionally, an analytical essay seeks to support its analysis with evidence, thereby fostering critical thinking and enhancing the reader’s comprehension and appreciation of the subject matter. Through this detailed examination, the essay not only contributes to academic discourse but also aids in developing the writer’s analytical and evaluative skills

Analytical Essay vs. Descriptive Essay: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between an analytical essay and a descriptive essay lies in their purpose and approach to the topic. Each serves a unique goal and employs distinct methods to achieve its objectives.

Importance of Analytical Essay

The aim of analytical essay to start is not to present a story but to analyze and it to make readers understand what the writer intends to accomplish with the essay. Some students who are asked to write an analytical essay tend to tell the readers the next scenario of the story instead of analyzing it. Remember that it is not a narrative essay, rather an essay which is aimed at analyzing the subject.

The importance of analytical essay is to provide readers a more comprehensible understanding of a story or a book by assessing all its important elements. It is a good way of practicing critical thinking by looking at a story from different angles.

How to Conclude an Analytical Essay

The conclusion of any essay, like in an expository essay , is to recap the main point in order for the readers to get a gist of the essay. This process of making a conclusion can also be applied to an analytical essay, except the writer should be able to present two important factors: the analysis and the argument .

• The analysis is the study of the main issue that is presented with its supporting elements, like the plot of the story and the characters.
• The argument is your personal response to the subject and line of reasoning based on the analysis.

How Do You Write a Text Analysis Essay?

To write a text analysis essay, start by reading the text critically to understand its themes, characters, and plot. Develop a thesis that makes a claim about the text, then organize your essay into an introduction, several body paragraphs that support your thesis with evidence from the text, and a conclusion that summarizes your analysis and reiterates the thesis.

What is the Pattern of an Analytical Essay?

The pattern of an analytical essay typically includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs that present evidence and analysis to support the thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and reinforces the thesis. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the analysis.

Is an Analytical Essay a Persuasive Essay?

An analytical essay is not inherently a persuasive essay, but it can contain persuasive elements. While an analytical essay focuses on breaking down and interpreting information, a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. However, both may use evidence and reasoning to support their purposes.

What is the Hardest Type of Essay to Write?

The hardest type of essay to write can vary depending on the writer’s skills and interests, but many find persuasive essays challenging due to the need to effectively argue a point of view, using logic, reasoning, and evidence to convince readers to agree with a specific stance.

What is an Analytical vs Descriptive Essay?

An analytical essay breaks down and interprets various aspects of a topic to provide in-depth understanding or argument, focusing on the “how” and “why.” In contrast, a descriptive essay vividly describes a person, place, object, or event, focusing on creating a sensory experience for the reader.

Is an Analytical Essay an Expository Essay?

Yes, an analytical essay can be considered a type of expository essay. Both aim to explain or inform. However, an analytical essay specifically analyzes and interprets elements of a subject to provide deeper insight, while expository essays can also define, explain, or instruct without necessarily analyzing.

Analytical Essay Generator

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Are you a student facing the challenge of crafting an analytical essay? You're not alone!

Selecting the right topic is often the first stumbling block that students encounter in their essay writing journey. This choice can make or break your essay. 

But fear not because, in this blog, we're going to dive deep into the analytical essay topics. We'll provide you with a wealth of topic ideas. 

Stay with us till the end as we will share tips to select a good topic for your essay. By the end of this blog, you'll be able to pick a great topic with confidence and set yourself up for success.

Let’s start with the blog!

• 1. Defining an Analytical Essay
• 2. Analytical Essay Topics for Students
• 3. Literary Analytical Essay Topics
• 4. Critical Analytical Essay Topics
• 5. Social Analytical Essay Topics
• 6. Educational Analytical Essay Topics
• 7. Analytical Essay Topics on Health
• 8. Analytical Essay Topics on Education
• 9. Analytical Essay Ideas on Literature
• 10. Business Analytical Report Topics
• 11. Persuasive Analytical Essay Topics
• 12. Political Analysis Essay Topics
• 13. Analytical Essay Topics on Crime
• 14. Analytical Essay Topics on Culture and Society
• 15. Romeo And Juliet Analytical Essay Topics
• 16. Analytical Essay Prompts on Nature
• 17. Hamlet Analytical Essay Topics
• 18. Analytical Essay Topics for 1984
• 19. Advanced Analytical Essay Topics
• 20. Traditional Analysis Essay Topics
• 21. Funny Analytical Essay Topics
• 22. Simple Analytical Essay Topics
• 23. Best Analytical Essay Topics
• 24. Easy Analytical Essay Topics
• 25. Interesting Analytical Essay Topics
• 26. How to Select the Perfect Analytical Essay Topic?

Defining an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that examines a subject, breaks it down into its constituent parts, and evaluates it. 

It can take two main forms: 

• Literary analysis , where you dissect a piece of literature
• Critical analysis , where you assess a topic, idea, or argument.

Analytical Essay Topics for Students

An analytical essay can be written for any field or subject. If you are looking for analytical essay topic ideas, the list provided below will be beneficial. 

Analytical Essay Topics for High School

• Why do people have fears and phobias?
• How to get rid of drug addiction?
• Is love a chemical reaction?
• Why do people have pet peeves?
• How are deep water inhabitants different from other inhabitants? 
• Why are insects attracted to light?
• Why are all animals scared of people?
• Why is respecting nature essential? 
• Why do emotional support animals make older people happy?
• Why is pessimism worse than optimism? 

Analytical Essay Topics for College Students

• Why are aliens still not found?
• Why is the Armageddon concept so abstract?
• Why is ecology getting worse?
• How can animal testing be avoided?
• How are microbes harmful to human beings?
• Why are people allergic to particular things?
• How do undue restrictions make teenagers rebellious? 
• Why do people appear to be bi-sexual?
• What makes a person an extrovert?
• What problems do alcoholics have?

Literary Analytical Essay Topics

• Symbolism in “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”
• The use of metaphor in The Picture of Dorian Gray  
• The use of symbolism and imagery in “Ah Sunflower” by William Blake 
• Enigma and music in The Raven by Poe
• Metaphors in Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf 
• Allusions in Eliot’s “The Hollow Man”
• Multiculturalism in Solomon by Toni Morrison 
• The vampires of the 19th century and 20th century. 
• Timeframes in “Memento Mori” by Jonathan Nolan 
• Features of tragicomedy in metamodernist writings 

Critical Analytical Essay Topics

• Examine a popular TV show.
• Analyze a movie based on a novel
• Analyze a poem that has a first-person point of view. 
• Analyze the literary context of Things Fall Apart
• Critical analysis of Ophelia’s death in Hamlet
• Irony used by Mark Twain in his short stories
• Single parent Vs. dual-parent families 
• Analyze how American Culture is getting influenced by Latino
• Critically analyze the change in gender roles.
• Talk about choosing models who are outside of a healthy body.

Social Analytical Essay Topics

• Why do athletes use drugs?
• Why is street art so popular?
• What are the notions of multicultural societies? 
• How does body shape influence one’s personality?
• Why are gender roles changing?
• How does single parenting affect a child’s psychology?
• What are some differences in communication between a man and a woman?
• How can a career and family life be balanced?
• What therapeutic effects does music have?
• How can inequality be avoided?

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Educational Analytical Essay Topics

• Critically analyze the character of  Romeo in the play. 
• What are the advantages of school uniforms?
• How can bullying be avoided in schools?
• Why is it important to give sex education in schools?
• Are school authorities performing their duties loyally?
• How can education standards be increased?
• Why is it essential for a college education to be free?
• How does higher education ensure better career opportunities? 
• Why is practical learning more important?
• Pros and cons of homeschooling?

Analytical Essay Topics on Health

• What are the cons of being a vegetarian
• What are the causes of obesity?
• How do eating disorders affect mental health?
• What are the effects of insomnia?
• Are sleeping pills helpful?
• Can traditional medicine treat insomnia?
• How can the bipolar disorder be treated?
• How does cognitive therapy influence mental disorders?
• How do antidepressants deal with depression?
• What are the disadvantages of free treatment?

Analytical Essay Topics on Education

• The impact of technology on classroom learning
• Standardized testing: Pros and cons in education
• The role of teachers in fostering critical thinking skills
• Gender disparities in STEM education
• The influence of socioeconomic status on educational attainment
• The effectiveness of online learning in higher education
• The benefits and drawbacks of inclusive education
• The evolution of education in the digital age
• Analyzing the flipped classroom approach
• The significance of emotional intelligence in education

Analytical Essay Ideas on Literature

• Analyzing the symbolism of the green light in "The Great Gatsby."
• Exploring the theme of isolation in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
• The use of foreshadowing in Shakespeare's tragedies.
• The role of women in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice."
• Examining the character development of Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol."
• The influence of Greek tragedy on modern theater.
• The significance of the "White Whale" in Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick."
• The portrayal of war in Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms."
• Analyzing the use of metaphors in Langston Hughes' poetry.
• The impact of colonialism in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart."

Business Analytical Report Topics

• Analyzing the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail businesses.
• Assessing supply chain disruptions and resilience strategies in the post-COVID era.
• Examining the growth of remote work and its implications for company culture.
• Measuring the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns in driving sales.
• Exploring the financial implications of sustainability initiatives in business.
• The role of big data analytics in decision-making for business expansion.
• Evaluating the competitive landscape of the electric vehicle industry.
• Analyzing consumer behavior in the subscription economy.
• Assessing the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain transparency.
• The economics of gig work: freelancing and its impact on traditional employment.

Persuasive Analytical Essay Topics

• Should stronger data privacy regulations be implemented in the digital age?
• Should businesses prioritize employee well-being to boost productivity?
• Should businesses invest in renewable energy for sustainable practices?
• Should inclusive hiring practices be the norm for fostering diversity and innovation?
• Should ethical advertising be a legal requirement to build consumer trust?
• Should businesses implement a four-day workweek for enhanced productivity?
• Should social media platforms face stricter regulations to combat misinformation?
• Should businesses embrace circular economy principles for environmental responsibility?
• Should universal basic income be implemented to address economic inequality?
• Should businesses take a leading role in combating climate change through carbon neutrality?

Political Analysis Essay Topics

• Assessing the impact of political polarization on healthcare reform
• Analyzing the effect of lobbying on the U.S. healthcare system
• The political dimensions of global warming policy: a critical analysis
• The role of international diplomacy in addressing global warming
• Evaluating the influence of political leaders on climate change mitigation
• Political economy and the health system: a comparative study
• The intersection of politics and public health: an in-depth examination
• Global warming and geopolitical tensions: a political analysis
• The impact of political ideologies on environmental policies and global warming
• A political analysis of universal healthcare implementation and its challenges

Analytical Essay Topics on Crime

• Why are gangs dangerous for societies?
• Crime and criminal law
• Drug abuse and crime correlation
• Women's education and its role in crime prevention
• The concept of insanity in criminal law.
• What crimes are typical for what ages?
• Preventions against acts of terror.
• Superwomen in crime and punishment
• Analyze the possible ways to lower crime rates.
• Cases of police brutality

Analytical Essay Topics on Culture and Society

• Analyzing the impact of social media on modern society.
• Cultural appropriation: understanding its controversies.
• The influence of pop culture on youth behavior.
• Gender roles in contemporary society: a critical examination.
• Examining the effects of immigration on cultural diversity.
• The role of technology in shaping cultural norms.
• Analyzing the effects of globalization on local cultures.
• Stereotypes in media: their effects on society.
• Cultural relativism vs. ethnocentrism: a comparative study.
• Exploring the evolution of marriage and family structures in modern society.

Romeo And Juliet Analytical Essay Topics

• How is love portrayed in Romeo and Juliet?
• Analyze the important scenes. 
• What makes Mercutio memorable?
• Analyze the role played by destiny in Romeo and Juliet.
• The significance of Shakespeare’s work in literature. 
• The role of fate in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
• Analyze the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet
• Do Romeo and Juliet love each other?
• Value and duality in Romeo and Juliet
• Influence of Romeo and Juliet on modern culture

Analytical Essay Prompts on Nature

• Analyze the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
• Explore the symbolism of nature in a classic literary work.
• Examine the ethical implications of wildlife conservation.
• Investigate the role of urban planning in preserving natural spaces.
• Analyze the effects of deforestation on global biodiversity.
• Discuss the psychological benefits of spending time in nature.
• Explore the cultural significance of nature in indigenous societies.
• Examine the relationship between technology and our connection to the natural world.
• Analyze the impact of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
• Investigate the role of national parks in preserving natural beauty and wi

Hamlet Analytical Essay Topics

• The portrayal of women in Hamlet: an analytical examination.
• Costume design in Hamlet: a detailed analysis of Hamlet's attire.
• The use of comedy in Hamlet: an analytical exploration.
• Hamlet's complex relationship with Gertrude: a critical analysis.
• Analyzing the film adaptation of 'Hamlet': a cinematic study.
• Hamlet's contemplation of suicide: an in-depth analysis.
• Was Hamlet truly mad? An analytical investigation.
• The act of murder in 'Hamlet': an in-depth analysis.
• Truth-seeking methods in Hamlet: an analysis of Hamlet, Laertius, and Polonius.
• Character analysis in Hamlet: a comprehensive study of the play's characters.

Analytical Essay Topics for 1984

• The Utopian Society in 1984 By George Orwell
• The illustration of power.
• The theme of totalitarianism in 1984.
• The vision of society In 1984
• An in-depth analysis of the novel 1984 by George Orwell
• Political and social criticism in 1984
• The role of technology in 1984
• The significance of memory in 1984.
• Analyze “1984” referring to the theme of consumerism.
• The four essential freedoms and the freedom of fear

Advanced Analytical Essay Topics

• Advantages of playing video games for children under 13?
• Why is mercy killing legal in some societies?
• Why should illegal immigrants not be given equal rights in the country?
• How can societal pressure result in alarming mental situations?
• How do bold movie topics influence society? 
• How do teaching methods affect learning? 
• Why should e-books replace books?
• Advantages and disadvantages of homework
• Can education bring social change?
• How are education and wealth connected?

Traditional Analysis Essay Topics

• The Symbolism of Light and Darkness in "Lord of the Flies."
• Analyzing the Motif of Revenge in Shakespeare's Plays.
• The Role of Women in Victorian Literature.
• A Critical Examination of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby."
• Analyzing the Use of Foreshadowing in Edgar Allan Poe's Works.
• The Representation of Social Class in Charles Dickens' Novels.
• A Literary Analysis of the Tragic Hero in "Macbeth."
• The Theme of Isolation in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
• Analyzing the Allegory of the Cave in Plato's "The Republic."
• The Symbolism of the Green Light in "The Catcher in the Rye."

Funny Analytical Essay Topics

• Why do all horror movies have the same plot?
• Are animal videos on social media hilarious?
• Do violent video games make you aggressive? 
• Why do people find spam emails more attractive than other emails?
• Why is smoking pot helpful in drafting good emails?
• Why are jobs for teenagers so terrible?
• Why is it hard for girls to decide what to wear?
• Why do students like to go to detention?
• How does drinking help you give your exam?
• Why are school dropouts richer than other college toppers?  

Simple Analytical Essay Topics

• The impact of social media on personal relationships
• Analyzing the themes in a favorite book or movie
• Exploring the causes of academic stress among students
• The influence of technology on modern communication
• Analyzing the effects of fast food on health
• The significance of recycling for environmental conservation
• The role of education in career success
• Examining the benefits and drawbacks of online learning
• The impact of music on mood and emotions
• Analyzing the causes of teenage rebellion

Best Analytical Essay Topics

• Why is it important to be a patriot? 
• Why are TV shows not suitable for children?
• How do children get influenced by violent content on TV?
• What are the different forms of addiction?
• Why is art education important in colleges?
• What are the most popular forms of art?
• What are the cons of health insurance? 
• How does social media affect teenagers?
• How does peer pressure work?
• What makes people thieves?

Easy Analytical Essay Topics

• Why is organ donation significant?
• How is graffiti a form of art?
• Why is quitting smoking challenging?
• Why is sugar harmful to the body? 
• Why do we sneeze?
• Why are firstborn children better in studies than their other younger siblings? 
• Religion or thoughts - What causes conflicts?
• Why is the depression rate increasing in the United States? 
• Analyze the historical context of abstract art?
• Why are young people becoming obese? 

Interesting Analytical Essay Topics

• How to write good essays without practice?
• Why are students who do not pay attention in class smarter? 
• How is cloning helpful in saving lives?
• What are the pros and cons of free education? 
• How does peer pressure shape personality?
• Pros and cons of homework
• How to cope with the generation gap?
• What are the different types of eating disorders?
• What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
• How does John Keats use imagery?

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How to Select the Perfect Analytical Essay Topic?

Choosing the perfect analytical essay topic can be a challenge. In this section, we'll walk you through a step-by-step approach to ensure you choose a topic that not only excites you but also impresses your readers.

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Guidelines

Before you dive into brainstorming, it's crucial to fully grasp what your teacher or professor expects. Check for specific requirements, such as word count, formatting, and any specific themes or guidelines. This understanding will act as your guiding light throughout the topic selection process.

Step 2: Brainstorming and Idea-Generation Techniques

So, what exactly is brainstorming ? It's a process where you generate lots of ideas without worrying about whether they're good or bad. Think of it as a free-flowing river of thoughts.

Here is how to brainstorm:

• Start with a mind map. Write your main essay topic in the center and branch out with related subtopics or themes. 
• In the second step make an outline for each topic. An analytical essay outline helps you visualize connections and discover hidden gems of ideas that you might have missed otherwise.
• Next, try freewriting. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write anything that comes to your mind about potential essay topics. No need to worry about grammar or structure here.
• Lastly, ask yourself questions like "What am I passionate about?" or "What current issues intrigue me?" These questions can stir up fascinating essay topics.

Step 3: Narrow Down Your Options

Now that you have a bunch of ideas, it's time to remove the weaker ones. Consider your personal interest, the available research material, and the essay's requirements.

Narrowing down your options ensures you're left with topics that not only excite you but also meet your essay's needs.

Step 4: Research Potential Topics

Before you make your final choice, do your background search. Research each potential topic briefly to check for available information and whether it aligns with your assignment's goals.

The more you explore, the more likely you are to discover the perfect topic.

Step 5: Consider Your Target Audience

Don't forget your audience! Think about who will read your essay and what topics might resonate with them. A topic that interests your readers can make your essay more engaging and relatable.

Connecting with your audience through your topic choice can turn your essay from "just another assignment" into something people genuinely want to read.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect analytical essay topic.

Summing Up! In order to make your analytical essay perfect, go through some analytical essay examples , or take assistance from our analytical essay writing service . 

Our service has experts who provide original essays and papers for all subjects and levels. 

You can get your assignment written by the top essay writer service by placing your ' help me write my essay ' request!

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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How to Write an Analytical Essay: A Complete Guide & Examples [UPD 2024]

Have an analytical essay to write? Not an easy assignment. We are ready to provide you with several insights on how to write a successful paper. If you have a school or a college assignment, this article is just for you. Continue reading it, and you’ll find out:

• What is an analytical essay?
• Secrets of a perfect analytical essay.
• What is a literary essay?
• A piece of practice: A Literary analysis essay example and an analytical essay example.
• 📝 Analytical Essay: Definition
• 🖊️ How to Write an Analysis?

🔢 Analytical Essay Topics

• 💡 Analytical Essay Example
• 📚 Literary Analysis Essay
• 📓 5 General Tips

📝 What Is an Analytical Essay?

You can write an analytical essay on any topic. It could be politics, art, economics, music, etc. The goal of analytical writing is to analyze the issue. Before writing such an essay, writers review the topic. They study the question from different points of view. Then, they express their opinion in the paper.

Components of an Analytical Essay

🖊️ how to write an analysis 3 key steps, 1. pick a good analysis essay topic.

Choosing an excellent analytical essay topic isn’t an easy task. We are here to offer you several working strategies:

• Study your subject. Before analyzing any topic, it is helpful to study it. You need to become a real expert on the subject. Then you will realize that analysis is easy.
• Try to find examples of similar essay topics. It would be great to find sample essays on similar topics. Use websites of different schools and libraries. They can help you to understand the structure of your work better. They can give you inspiration about the ideas you might discuss in your work.
• Don’t keep silent. If you need any help – ask for it. Teachers are happy to answer the questions of interested students. You could discuss problematic points with your classmates. They might have similar problems, and group thinking could be a big deal of help.

2. Develop an Analytical Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main idea of your work. You can express it in one sentence and support it with arguments.

An analytical essay statement’s goal is to answer two key questions:

• How does something do what it does?
• Why is it as it is?

A working thesis statement helps the readers with the structure of your paper. It provides them with the central point of your work. They also get to know the main arguments supporting the idea. It declares a position about the subject that needs discussing and proving.

Sometimes you generalize your thesis statement. Try to use more specific words and ideas. To answer a how or why question, use such words as “by” or “because.”

3. Create an Analysis Essay Outline

Any written assignment needs thorough planning. Analytical essays are no exception. Before starting your writing, make a well-structured outline of your work. The outline should include every paragraph’s essential points.

An analysis essay consists of three parts. They are an introduction, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s look into these parts in more detail.

Analysis Essay Introduction

The goal of the introduction is to catch the readers’ attention. To bring this focus to your subject, you need to start with a hook. The hook can be in the form of a rhetorical or provocative question. It can look like a quotation or a bold statement. A good introduction includes the question you will discuss. Apart from that, it states the position you are taking. Background information on the topic is in the intro too.

Analysis Essay Main Body

The main body is an essential part of an essay. Its goal is to provide the reader with the central idea’s development. In this section, you need to support your thesis with evidence. Usually, this part consists of at least three paragraphs. The number of paragraphs depends on how broad the thesis statement is. Writers take the evidence from different textual resources. It may be a summary, a direct quotation, or even a paraphrase.

Don’t forget about topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph! It should contain the main idea of the paragraph. It is essential to express its connection to your work’s central position.

It is vital to support everything you claim in the thesis statement. That is why you need to have a narrow thesis statement. The broader your thesis is – the more paragraphs the main body will contain.

Analysis Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph aims to give your paper a sense of completeness. Its purpose is to mark the end of your work. It is vital to stick to your point in the conclusion. Do not introduce any new topics or ideas. The goal here is to restate the thesis. You need to summarize the central issues you have discussed. An ideal conclusion reminds the reader of how you proved your argument. It leaves some space for an open discussion.

In this section, you’ll find 40 analytical essay topics for various study levels and fields. Each link leads to a page with an essay sample that you can use for inspiration.

• 2010 midterm Senate elections analysis
• Post traumatic stress disorder analysis
• Alibaba Company’s external analysis
• Folklore genres and analysis
• Allied Cooperative Insurance Group: financial analysis
• Amazon INC.’s strategic analysis report
• Analysis of a sample of spoken and written discourse
• “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: critical analysis
• Analysis of factors impact on organizational management
• Analysis of finance, internal competitive resources, and strategy
• Business and corporate law: analysis of three cases
• “Should a Woman Work Outside the Home?” analysis
• Porter’s Five Forces: strategy analysis in airline industry
• Analysis of Enterprise Web Services security model
• Analysis of inaugural speeches
• Hamlet: character analysis
• Electoral College system analysis
• Analysis of Kate Chopin’s “The Story Of An Hour”
• Analysis of Penfold Company
• Analysis of “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman
• The Dodd-Frank Act: federal policy analysis
• Analysis of the Riordan Manufacturing System
• Benihana Tokyo: the company analysis
• Marxist anthropology: analysis and critique
• Internet financial reporting analysis
• Novels Renaissance analysis
• Child poverty in Canada problem analysis
• Childhood obesity issue analysis
• Analysis of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
• Chronic disease: diabetes analysis
• The analysis of Wallada’s poetry
• Coca-Cola: company analysis
• Theory of planned behavior analysis
• Analysis of Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
• Cultural assessment models analysis
• Canonization of the Bible analysis
• “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin analysis
• Health system reform analysis in Canada
• Nintendo – strategic analysis
• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: plot analysis

💡 Writing an Analytical Essay: A Wonderful Example

📚 literary analysis essay: example & guide, what is a literary analysis essay.

When writing a literary essay, we analyze literature. Sometimes you need to analyze only a particular character. Or you will talk about one aspect of the work. When you study literary work elements, you’ll understand the piece of literature better.

Literary Analysis Essay Components

Literary analysis essay: how does it look like.

A literary analysis is not a summary of writing. On the contrary, it is a debate about the work. It conveys a writer’s analysis of the work. It should include analysis and assessment of the piece of writing. To accomplish this goal, writers use different literary devices. The idea of literary analysis is to discuss writers’ thoughts.

Literary Analysis Essay Example

📓 5 general tips to get your analytical writing done, don’t neglect the outline before you start writing.

You need to organize your thoughts and ideas. It will help you remember the order of the essay components. Also, it will prompt the main ideas that the author has to mention.

Check Your Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the stem of your paper. You need to discuss it further and support it with evidence. Before writing the main body, make sure that your statement is clear. It is essential to make your thesis statement assertive. In this case, the readers will understand your perspective. They will also believe what you are saying.

Review the Paper’s Structure

When you have done the first rough draft, revise the structure of your literary analysis. First, you need to check your thesis statement’s position. Don’t forget to check the arguments. Secondly, review the use of sentence structures, try to use a variety of different constructions. It is vital that you use the third-person perspective in the essay. Remember to include reliable sources.

Don’t Forget about Transitions

Literary analysis essays consist of several paragraphs. Different paragraphs discuss different ideas. So it is crucial to make the transitions between the sections smooth. Try not to jump from one fact to another. Use logical connectors instead. The essay should be coherent, with one idea following the previous one.

Use Academic Language

When discussing a work of literature, it is essential to remember your work’s style. Try to avoid informal style, slang, and jargon words. Use your dictionary or online resources if you need help with word choice. Remember that you are writing an academic paper. Academic papers require appropriate vocabulary.

Now you know all the excellent tips for writing an analytical essay. Why wait? Start writing your own paper! We wish you good luck!

🔗 References

• Elements of Analysis – Purdue University
• Guide to Writing an Analytical Essay – Stetson University
• How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay – Bucks.edu
• Writing an Analytical Essay – Utoronto.ca
• Organizing Your Analysis – Purdue University
• Analysis versus Description – Monash University
• Analytical Thesis Statements – University of Arizona
• Literary Analysis Sample Paper – Germanna Community College
• Styles of Writing – University of Reading
• Example Essays – University of Sussex
• Using Evidence: Analysis – Walden University
• Structuring the Essay – Monash University
• How Can I Create Stronger Analysis? – University of Michigan
• Thesis Statements – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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12.14: Sample Student Literary Analysis Essays

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• Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

The following examples are essays where student writers focused on close-reading a literary work.

While reading these examples, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the essay's thesis statement, and how do you know it is the thesis statement?
• What is the main idea or topic sentence of each body paragraph, and how does it relate back to the thesis statement?
• Where and how does each essay use evidence (quotes or paraphrase from the literature)?
• What are some of the literary devices or structures the essays analyze or discuss?
• How does each author structure their conclusion, and how does their conclusion differ from their introduction?

Example 1: Poetry

Victoria Morillo

Instructor Heather Ringo

3 August 2022

How Nguyen’s Structure Solidifies the Impact of Sexual Violence in “The Study”

Stripped of innocence, your body taken from you. No matter how much you try to block out the instance in which these two things occurred, memories surface and come back to haunt you. How does a person, a young boy , cope with an event that forever changes his life? Hieu Minh Nguyen deconstructs this very way in which an act of sexual violence affects a survivor. In his poem, “The Study,” the poem's speaker recounts the year in which his molestation took place, describing how his memory filters in and out. Throughout the poem, Nguyen writes in free verse, permitting a structural liberation to become the foundation for his message to shine through. While he moves the readers with this poignant narrative, Nguyen effectively conveys the resulting internal struggles of feeling alone and unseen.

The speaker recalls his experience with such painful memory through the use of specific punctuation choices. Just by looking at the poem, we see that the first period doesn’t appear until line 14. It finally comes after the speaker reveals to his readers the possible, central purpose for writing this poem: the speaker's molestation. In the first half, the poem makes use of commas, em dashes, and colons, which lends itself to the idea of the speaker stringing along all of these details to make sense of this time in his life. If reading the poem following the conventions of punctuation, a sense of urgency is present here, as well. This is exemplified by the lack of periods to finalize a thought; and instead, Nguyen uses other punctuation marks to connect them. Serving as another connector of thoughts, the two em dashes give emphasis to the role memory plays when the speaker discusses how “no one [had] a face” during that time (Nguyen 9-11). He speaks in this urgent manner until the 14th line, and when he finally gets it off his chest, the pace of the poem changes, as does the more frequent use of the period. This stream-of-consciousness-like section when juxtaposed with the latter half of the poem, causes readers to slow down and pay attention to the details. It also splits the poem in two: a section that talks of the fogginess of memory then transitions into one that remembers it all.

In tandem with the fluctuating nature of memory, the utilization of line breaks and word choice help reflect the damage the molestation has had. Within the first couple of lines of the poem, the poem demands the readers’ attention when the line breaks from “floating” to “dead” as the speaker describes his memory of Little Billy (Nguyen 1-4). This line break averts the readers’ expectation of the direction of the narrative and immediately shifts the tone of the poem. The break also speaks to the effect his trauma has ingrained in him and how “[f]or the longest time,” his only memory of that year revolves around an image of a boy’s death. In a way, the speaker sees himself in Little Billy; or perhaps, he’s representative of the tragic death of his boyhood, how the speaker felt so “dead” after enduring such a traumatic experience, even referring to himself as a “ghost” that he tries to evict from his conscience (Nguyen 24). The feeling that a part of him has died is solidified at the very end of the poem when the speaker describes himself as a nine-year-old boy who’s been “fossilized,” forever changed by this act (Nguyen 29). By choosing words associated with permanence and death, the speaker tries to recreate the atmosphere (for which he felt trapped in) in order for readers to understand the loneliness that came as a result of his trauma. With the assistance of line breaks, more attention is drawn to the speaker's words, intensifying their importance, and demanding to be felt by the readers.

Most importantly, the speaker expresses eloquently, and so heartbreakingly, about the effect sexual violence has on a person. Perhaps what seems to be the most frustrating are the people who fail to believe survivors of these types of crimes. This is evident when he describes “how angry” the tenants were when they filled the pool with cement (Nguyen 4). They seem to represent how people in the speaker's life were dismissive of his assault and who viewed his tragedy as a nuisance of some sorts. This sentiment is bookended when he says, “They say, give us details , so I give them my body. / They say, give us proof , so I give them my body,” (Nguyen 25-26). The repetition of these two lines reinforces the feeling many feel in these scenarios, as they’re often left to deal with trying to make people believe them, or to even see them.

It’s important to recognize how the structure of this poem gives the speaker space to express the pain he’s had to carry for so long. As a characteristic of free verse, the poem doesn’t follow any structured rhyme scheme or meter; which in turn, allows him to not have any constraints in telling his story the way he wants to. The speaker has the freedom to display his experience in a way that evades predictability and engenders authenticity of a story very personal to him. As readers, we abandon anticipating the next rhyme, and instead focus our attention to the other ways, like his punctuation or word choice, in which he effectively tells his story. The speaker recognizes that some part of him no longer belongs to himself, but by writing “The Study,” he shows other survivors that they’re not alone and encourages hope that eventually, they will be freed from the shackles of sexual violence.

Works Cited

Nguyen, Hieu Minh. “The Study” Poets.Org. Academy of American Poets, Coffee House Press, 2018, https://poets.org/poem/study-0 .

Example 2: Fiction

Todd Goodwin

Professor Stan Matyshak

Advanced Expository Writing

Sept. 17, 20—

Poe’s “Usher”: A Mirror of the Fall of the House of Humanity

Right from the outset of the grim story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Edgar Allan Poe enmeshes us in a dark, gloomy, hopeless world, alienating his characters and the reader from any sort of physical or psychological norm where such values as hope and happiness could possibly exist. He fatalistically tells the story of how a man (the narrator) comes from the outside world of hope, religion, and everyday society and tries to bring some kind of redeeming happiness to his boyhood friend, Roderick Usher, who not only has physically and psychologically wasted away but is entrapped in a dilapidated house of ever-looming terror with an emaciated and deranged twin sister. Roderick Usher embodies the wasting away of what once was vibrant and alive, and his house of “insufferable gloom” (273), which contains his morbid sister, seems to mirror or reflect this fear of death and annihilation that he most horribly endures. A close reading of the story reveals that Poe uses mirror images, or reflections, to contribute to the fatalistic theme of “Usher”: each reflection serves to intensify an already prevalent tone of hopelessness, darkness, and fatalism.

It could be argued that the house of Roderick Usher is a “house of mirrors,” whose unpleasant and grim reflections create a dark and hopeless setting. For example, the narrator first approaches “the melancholy house of Usher on a dark and soundless day,” and finds a building which causes him a “sense of insufferable gloom,” which “pervades his spirit and causes an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart, an undiscerned dreariness of thought” (273). The narrator then optimistically states: “I reflected that a mere different arrangement of the scene, of the details of the picture, would be sufficient to modify, or perhaps annihilate its capacity for sorrowful impression” (274). But the narrator then sees the reflection of the house in the tarn and experiences a “shudder even more thrilling than before” (274). Thus the reader begins to realize that the narrator cannot change or stop the impending doom that will befall the house of Usher, and maybe humanity. The story cleverly plays with the word reflection : the narrator sees a physical reflection that leads him to a mental reflection about Usher’s surroundings.

The narrator’s disillusionment by such grim reflection continues in the story. For example, he describes Roderick Usher’s face as distinct with signs of old strength but lost vigor: the remains of what used to be. He describes the house as a once happy and vibrant place, which, like Roderick, lost its vitality. Also, the narrator describes Usher’s hair as growing wild on his rather obtrusive head, which directly mirrors the eerie moss and straw covering the outside of the house. The narrator continually longs to see these bleak reflections as a dream, for he states: “Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building” (276). He does not want to face the reality that Usher and his home are doomed to fall, regardless of what he does.

Although there are almost countless examples of these mirror images, two others stand out as important. First, Roderick and his sister, Madeline, are twins. The narrator aptly states just as he and Roderick are entombing Madeline that there is “a striking similitude between brother and sister” (288). Indeed, they are mirror images of each other. Madeline is fading away psychologically and physically, and Roderick is not too far behind! The reflection of “doom” that these two share helps intensify and symbolize the hopelessness of the entire situation; thus, they further develop the fatalistic theme. Second, in the climactic scene where Madeline has been mistakenly entombed alive, there is a pairing of images and sounds as the narrator tries to calm Roderick by reading him a romance story. Events in the story simultaneously unfold with events of the sister escaping her tomb. In the story, the hero breaks out of the coffin. Then, in the story, the dragon’s shriek as he is slain parallels Madeline’s shriek. Finally, the story tells of the clangor of a shield, matched by the sister’s clanging along a metal passageway. As the suspense reaches its climax, Roderick shrieks his last words to his “friend,” the narrator: “Madman! I tell you that she now stands without the door” (296).

Roderick, who slowly falls into insanity, ironically calls the narrator the “Madman.” We are left to reflect on what Poe means by this ironic twist. Poe’s bleak and dark imagery, and his use of mirror reflections, seem only to intensify the hopelessness of “Usher.” We can plausibly conclude that, indeed, the narrator is the “Madman,” for he comes from everyday society, which is a place where hope and faith exist. Poe would probably argue that such a place is opposite to the world of Usher because a world where death is inevitable could not possibly hold such positive values. Therefore, just as Roderick mirrors his sister, the reflection in the tarn mirrors the dilapidation of the house, and the story mirrors the final actions before the death of Usher. “The Fall of the House of Usher” reflects Poe’s view that humanity is hopelessly doomed.

Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Fall of the House of Usher.” 1839. Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library . 1995. Web. 1 July 2012. < http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/PoeFall.html >.

Example 3: Poetry

Amy Chisnell

Professor Laura Neary

Writing and Literature

April 17, 20—

Don’t Listen to the Egg!: A Close Reading of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”

“You seem very clever at explaining words, Sir,” said Alice. “Would you kindly tell me the meaning of the poem called ‘Jabberwocky’?”

“Let’s hear it,” said Humpty Dumpty. “I can explain all the poems that ever were invented—and a good many that haven’t been invented just yet.” (Carroll 164)

In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass , Humpty Dumpty confidently translates (to a not so confident Alice) the complicated language of the poem “Jabberwocky.” The words of the poem, though nonsense, aptly tell the story of the slaying of the Jabberwock. Upon finding “Jabberwocky” on a table in the looking-glass room, Alice is confused by the strange words. She is quite certain that “ somebody killed something ,” but she does not understand much more than that. When later she encounters Humpty Dumpty, she seizes the opportunity at having the knowledgeable egg interpret—or translate—the poem. Since Humpty Dumpty professes to be able to “make a word work” for him, he is quick to agree. Thus he acts like a New Critic who interprets the poem by performing a close reading of it. Through Humpty’s interpretation of the first stanza, however, we see the poem’s deeper comment concerning the practice of interpreting poetry and literature in general—that strict analytical translation destroys the beauty of a poem. In fact, Humpty Dumpty commits the “heresy of paraphrase,” for he fails to understand that meaning cannot be separated from the form or structure of the literary work.

Of the 71 words found in “Jabberwocky,” 43 have no known meaning. They are simply nonsense. Yet through this nonsensical language, the poem manages not only to tell a story but also gives the reader a sense of setting and characterization. One feels, rather than concretely knows, that the setting is dark, wooded, and frightening. The characters, such as the Jubjub bird, the Bandersnatch, and the doomed Jabberwock, also appear in the reader’s head, even though they will not be found in the local zoo. Even though most of the words are not real, the reader is able to understand what goes on because he or she is given free license to imagine what the words denote and connote. Simply, the poem’s nonsense words are the meaning.

Therefore, when Humpty interprets “Jabberwocky” for Alice, he is not doing her any favors, for he actually misreads the poem. Although the poem in its original is constructed from nonsense words, by the time Humpty is done interpreting it, it truly does not make any sense. The first stanza of the original poem is as follows:

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;

All mimsy were the borogroves,

An the mome raths outgrabe. (Carroll 164)

If we replace, however, the nonsense words of “Jabberwocky” with Humpty’s translated words, the effect would be something like this:

’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon, and the lithe and slimy badger-lizard-corkscrew creatures

Did go round and round and make holes in the grass-plot round the sun-dial:

All flimsy and miserable were the shabby-looking birds

with mop feathers,

And the lost green pigs bellowed-sneezed-whistled.

By translating the poem in such a way, Humpty removes the charm or essence—and the beauty, grace, and rhythm—from the poem. The poetry is sacrificed for meaning. Humpty Dumpty commits the heresy of paraphrase. As Cleanth Brooks argues, “The structure of a poem resembles that of a ballet or musical composition. It is a pattern of resolutions and balances and harmonizations” (203). When the poem is left as nonsense, the reader can easily imagine what a “slithy tove” might be, but when Humpty tells us what it is, he takes that imaginative license away from the reader. The beauty (if that is the proper word) of “Jabberwocky” is in not knowing what the words mean, and yet understanding. By translating the poem, Humpty takes that privilege from the reader. In addition, Humpty fails to recognize that meaning cannot be separated from the structure itself: the nonsense poem reflects this literally—it means “nothing” and achieves this meaning by using “nonsense” words.

Furthermore, the nonsense words Carroll chooses to use in “Jabberwocky” have a magical effect upon the reader; the shadowy sound of the words create the atmosphere, which may be described as a trance-like mood. When Alice first reads the poem, she says it seems to fill her head “with ideas.” The strange-sounding words in the original poem do give one ideas. Why is this? Even though the reader has never heard these words before, he or she is instantly aware of the murky, mysterious mood they set. In other words, diction operates not on the denotative level (the dictionary meaning) but on the connotative level (the emotion(s) they evoke). Thus “Jabberwocky” creates a shadowy mood, and the nonsense words are instrumental in creating this mood. Carroll could not have simply used any nonsense words.

For example, let us change the “dark,” “ominous” words of the first stanza to “lighter,” more “comic” words:

’Twas mearly, and the churly pells

Did bimble and ringle in the tink;

All timpy were the brimbledimps,

And the bip plips outlink.

Shifting the sounds of the words from dark to light merely takes a shift in thought. To create a specific mood using nonsense words, one must create new words from old words that convey the desired mood. In “Jabberwocky,” Carroll mixes “slimy,” a grim idea, “lithe,” a pliable image, to get a new adjective: “slithy” (a portmanteau word). In this translation, brighter words were used to get a lighter effect. “Mearly” is a combination of “morning” and “early,” and “ringle” is a blend of “ring” and "dingle.” The point is that “Jabberwocky’s” nonsense words are created specifically to convey this shadowy or mysterious mood and are integral to the “meaning.”

Consequently, Humpty’s rendering of the poem leaves the reader with a completely different feeling than does the original poem, which provided us with a sense of ethereal mystery, of a dark and foreign land with exotic creatures and fantastic settings. The mysteriousness is destroyed by Humpty’s literal paraphrase of the creatures and the setting; by doing so, he has taken the beauty away from the poem in his attempt to understand it. He has committed the heresy of paraphrase: “If we allow ourselves to be misled by it [this heresy], we distort the relation of the poem to its ‘truth’… we split the poem between its ‘form’ and its ‘content’” (Brooks 201). Humpty Dumpty’s ultimate demise might be seen to symbolize the heretical split between form and content: as a literary creation, Humpty Dumpty is an egg, a well-wrought urn of nonsense. His fall from the wall cracks him and separates the contents from the container, and not even all the King’s men can put the scrambled egg back together again!

Through the odd characters of a little girl and a foolish egg, “Jabberwocky” suggests a bit of sage advice about reading poetry, advice that the New Critics built their theories on. The importance lies not solely within strict analytical translation or interpretation, but in the overall effect of the imagery and word choice that evokes a meaning inseparable from those literary devices. As Archibald MacLeish so aptly writes: “A poem should not mean / But be.” Sometimes it takes a little nonsense to show us the sense in something.

Brooks, Cleanth. The Well-Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry . 1942. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1956. Print.

Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking-Glass. Alice in Wonderland . 2nd ed. Ed. Donald J. Gray. New York: Norton, 1992. Print.

MacLeish, Archibald. “Ars Poetica.” The Oxford Book of American Poetry . Ed. David Lehman. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2006. 385–86. Print.

Attribution

• Sample Essay 1 received permission from Victoria Morillo to publish, licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International ( CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 )
• Sample Essays 2 and 3 adapted from Cordell, Ryan and John Pennington. "2.5: Student Sample Papers" from Creating Literary Analysis. 2012. Licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported ( CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 )

Analytical Essay Writing

Analytical Essay Topics

List of Best Analytical Essay Topics for Students

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Published on: Jan 31, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

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Many students struggle to find interesting and engaging topics for their analytical essays, which can hinder their writing process and overall academic performance.

It can be frustrating and time-consuming to search for compelling analytical essay topics that ignite curiosity and promote critical thinking.

To solve this problem, CollegeEssay.org has a perfect solution!

In this blog, we will provide you with a list of captivating analytical essay topics to help you unlock your writing potential.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

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Good Analytical Essay Topics

Here we have summed up some tremendous analytical essay topics for you. Select the topic of your interest and create a fantastic essay. 

Before checking topics, you can also check our detailed guide on analytical essay !

Analytical Essay Topics for College Students

• How can a person survive without a car?
• How to move on from a relationship break up?
• How to deal with romantic disappointments.
• Life in a dormitory.
• Watching horror movies can affect the mental state of an individual.
• What to do if you caught your spouse cheating?
• Tips for a healthy relationship.
• How to make time at college memorable.
• Analysis of literary work and developing a good report.
• Why is it important to prove the thesis statement in the body paragraphs?

Analytical Essay Topics for High School Students  

• The role of social media in shaping personal identity and self-perception.
• Analyze the impact of technology on interpersonal communication.
• The portrayal of gender stereotypes in contemporary literature.
• The effects of climate change on global ecosystems.
• Analyzing the historical significance of a major event or movement.
• The influence of media on body image and its impact on self-esteem.
• Analyze the ethical implications of genetic engineering and cloning.
• The portrayal of mental health in literature and its reflection on society.
• Analyzing the causes and consequences of cyberbullying.
• The role of education in promoting social equality and reducing inequality.

Analytical Essay Topics for GRE

• Students should finance their education with part-time work while they study.
• Leaders of a developing country should focus on modernization.
• The quality of life depends on how developed a city is.
• Leaders should be elected and not selected.
• Scientific fields of study require more critical thinking and research than other areas of study.
• How is happiness related to new experiences?
• Excellent and creative filmmakers should be hired to create films to deliver complimentary public messages
• Art museums should be free and open to the general public.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on cultural diversity and identity.
• Analyze the causes and consequences of income inequality in modern societies.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of using genetic engineering in medical research.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Analytical Comparison Essay Topics

• Personal vehicle or public transport? What is more convenient?
• Traditional marriage ceremonies or marriages in the registrar office?
• How is Dubai different from Abu Dhabi?
• Why is wireless technology better than wired?
• Life in Britain or living in the US?
• How does New York Metro differ from the London Underground?
• Scholarship versus paying school fees.
• Late-night study or partying all night?
• Being single or being in a relationship? What should be the preference?
• How do scriptures differ from paintings?

Analytical History Essay Topics

• Influence of Puritanism on modern American culture?
• America in 1776.
• Flexibilities in the American Constitution.
• The assassination of Abraham Lincoln's
• What Lies Behind Alabama Claims.
• Mexican-American War
• Religion & Crusades
• American Reaction on Holocaust
• Role of Women in World War II
• Amendments in the slave laws.

Critical Analysis Essay Topics

• What is homosexuality for Buddhists?
• The role of fathers in today's society.
• Analysis of the reasons for emigration in different countries
• How has the racism issue changed after Barack Obama was elected as the president of the US?
• How can cartoons be helpful in a child’s development?
• The end of the British Empire.
• Why is gambling such an addiction?
• Why has smoking become a style statement?
• Analyze the portrayal of power dynamics in George Orwell's "1984."
• Critically analyze the social commentary in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

• Last speech of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Analyze “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope.
• Obama’s Final Farewell Speech
• What is the worst thing for a student?
• Who cares for street dogs?
• The recipe for a happy life.
• That one complexity of your life that has been overcome.
• Analyze the speech of your favorite Nobel prize winner.
• Do schools kill creativity?
• Analyze the movie “a beautiful mind”

Process Analysis Essay Topics

• How to plan a surprise party?
• How to survive a night of babysitting?
• How to pitch a tent in the rain?
• How to end a relationship?
• How to write well on an exam?
• How to teach about responding to a child?
• How to groom your pet?
• How to choose a primary subject in university?
• How to gain self-confidence?
• How to get rid of a bad habit?

Romeo and Juliet Analytical Essay Topics

Looking for analytical essay questions for Romeo and Julliet? Keep reading!

• Who is more at fault for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?
• How do Romeo and Juliet affect modern youth culture?
• Are Romeo and Juliet a worthy example of true love?
• Who was responsible for Mercutio's death?
• Why is Friar Laurence held responsible for the death of Romeo and Juliet?
• Why is Mercutio remembered for?
• Did Romeo and Juliet die because of their own actions?
• Could Romeo and Juliet avoid death?
• Why is the love story of Romeo and Juliet still alive?
• What kind of love did Romeo have for Juliet?

Hamlet Analysis Essay Topics

• Does Hamlet love Ophelia?
• Analyze the reasons for Hamlet being an indecisive man.
• What is the perception of death for Hamlet? Analyze.
• How can comedy enhance the theme of a play?
• Analyze a particular theme and how Shakespeare develops it throughout the play.
• Analyze Hamlet’s madness.
• What was Hamlet’s attitude toward women?
• Analyze the character of Polonius.
• Analyze the character of Hamlet and his perception of sin and salvation.
• Analyze the portrayal of women in Hamlet

Macbeth Analysis Essay Topics

• Who you think is responsible for Duncan’s death?
• Is “Macbeth” a moral play?
• Is Macbeth a more tragic hero than his wife?
• Manipulation in family relationships in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
• Analyze the betrayals of Macbeth.
• Minor characters or main characters? Which are more important?
• Did the witch’s prophecy to Banquo reveal anything about his character?
• Was there any relation between Macbeth’s actions and the fear of the supernatural?
• Did the historical liberties mentioned in the “Macbeth” enhance the story?
• Analyze the end of “Macbeth”?

Persuasive Analytical Essay Topics

• Should students take a self-defense class?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Do we have a right to privacy?
• Everyone must recycle.
• Kids should have laptops
• The pros and cons of summer schooling
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• The school day should start later in the day.
• Are capital punishments ethical?
• Is the internet all beneficial?

Funny Analytical Essay Topics

• Why is the internet full of fakes?
• How to stop critical analysis?
• Why are teenage jobs so terrible?
• Why do you love email spam?
• Why are you afraid of clowns?
• Why is not everyone rich?
• The importance of humor in a culture.
• How to spend others' money?
• Are reality shows real?
• A fun way to write a song

Easy Analytical Essay Topics For 1984

• Examine the theme of totalitarianism in "1984" and its impact on individual freedom.
• How has 1984 betrayed the theme of alienation?
• What does big brother symbolize?
• Examine the relationship between power and politics
• 1984 human drives desire for power
• How is the historical background reflected in 1984?
• Searching for truth in 1984
• Discuss the symbolic importance of the prole woman singing in the yard
• Analyze the use of language as a tool of control and manipulation in "1984."
• Evaluate the symbolism of the Party's slogans, such as "War is Peace" and "Ignorance is Strength," in "1984."

Advanced Analytical Essay Topics

• Why do people not like criticism?
• Are tests important for students?
• Pros and cons of COVID-19 for social set-ups
• What makes people thieves?
• Why do people cheat on their partners?
• How art therapy influences health?
• Why do teenagers so rebellious?
• Teen addictions and their personality
• Break down the phases of World War II.
• Dissect the writer’s main idea.

Analytical Essay Topics On Society

• The Impact of Social Media on Society: An Analytical Review
• The Changing Dynamics of Family Structures in the Modern World
• Analyzing the Role of Gender in Today's Society
• Understanding the Complexities of Race Relations in Contemporary Society
• An Analytical Exploration of the Factors Driving Income Inequality in Society
• The Ethics of Capitalism: An Analytical Review of its Impact on Society
• Analyzing the Effects of Technological Advancements on Society
• An Examination of the Interplay between Religion and Society
• The Pros and Cons of Globalization: An Analytical Study of its Impact on Society
• The Implications of Climate Change on Society: An Analytical Perspective

Analytical Essay Topic Ideas on Sports

• Analyzing the Role of Sports in Promoting Physical and Mental Health
• An Analytical Study of the Economics of Professional Sports
• Understanding the Psychological Impact of Sports on Athletes
• Analyzing the Social and Cultural Significance of Sports in Society
• An Examination of the Ethics in Sports: A Critical Perspective
• An Analytical Study of the Role of Gender in Sports
• Understanding the Impact of Technology on Sports Performance
• Analyzing the Evolution of Sports over the Years
• An Examination of the Role of Sports in International Relations
• An Analytical Study of the Media's Influence on Sports and Athlete.

Simple Analytical Essay Topics

• The Importance of Time Management in the Workplace
• The Effects of Social Media on Communication Skills
• Analyzing the Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning
• The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
• An Analytical Study of the Causes and Effects of Obesity
• The Role of Music in Society: An Analytical Review
• Understanding the Significance of Literature in Society
• Analyzing the Evolution of Fashion Trends
• An Examination of the Importance of Critical Thinking in Problem-Solving
• The Role of Creativity in Innovation and Business Success

Analytical Essay Topics on Education

• The Role of Technology in Education: An Analytical Study
• Understanding the Impact of Teacher Quality on Student Performance
• Analyzing the Importance of Early Childhood Education
• An Examination of the Effectiveness of Standardized Testing
• The Impact of Education on Economic Growth: An Analytical Review
• An Analytical Study of the Role of Education in Promoting Social Mobility
• Understanding the Impact of Student Diversity on Education
• Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
• An Examination of the Relationship between Education and Crime
• The Importance of Cultural Competency in Education: An Analytical Perspective

Analytical Essay Topics on Culture and Society

• Analyzing the Impact of Pop Culture on Society
• An Examination of the Effect of Social Norms on Behavior
• Understanding the Influence of Culture on Identity Formation
• Analyzing the Importance of Cultural Diversity in Society
• An Analytical Study of the Evolution of Marriage and Family Structures
• The Effects of Globalization on Culture: An Analytical Review
• Understanding the Role of Media in Shaping Culture
• Analyzing the Impact of Immigration on Society and Culture
• An Examination of the Relationship between Religion and Culture
• An Analytical Study of the Effects of Music on Culture and Society

Traditional Analysis Essay Topics

• An Analysis of Shakespeare's Hamlet: Themes and Motifs
• Understanding the Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
• Analyzing the Themes in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
• An Examination of the Historical Significance of George Orwell's 1984
• The Character Analysis of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
• An Analysis of Ernest Hemingway's Writing Style
• Analyzing the Themes of Gender and Power in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
• Understanding the Symbolism in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness
• An Examination of the Narrator's Unreliability in Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart
• An Analysis of the Role of Fate in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Political Analysis Essay Topics

• Analyzing the Implications of Global Political Powers on International Relations
• An Examination of the Effects of Political Polarization on Democracy
• Understanding the Role of Lobbyists in Shaping Political Decisions
• Analyzing the Political Implications of Immigration Policies
• An Analytical Study of the Effects of Political Correctness on Free Speech
• The Impact of Social Movements on Political Change: An Analytical Review
• An Examination of the Role of Media in Political Campaigns
• Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Political Dynasties
• Understanding the Relationship between Political Systems and Economic Development
• An Analytical Study of the Role of International Organizations in Global Politics.

Tips for Choosing a Good Analytical Essay Topic

Choosing a good analytical essay topic is crucial for the success of your essay. It sets the foundation for your entire analysis and determines the level of engagement and interest you'll have while writing. 

Here are some tips to help you choose a compelling and suitable analytical essay topic:

• Familiarize Yourself With The Assignment

Understand the requirements and guidelines provided by your instructor. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the purpose, scope, and expectations of the essay. This will help you narrow down potential topics that align with the assignment's objectives.

• Select A Topic Of Personal Interest

Look for subjects that genuinely interest you. When you're passionate about a topic, you'll be more motivated to delve deeper into research and present a well-rounded analysis. Consider your hobbies, personal experiences, or areas of study that captivate your curiosity.

• Identify a Topic With Sufficient Research Material

Ensure that there is a wealth of credible and relevant sources available on your chosen topic. Conduct preliminary research to gauge the availability of information. Having ample resources will enable you to support your arguments effectively and provide a comprehensive analysis.

• Narrow Down Your topic

If your initial topic seems too broad, try to narrow it down to a specific aspect or question that can be thoroughly examined within the scope of your essay. 

• Consider Current Events Or Contemporary Issues

Analyzing current events or contemporary issues adds relevance and currency to your essay. It allows you to apply critical thinking skills to real-world situations and engage readers who are interested in current affairs. Stay updated with news, social issues, or advancements in your field of study that may be suitable for analysis.

• Brainstorm And Generate Ideas

Set aside dedicated time for brainstorming . Write down any ideas that come to mind, regardless of how unconventional they may seem. Use mind maps, lists, or any other method that helps you visualize and organize your thoughts. Engage in discussions with peers or instructors to gather additional insights and potential topics.

• Evaluate The Feasibility And Significance

Assess the feasibility of your topic based on the resources, time, and research required. Additionally, consider the significance of your topic in relation to the subject matter. Choose a topic that has enough depth to allow for in-depth analysis and offers valuable insights or perspectives.

• Seek A Unique Angle

Try to approach your topic from a unique angle or explore an aspect that hasn't been extensively discussed. This will make your essay stand out and demonstrate your originality and critical thinking abilities. Avoid overused or clichéd topics unless you have a fresh perspective to offer.

Check out this informative video below on writing effective analytical essays easily.

Analytical Essay Questions

An analytical question can also be used as a topic for an analytical essay. The following are some analytical questions that you might use and compose an analytical essay.

• Why do people have phobias?
• How to get rid of gambling addiction?
• Is Love a chemical reaction?
• Why do people see nightmares?
• Why do we yawn and sneeze?

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Analytical Essay

Analytical Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023

Best 120 Analytical Essay Topics - 2024 Updated

By: Nova A.

14 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Writing an analytical essay can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know where to start. 

You want to come up with an interesting and thought-provoking topic that will capture the attention of your readers and make them think. 

But how do you find one? 

Look no further! 

We have compiled 200+ amazing analytical essay topics that are sure to inspire you. With our help, you'll be able to craft a unique and engaging paper that will get your professor's seal of approval. 

So let's dive in!

On this Page

What is an Analytical Essay? 

“An analytical essay is a type of paper that examines and evaluates an issue, text, event, or any other object of study.”

It differs from other types of essays in that it requires the author to make an argument or draw conclusions. It is based on their careful analysis and interpretation of evidence. 

The goal is to break down the object of study into its component parts. Analyze them in order to determine relationships, draw conclusions, or reach a larger understanding of the topic. 

Now that you have a better idea of what an analytical essay is, let's dive into our list of thought-provoking topics!

Easy Analytical Essay Topics for High School

Some easy analysis essay topics for high schools students are as follows: 

• What are the unintended consequences of phobias?
• How many hours of sleep is sufficient for students?
• How does a phobia work?
• What can we do to prevent gambling addiction?
• The effects of online shopping on the retail industry.
• Evaluate how social media influences modern communication
• Analyze the impact of technology on trends in art and literature 
• Explore why music has become so popular with teenagers today
• Discuss the role of education in developing global citizens
• Examine how entertainment promotes stereotypes about women and minorities

Advanced Analytical Essay Topics for College

Here are some essay prompts for college analytical papers:

• 9 things you should evaluate before choosing a college.
• How has a famous oration made a difference in the course of history?
• Ten insightful ways to improve college experiences.
• How does alcohol consumption affect teenagers?
• Analyze what makes people believe in conspiracies.
• What is the influence of TV shows and social media on teenagers? 
• Is it more important to learn how to think or what to think?
• Do you believe that humans are now evolving at an accelerated rate because of technology?
• Do you think it is always possible to balance work and personal life?
• What are some reasons children might develop rebellious traits?

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Ideas

• Analyze the rhetoric of a famous speech  
• Discuss how an author’s choice of language shapes their argument 
• Evaluate how tone affects the impact of a story or poem 
• Investigate how humor can be used to convey a message  
• Assess the effectiveness of a political ad campaign 
• Examine how a filmmaker uses sound and visuals to convey their message 
• Analyze how an author’s argument is shaped by cultural assumptions 
• Discuss why the use of imagery enhances the power of words  
• Evaluate the impact of irony in classic literature 
• Explore how a writer uses rhetorical devices to persuade an audience

Best GRE Analytical Essay Topics

In GREs, students are given some statements that they have to analyze and base their essays on. Following are some practice statements for your GRE analytical essays:

• Analyze how globalization has changed international politics
• Examine the effects of economic disparities between countries
• Discuss why some nations are unable to break out of poverty 
• Investigate the role of immigration in global trade networks
• Assess the impact of foreign aid on developing economies 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international organizations 
• Analyze how current events shape public opinion on global issues
• Explore why some countries are more vulnerable to natural disasters
• Discuss the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in resolving conflicts
• Examine how advances in technology have changed the way people interact with one another  

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Good Analytical Essay Topics for 2023

A good analytical essay topics list regarding the current issues of 2021 is given below:

• The young are getting addicted to drugs more and more, but why? 
• There are a lot of communication barriers between young people and the elderly.
• Reasons for excessive unemployment in women. 
• Do teachers help the personality of a child grow and change over time?
• Some teenagers are not as likely to be influenced by their friends.
• Importance of microbes in the ecosystem. 
• Analyze the effects of climate change globally. 
• Pros and Cons of COVID-19 for social set-ups?
• Is globalization on a fall? 
• Analyze the role of global peace-keeping institutions in 2021.

Funny Analytical Essay Topics

Want to give a humorous touch to your analytical essays? Here are some topics to help you with that. 

• How can you make people talk more?
• Why do we live on land only? 
• Are horror movies really scary?
• Why do parents want to teach manners to their children?
• Do all people feel?
• Analyze the most honest selfie you have seen. 
• Where does the sun go in the evening? 
• Why is not everyone rich?
• What is the most nonsensical fashion trend, according to you? 
• Are pets more loved than children?

Persuasive Analytical Essays Topics

Below are 10 persuasive analytical essay topics for you to convince your reader of your point of view. 

• Can music effectively cure mental issues?
• Should offensive music with slang language be banned?
• Is imposing more tariffs the solution to the financial issues of the US?
• Should all States dump their nuclear power?
• Is solar energy a viable replacement for hydel energy?
• Are capital punishments ethical?
• How to stop illegal immigrants? 
• Nature vs. Nurture- What shapes human behavior more?
• How do hobbies shape one’s personality?
• Is the internet all beneficial?

Analytical Essay Topic Ideas on Sports

• Analyze the impact of Title IX on college sports
• Examine how gender influences behavior in professional sports 
• Discuss the role of media in shaping public perception of athletes  
• Investigate why some countries excel at particular sports 
• Assess why some athletes are more popular than others 
• Evaluate how technology has changed sports over time 
• Analyze the effects of money on college sports programs  
• Explore why some athletes choose to use performance-enhancing drugs 
• Discuss the importance of teamwork in competitive sports 
• Examine how physical training affects athletic performance  

Critical Analytical Essay Topics

Check out these critical analysis essay topics here!

• Analyze the impact of social media on society 
• Examine the rise and fall of a particular celebrity 
• Explore how technology has changed our lives over the past decade 
• Assess the influence of religion on human values 
• Analyze the effects of racial discrimination in America 
• Evaluate the role of education in achieving social justice 
• Discuss the effects of climate change on our environment 
• Analyze the impact of media censorship on public opinion 
• Explore the significance of art in modern society 
• Examine how gender roles have shifted over time

Analytical Essay Prompts on Nature

• Analyze the impact of deforestation on biodiversity 
• Examine the effects of animal testing on public health 
• Investigate how global warming has affected sea levels 
• Assess the role of technology in conserving wildlife habitats 
• Explore the effects of pollution on water quality 
• Discuss the importance of sustainable agriculture 
• Analyze how air pollution affects human health 
• Examine the role of renewable energy in reducing emissions 
• Evaluate the impact of climate change on weather patterns 
• Explore the significance of eco-friendly consumerism

Subject Specific Analytical Essay Topics

Here are some topics to help you write an analytical essay from different fields of study.

Interesting Analytical Essay Topics on Education

• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• How can college student unions prevent bullying?
• Why are schools not funded equally?
• Is getting knowledge synonymous with getting an education?
• How can the standard of education be improved?
• Analyze the significance of examination in the academic career of students. 
• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of home-schooling. 
• Should students decide their subjects in school?
• Are extracurricular activities significant? 
• How does peer pressure shape personality? 

Science Analytical Topics

• Analyze the impact of climate change on global ecosystems 
• Examine the ways in which technology has advanced scientific research 
• Discuss why some diseases are more common in developing countries  
• Investigate how genetic engineering affects food production 
• Assess the implications of new breakthroughs in medical technology 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of alternative energy sources 
• Analyze the effects of space exploration on society  
• Explore why some species become extinct faster than others 
• Discuss the role of mathematics in scientific advancement 
• Examine how advances in robotics will shape our future  

Social Analytical Essay Topics

• Why is the use of steroids increasing among boys?
• Is street art becoming more popular? 
• How does body size affect mental health?
• Are gender roles changing for the good?
• Is single parenting wholesome?
• Is it possible to achieve a perfect work-life balance?
• How can social inequality be curbed? 
• What are the societal repercussions of honor killings? 
• Should immigrants have the same rights as the natives? 
• Analyze the effects of one social evil of your choice. 

Analytical History Essay Topics 

• Did Japan initiate the war against the US in 1941?
• How have been the world’s course events influenced by the Crusades? 
• Analyze the reasons behind the Soviet split. 
• Is a third world war possible? 
• What motivated the renaissance after the dark age?
• Analyze the effects of the Vietnam War on the US. 
• How did the Russian revolution impact the rest of the world? 
• Analyze the causes and outcomes of Brexit. 
• Is the EU coming to an end? 
• Was World War II Hitler’s war? 

Analytical Essay Topics on Crime

• Analyze the effectiveness of criminal justice systems around the world 
• Examine why some countries have abolished the death penalty 
• Discuss how capital punishment affects public opinion on crime 
• Investigate methods for reforming prisons 
• Assess why recidivism is so high among former inmates 
• Evaluate the impact of police corruption on public trust 
• Analyze how organized crime affects economic development in cities  
• Explore why some countries have high levels of violent crime 
• Discuss the role of mental health in criminal behavior 
• Examine how racial profiling shapes law enforcement practices  

Political Analysis Essay Topics 

• Examine the impact of globalization on world politics 
• Analyze the effects of terrorism on international relations 
• Discuss the role of democracy in ensuring political stability 
• Investigate how public opinion influences policymaking  
• Assess the significance of human rights in modern society 
• Evaluate the impact of foreign aid on economic development 
• Analyze the role of media in shaping political agendas 
• Discuss the effects of corruption on democracy 
• Explore how technology has changed national security policies 
• Examine the influence of international organizations on global politics  

Analytical Essay Topics on Health

• Is vegetarianism the better diet form? 
• Analyze the social causes and effects of obesity. 
• How does insomnia affect daily life? 
• Are bipolar disorders treatable? 
• Are antidepressants more helpful or harmful?
• Are GMOs the future? 
• Should Euthanasia be allowed? 
• Are eating disorders indicative of mental health issues? 
• Is physical and mental health interlinked? 
• Why is the current youth suffering from more mental health issues than before? 

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Culture and Society Essay Topics

• Analyze the impact of racism on social injustice 
• Examine how immigration policies shape national identity 
• Discuss the role of education in reducing poverty  
• Investigate the effects of mass media on public opinion 
• Assess the influence of culture shock on travelers  
• Evaluate the impact of sexism on gender roles  
• Analyze how classism affects social mobility 
• Explore why cultural diversity is important for society 
• Discuss the role of religion in shaping values 
• Examine how technology has changed our concept of community 

Job Analytical Essay Topics

• Analyze the current job market in your chosen field 
• Examine how technology has changed the way companies hire 
• Discuss why certain industries are more competitive than others  
• Investigate ways to make your resume stand out from other applicants 
• Assess why some professionals have difficulty finding employment 
• Evaluate the impact of internships on career development 
• Analyze how networking affects job prospects  
• Explore why some employers have difficulty retaining employees 
• Discuss the importance of mentorship in professional success 
• Examine how generational differences shape workplace dynamics

Literary Analytical Essay Topics

Here are some literary essay prompts if you are finding topics for your literary work. 

Romeo & Juliet Analytical Essay Topics 

• Was there real love between Romeo and Juliet? 
• Do you agree with the portrayal of love in Romeo and Juliet? 
• How has Romeo and Juliet influenced modern-day literature? 
• Is Friar Laurence the real conspirator behind the death of Romeo and Juliet?
• Analyze Romeo and Juliet from a moral perspective. 
• Is Romeo and Juliet a socially responsible narration? 
•  Analyze the foreshadowing in Romeo and Juliet. 
• What is the impotence of Queen Mab’s speech in Romeo and Juliet? 
• Analyze the parent-child relationship in Romeo and Juliet. 
• Discuss the impact of Romeo and Juliet on historical literature and folklore. 

Hamlet Analytical Essay Topics

• “Hamlet is a play that explores the concept of justice and revenge” - Analyze
• “Hamlet's inner conflict is found in his thoughts and feelings, while the outer one finds its roots deep within Hamlet's country.” Discuss. 
• Why is the imagery in Act 3 of Hamlet important? 
• How is Hamlet's speech a wonderful example of how nihilism can affect someone?
• Why is Hamlet one of the most renowned protagonists in all literature?
• What are the names, roles, and importance of Hamlet’s various foils? 
• Analyze the causes of Hamlet’s indecisiveness. 
• What do you think about Hamlet’s behavior towards women? 
• Analyze the death of Hamlet. 
• Analyze how Hamlet's mood changes throughout the play. What things affect his mood?

Macbeth Analytical Essay Topics

• Analyze how ambition leads to Macbeth's downfall 
• Discuss the role of the witches in Macbeth's destiny  
• Evaluate how guilt affects Lady Macbeth's mental state 
• Investigate why Macbeth is a tragic hero 
• Assess how Lady Macbeth's power influences Macbeth 
• Examine how fate plays a role in the story of Macbeth 
• Discuss the effects of violence on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth 
• Analyze how superstition shapes the events in the play 
• Explore why loyalty is so important in the story of Macbeth 
• Evaluate why loyalty is a major theme in Macbeth 

How to Choose an Analytical Essay Topic

Among the several topics that you come across, choose a topic that is interesting and engaging. Topics that are not engaging will make it hard to write an interesting essay. 

Here are some tips to help you find a good topic:

• Don't decide on a topic until you know what you want to do. So, be sure of your objective. 
• Choose an essay topic that has a known subject so that you can form a strong thesis statement easily. 
• Choose a topic in the same academic discipline as your essay.
• Do your homework before you start writing on a topic. Research it well. 
• Choose a topic that is not very broad or too narrow. It will help you to keep your essay focused. 
• Don't write about unlikely topics if you want to make the essay interesting for the reader. 
• You can use the same topic if you write it from a different perspective.

We have mentioned over 220 topics for you to write an analytical essay on. However, reading, understanding, and analyzing text takes quite some time and can be difficult. 

Take help from professional writers if you can’t manage to do all these things on your own. 

Who Can Help me Write an Analytical Essay?

MyPerfectPaper.net is the best " do my paper " service for all your needs. 

Whether you need assistance with a topic or just want someone to write an essay from scratch, we can help! 

Our paper writing service is the best choice, and our team of experts will work hard on your essay until it’s done right. Our essay writers are available for you at any time of the day.  

So don't hesitate and place your order now. 

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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How to Write the AP Lit Prose Essay with Examples

March 30, 2024

AP Lit Prose Essay Examples – The College Board’s Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course is one of the most enriching experiences that high school students can have. It exposes you to literature that most people don’t encounter until college , and it helps you develop analytical and critical thinking skills that will enhance the quality of your life, both inside and outside of school. The AP Lit Exam reflects the rigor of the course. The exam uses consistent question types, weighting, and scoring parameters each year . This means that, as you prepare for the exam, you can look at previous questions, responses, score criteria, and scorer commentary to help you practice until your essays are perfect.

What is the AP Lit Free Response testing? 

In AP Literature, you read books, short stories, and poetry, and you learn how to commit the complex act of literary analysis . But what does that mean? Well, “to analyze” literally means breaking a larger idea into smaller and smaller pieces until the pieces are small enough that they can help us to understand the larger idea. When we’re performing literary analysis, we’re breaking down a piece of literature into smaller and smaller pieces until we can use those pieces to better understand the piece of literature itself.

So, for example, let’s say you’re presented with a passage from a short story to analyze. The AP Lit Exam will ask you to write an essay with an essay with a clear, defensible thesis statement that makes an argument about the story, based on some literary elements in the short story. After reading the passage, you might talk about how foreshadowing, allusion, and dialogue work together to demonstrate something essential in the text. Then, you’ll use examples of each of those three literary elements (that you pull directly from the passage) to build your argument. You’ll finish the essay with a conclusion that uses clear reasoning to tell your reader why your argument makes sense.

AP Lit Prose Essay Examples (Continued)

But what’s the point of all of this? Why do they ask you to write these essays?

Well, the essay is, once again, testing your ability to conduct literary analysis. However, the thing that you’re also doing behind that literary analysis is a complex process of both inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning takes a series of points of evidence and draws a larger conclusion. Deductive reasoning departs from the point of a broader premise and draws a singular conclusion. In an analytical essay like this one, you’re using small pieces of evidence to draw a larger conclusion (your thesis statement) and then you’re taking your thesis statement as a larger premise from which you derive your ultimate conclusion.

So, the exam scorers are looking at your ability to craft a strong thesis statement (a singular sentence that makes an argument), use evidence and reasoning to support that argument, and then to write the essay well. This is something they call “sophistication,” but they’re looking for well-organized thoughts carried through clear, complete sentences.

This entire process is something you can and will use throughout your life. Law, engineering, medicine—whatever pursuit, you name it—utilizes these forms of reasoning to run experiments, build cases, and persuade audiences. The process of this kind of clear, analytical thinking can be honed, developed, and made easier through repetition.

Practice Makes Perfect

Because the AP Literature Exam maintains continuity across the years, you can pull old exam copies, read the passages, and write responses. A good AP Lit teacher is going to have you do this time and time again in class until you have the formula down. But, it’s also something you can do on your own, if you’re interested in further developing your skills.

AP Lit Prose Essay Examples 

Let’s take a look at some examples of questions, answers and scorer responses that will help you to get a better idea of how to craft your own AP Literature exam essays.

In the exam in 2023, students were asked to read a poem by Alice Cary titled “Autumn,” which was published in 1874. In it, the speaker contemplates the start of autumn. Then, students are asked to craft a well-written essay which uses literary techniques to convey the speaker’s complex response to the changing seasons.

The following is an essay that received a perfect 6 on the exam. There are grammar and usage errors throughout the essay, which is important to note: even though the writer makes some mistakes, the structure and form of their argument was strong enough to merit a 6. This is what your scorers will be looking for when they read your essay.

Example Essay 

Romantic and hyperbolic imagery is used to illustrate the speaker’s unenthusiastic opinion of the coming of autumn, which conveys Cary’s idea that change is difficult to accept but necessary for growth.

Romantic imagery is utilized to demonstrate the speaker’s warm regard for the season of summer and emphasize her regretfulness for autumn’s coming, conveying the uncomfortable change away from idyllic familiarity. Summer, is portrayed in the image of a woman who “from her golden collar slips/and strays through stubble fields/and moans aloud.” Associated with sensuality and wealth, the speaker implies the interconnection between a season and bounty, comfort, and pleasure. Yet, this romantic view is dismantled by autumn, causing Summer to “slip” and “stray through stubble fields.” Thus, the coming of real change dethrones a constructed, romantic personification of summer,  conveying the speaker’s reluctance for her ideal season to be dethroned by something much less decorated and adored.

Summer, “she lies on pillows of the yellow leaves,/ And tries the old tunes for over an hour”, is contrasted with bright imagery of fallen leaves/ The juxtaposition between Summer’s character and the setting provides insight into the positivity of change—the yellow leaves—by its contrast with the failures of attempting to sustain old habits or practices, “old tunes”. “She lies on pillows” creates a sympathetic, passive image of summer in reaction to the coming of Autumn, contrasting her failures to sustain “old tunes.” According to this, it is understood that the speaker recognizes the foolishness of attempting to prevent what is to come, but her wishfulness to counter the natural progression of time.

Hyperbolic imagery displays the discrepancies between unrealistic, exaggerated perceptions of change and the reality of progress, continuing the perpetuation of Cary’s idea that change must be embraced rather than rejected. “Shorter and shorter now the twilight clips/The days, as though the sunset gates they crowd”, syntax and diction are used to literally separate different aspects of the progression of time. In an ironic parallel to the literal language, the action of twilight’s “clip” and the subject, “the days,” are cut off from each other into two different lines, emphasizing a sense of jarring and discomfort. Sunset, and Twilight are named, made into distinct entities from the day, dramatizing the shortening of night-time into fall. The dramatic, sudden implications for the change bring to mind the switch between summer and winter, rather than a transitional season like fall—emphasizing the Speaker’s perspective rather than a factual narration of the experience.

She says “the proud meadow-pink hangs down her head/Against the earth’s chilly bosom, witched with frost”. Implying pride and defeat, and the word “witched,” the speaker brings a sense of conflict, morality, and even good versus evil into the transition between seasons. Rather than a smooth, welcome change, the speaker is practically against the coming of fall. The hyperbole present in the poem serves to illustrate the Speaker’s perspective and ideas on the coming of fall, which are characterized by reluctance and hostility to change from comfort.

The topic of this poem, Fall–a season characterized by change and the deconstruction of the spring and summer landscape—is juxtaposed with the final line which evokes the season of Spring. From this, it is clear that the speaker appreciates beautiful and blossoming change. However, they resent that which destroys familiar paradigms and norms. Fall, seen as the death of summer, is characterized as a regression, though the turning of seasons is a product of the literal passage of time. Utilizing romantic imagery and hyperbole to shape the Speaker’s perspective, Cary emphasizes the need to embrace change though it is difficult, because growth is not possible without hardship or discomfort.

Scoring Criteria: Why did this essay do so well? 

When it comes to scoring well, there are some rather formulaic things that the judges are searching for. You might think that it’s important to “stand out” or “be creative” in your writing. However, aside from concerns about “sophistication,” which essentially means you know how to organize thoughts into sentences and you can use language that isn’t entirely elementary, you should really focus on sticking to a form. This will show the scorers that you know how to follow that inductive/deductive reasoning process that we mentioned earlier, and it will help to present your ideas in the most clear, coherent way possible to someone who is reading and scoring hundreds of essays.

So, how did this essay succeed? And how can you do the same thing?

First: The Thesis 

On the exam, you can either get one point or zero points for your thesis statement. The scorers said, “The essay responds to the prompt with a defensible thesis located in the introductory paragraph,” which you can read as the first sentence in the essay. This is important to note: you don’t need a flowery hook to seduce your reader; you can just start this brief essay with some strong, simple, declarative sentences—or go right into your thesis.

What makes a good thesis? A good thesis statement does the following things:

• Makes a claim that will be supported by evidence
• Is specific and precise in its use of language
• Argues for an original thought that goes beyond a simple restating of the facts

If you’re sitting here scratching your head wondering how you come up with a thesis statement off the top of your head, let me give you one piece of advice: don’t.

The AP Lit scoring criteria gives you only one point for the thesis for a reason: they’re just looking for the presence of a defensible claim that can be proven by evidence in the rest of the essay.

Second: Write your essay from the inside out 

While the thesis is given one point, the form and content of the essay can receive anywhere from zero to four points. This is where you should place the bulk of your focus.

My best advice goes like this:

• Choose your evidence first
• Develop your commentary about the evidence
• Then draft your thesis statement based on the evidence that you find and the commentary you can create.

It will seem a little counterintuitive: like you’re writing your essay from the inside out. But this is a fundamental skill that will help you in college and beyond. Don’t come up with an argument out of thin air and then try to find evidence to support your claim. Look for the evidence that exists and then ask yourself what it all means. This will also keep you from feeling stuck or blocked at the beginning of the essay. If you prepare for the exam by reviewing the literary devices that you learned in the course and practice locating them in a text, you can quickly and efficiently read a literary passage and choose two or three literary devices that you can analyze.

Third: Use scratch paper to quickly outline your evidence and commentary 

Once you’ve located two or three literary devices at work in the given passage, use scratch paper to draw up a quick outline. Give each literary device a major bullet point. Then, briefly point to the quotes/evidence you’ll use in the essay. Finally, start to think about what the literary device and evidence are doing together. Try to answer the question: what meaning does this bring to the passage?

A sample outline for one paragraph of the above essay might look like this:

Romantic imagery

Portrayal of summer

• Woman who “from her golden collar… moans aloud”
• Summer as bounty

Contrast with Autumn

• Autumn dismantles Summer
• “Stray through stubble fields”
• Autumn is change; it has the power to dethrone the romance of Summer/make summer a bit meaningless

Recognition of change in a positive light

• Summer “lies on pillows / yellow leaves / tries old tunes”
• Bright imagery/fallen leaves
• Attempt to maintain old practices fails: “old tunes”
• But! There is sympathy: “lies on pillows”

Speaker recognizes: she can’t prevent what is to come; wishes to embrace natural passage of time

By the time the writer gets to the end of the outline for their paragraph, they can easily start to draw conclusions about the paragraph based on the evidence they have pulled out. You can see how that thinking might develop over the course of the outline.

Then, the speaker would take the conclusions they’ve drawn and write a “mini claim” that will start each paragraph. The final bullet point of this outline isn’t the same as the mini claim that comes at the top of the second paragraph of the essay, however, it is the conclusion of the paragraph. You would do well to use the concluding thoughts from your outline as the mini claim to start your body paragraph. This will make your paragraphs clear, concise, and help you to construct a coherent argument.

Repeat this process for the other one or two literary devices that you’ve chosen to analyze, and then: take a step back.

Fourth: Draft your thesis 

Once you quickly sketch out your outline, take a moment to “stand back” and see what you’ve drafted. You’ll be able to see that, among your two or three literary devices, you can draw some commonality. You might be able to say, as the writer did here, that romantic and hyperbolic imagery “illustrate the speaker’s unenthusiastic opinion of the coming of autumn,” ultimately illuminating the poet’s idea “that change is difficult to accept but necessary for growth.”

This is an original argument built on the evidence accumulated by the student. It directly answers the prompt by discussing literary techniques that “convey the speaker’s complex response to the changing seasons.” Remember to go back to the prompt and see what direction they want you to head with your thesis, and craft an argument that directly speaks to that prompt.

Then, move ahead to finish your body paragraphs and conclusion.

Fifth: Give each literary device its own body paragraph 

In this essay, the writer examines the use of two literary devices that are supported by multiple pieces of evidence. The first is “romantic imagery” and the second is “hyperbolic imagery.” The writer dedicates one paragraph to each idea. You should do this, too.

This is why it’s important to choose just two or three literary devices. You really don’t have time to dig into more. Plus, more ideas will simply cloud the essay and confuse your reader.

Using your outline, start each body paragraph with a “mini claim” that makes an argument about what it is you’ll be saying in your paragraph. Lay out your pieces of evidence, then provide commentary for why your evidence proves your point about that literary device.

Move onto the next literary device, rinse, and repeat.

Sixth: Commentary and Conclusion 

Finally, you’ll want to end this brief essay with a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis, briefly touches on your most important points from each body paragraph, and includes a development of the argument that you laid out in the essay.

In this particular example essay, the writer concludes by saying, “Utilizing romantic imagery and hyperbole to shape the Speaker’s perspective, Cary emphasizes the need to embrace change though it is difficult, because growth is not possible without hardship or discomfort.” This is a direct restatement of the thesis. At this point, you’ll have reached the end of your essay. Great work!

Seventh: Sophistication 

A final note on scoring criteria: there is one point awarded to what the scoring criteria calls “sophistication.” This is evidenced by the sophistication of thought and providing a nuanced literary analysis, which we’ve already covered in the steps above.

There are some things to avoid, however:

• Sweeping generalizations, such as, “From the beginning of human history, people have always searched for love,” or “Everyone goes through periods of darkness in their lives, much like the writer of this poem.”
• Only hinting at possible interpretations instead of developing your argument
• Oversimplifying your interpretation
• Or, by contrast, using overly flowery or complex language that does not meet your level of preparation or the context of the essay.

Remember to develop your argument with nuance and complexity and to write in a style that is academic but appropriate for the task at hand.

If you want more practice or to check out other exams from the past, go to the College Board’s website .

Brittany Borghi

After earning a BA in Journalism and an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Iowa, Brittany spent five years as a full-time lecturer in the Rhetoric Department at the University of Iowa. Additionally, she’s held previous roles as a researcher, full-time daily journalist, and book editor. Brittany’s work has been featured in The Iowa Review, The Hopkins Review, and the Pittsburgh City Paper, among others, and she was also a 2021 Pushcart Prize nominee.

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