When you are presented with a literary work and are asked for an analysis:
- Knowledge and experience help assess events, ideas, and conclusions.
- Consider how the various parts of the writing fit together.
- Try to anticipate the direction the writing will take.
- but don’t take a biased view either, for this can be problematic and lead you towards creating an erroneous analysis.
2.1 A first reading
Orient yourself to the background of the essay
- Be on the lookout for credibility and source
Use the title as a clue
- Some signal the writer’s primary strategy (comparison, definition, argument)
Skim to get the gist of the article
- (Sometimes) Read intro and outro, and the topic sentences (of 1st & last par.)
- Gain idea of the essay’s main thrust, key ideas to support it, and the ways that they’re organized. By viewing each paragraph as an independent entity you’ll gain valuable insight about the author’s intended (true) purpose.
Make connections with what you’ve read
- Before reread, think. By jotting down, express it in your own words.
- State its essence. Underline or formulate the thesis statement.
- Identify the main strategy used by the writer and the supporting strategies that help develop and support it.
2.2 Additional readings
On the second reading, carefully absorb the writer’s ideas
- Read carefully and actively
- Underline and restate the main sentences in your own words
- Master unfamiliar words
- Use context clues to find their meaning
- Look for new supporting information that correctly supports your thesis
- Possible content for quotes is of utmost importance. Look for as much valuable content. Choose in terms of strength in relation to your thesis. What is it that you are trying to prove/support/defend?
2.2.1 Reading to Critique
In relation to Argumentative works and/or as part of a self-improvement analysis, always ask yourself these critical questions:
- Do the pieces of evidence support the claim?
- Do the ideas appear reasonable?
- Do the ideas connect in a logical way?
- Are there other pieces of evidence that contradict these claims?
- If so, how can you exploit such evidence? (but be careful of the Card Stacking fallacy! which will be covered later on)
2.3 Writing about what you read
2.3.1 Analysis
States the main points of a literary piece/historical event in your own words and carefully identifies, analyzes, and reflects on the rhetorical and stylistic strategies that the author uses to convey his/her purpose
Intro
- Provides a context for readers
- Introduces the author and the literary piece
- States the thesis
Body
- States the main points of the essay (Based on the topic sentences/thesis)
- States how the author utilizes the language and/or rhetorical strategies to achieve his/her purpose
Conclusion
- Concludes by pulling the essay together and reflecting on the way the author achieves his/her intended purpose with the help of a variety of writing techniques previously addressed thoroughly in the body of the essay
Some more tips:
Don’t interject your views.
Reflect only the author’s words.
Keep the essay within the 4-6 paragraph format
Always have a strong introduction and conclusion
2.3.2 Critique
Provides your views, indicating where you agree and disagree with the author’s position. (You must acknowledge both sides if it’s argumentative)
Combines a summary with your thoughtful reaction
Intro
- Provides context for the essay
- Introduces the author
- Evaluates the thesis argued by the author
- States the thesis for your critique
Body
- Summarizes the author’s argument
- States the points in which you agree
- States the points in which you disagree with reasons and evidence
Conclusion
- Concludes by putting the essay together
- Reiterates your stance towards the author’s argument
* Don’t try this in the AP exam!!!
** Crucial step in the AP exam!!!
