How to Write an Analysis
Analysis refers to an insight or an inspired thought. Has your lecturer ever asked you to write an analysis? Do you get comments from your tutor criticizing your analytical skills? All these point to the elements of how to write an analysis that every student or writer should know. While defining analysis is not an easy task, we will make an effort in this article to leave nothing to imagination to help your understand the whole process.
The world analysis has a Greek origin, meaning ‘break up.’ Thus, analytical writing refers to breaking your subject matter into smaller but details portions. By focusing on these smaller parts, it becomes possible to notice something about the subject that was not initially obvious or it did not appear to exist in the beginning.
Unlike writing normal essays and research papers, writing analysis calls for creativity. This is because you connect smaller parts of ideas to create something unexpected. Here, you come up with connections, which you cannot conceptualize by looking at larger or smaller segments themselves. Analysis also establishes comparisons between different parts, which may appear similar at first only for the differences to emerge during analysis.
Important guidelines on how to write an analysis
If you are figuring out how to write an analysis, here is what you should remember.
- Introduce your analysis. No matter what type of analysis you are working on, you need an introduction, which introduces the subject under analysis. The introduction helps the audience to visualize what you are writing about before reading the entire. Make it catchy to arouse the readers’ audience.
Example #1 of an Analysis:
Artifact Analysis is a well-written analysis about a piece of art that is somehow mysterious in a museum in Canada. In the first paragraph of this analysis, the writer reveals the location of the artifact, describing the composition of the body. The introduction statements say:
This artifact is found in the Textile Museum in Canada. It is made of different materials including wires, grass, mineral pigments, beads and cotton, making it unique. For this reason, the museum is torn in between referring to it as a necklace, headband or belt.
This introduction makes the reader wonder about the origin, worth and purpose of the artifact, arousing the curiosity to read on.
Describe your subject. Since analysis is about breaking up a subject into smaller parts, focus on different aspects of the subject through description. Be sure to create a mental picture for the reader to be part of your analysis.
Still on Artifact Analysis, the writer gives details of the piece of art conclusively. In the third paragraph, it says:
“The maker of the ornament used ropes, which are attached to the end. This is a true pointer to diversity in the world since Egyptians were the first to use ropes in history and not the people of Southern Africa. Besides this, the artist uses glass beads to make the artifact. Archeologists believe that man first discovered glass in the Mediterranean in BC years.”
From this, the writer delves into giving finer details of the work by paying attention to the raw materials, which the maker used t to achieve the goal or writing a winning analysis.
What details to consider when writing a winning analysis
Identify the people behind the subject. Understanding anyone behind the subject under discussion is important when mastering the art of how to write an analysis. This is common in cases where you are writing a review of someone’s work.
For example, A critical and professional review of Man’s search for Meaning is another excellent analysis. In the opening remarks of the analysis, the writer gives a brief summary of the author, including the arguments presented. In addition, the analysis gives the name of the author of the work under analysis, and the circumstances under which he wrote the analysis.
The first paragraph of the analysis says:
“In the book titled, Man’ Search for Meaning, the writer tells us a moving story about his life in prison during the time of the Holocaust. The author supports his arguments as not only a prisoner, but also a psychologist and doctor. Victor E. Frankl introduces the story by explaining why he chose to share his life experiences”.
From this excerpt, the reader knows what is about to happen but lacks conclusive details. The writer summarizes the issues being analyzed but creates thirst for the audience to know why Victor Frankl, the author was imprisoned and his survival of the deadly Holocaust.
Elements of a good Analysis
As you think about how to write an analysis, it important to have the following points in mind to avoid making costly mistakes.
- Give the title, author, and main points. These elements should come in the first paragraph of your analysis, if you are analyzing a book, article or any publication. Referring to A critical and professional review of Man’s search for Meaning, we see the writer identifying the title of the book as Man’ Search for Meaning, written by Victor E. Frankl. In addition, he summarizes the main points of the book by saying that the writer gives an incredible account of his life in prison during the Holocaust.
- Use your own words. Writing an analysis takes a slightly different course from the usual research papers. Avoid excessive usage of quotes. Instead, aim at giving your view of the subject in terms different components, which make it. Take the approach of a forensic lab, where every smallest bit of the main subject matters. Do it carefully and meticulously, giving all the details.
- Do not summarize. Writing an analysis is not writing a summary of a piece of work. Narrow down to specific few ideas and bring out how the text supports the ideas.
- Be specific. Do not beat around the bush. Go straight to the point before you lose your readers.
In this Environmental Analysis example, the author focuses on Bernado’s Bistro Bus Environmental Analysis without any deviation. The business analysis, explores the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the company.
In the first paragraph, the author says:
Bernado’s Bistro Bus has a range strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities during its daily operations. The company is able to reach its target clients on time because of the flexibility of the business. … In the second paragraph, it continues to say… The bus company has more opportunities in its point of sale system, which is essential in restructuring its payment system.
From this example, the writer does not deviate from the main aim of analyzing the business environment of the company.
Being specific about your ideas during analysis makes it easier for the reader to understand what you are writing about without wasting time.
Other good examples of analysis are:
These sample analysis have been done by professional writers and will help you remember how to write an analysis whenever you have a similar or related assignment.
How to write a flawless analysis that will earn you recognition
While many people find difficulties writing an excellent analysis, this could be the easiest assignment if you understand the rules of the game. Below are some of the things to remember when you get this type of task on your desk.
Avoid errors. Since analysis largely depends on details and facts about the subject endeavor to give information that is flawless. Common errors in analysis writing include:
- Irrelevant ideas in your work-Do not write down ideas to please the supervisor. Gather all the relevant facts and use them to convince your reader that you understand the subject matter of the analysis.
- Having a grip on how to write an analysis further demands that you do not include your opinions in your work. Here, focus on the details of the subject and restrain yourself from making personalized comments. For example, in Artifact Analysis, the writer focuses on the ornament, detailing its perceived origin, and the materials, which the maker may have used to create.
- Omit nothing relevant. Besides including irrelevant information, your analysis should carry as much information as possible. Do not leave out important facts, which may help the reader understand your work.
- Be neutral. Though the work you are analyzing may have arguments, which trigger comments, keep your comments and reactions at bay.
- Good grammar-To write a winning analysis, you must use standard language to make your point. Proofread your work to eliminate unnecessary errors in your work. Flawless work helps you win the trust of your audience.
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Sources:
http://www.writingcenter.uci.edu/what-is-analysis-and-why-does-my-writing-instructor-keep-asking-for-it-part-i/
http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/how-write-comparative-analysis
http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310/Textanalysis.htm