What is an Analysis

This section offers a detailed explanation of what is an analysis and advice on how to craft a good one. Knowing how to write an analysis is important for enhancing your writing skills as well as the ability to argue out ideas logically. Analysis involves some level of creativity since it entails the collection of small bits of information, backed with evidence to reveal something that is least expected.

An analysis can be based on quite a number of things or subjects including articles, research data, events, film, photos, and music among others. For instance, you can be asked to write an analysis of an event at school, an essay, a research paper, report, advertisement or speech.

What is an analysis?

An analysis is a term that is used to define two elements; a breakdown of something into different sections or ideas and explanation of those parts using a method, theory or point of view.

In order to deliver a good analysis, it is important that you know how to link ideas, make comparisons and contrasts. Besides, it also entails drawing unexpected contradictions that can generate discussions.

Analysis therefore, requires you to carefully think about the topic or subject to be covered, and consider it as a larger space where every angle is different from another. Each of these perspectives present a subtle meaning. This implies you need to dig much deeper into the subject in order to reveal some of the more attentive and finer details that many may not openly see or understand.

In other terms, the definition of what is an analysis can be said to imply what something means. Many often confuse an analysis with a summary. It should be noted that analysis involves an in-depth look at and description of a subject while summary simply entails giving basic ideas.

Below are the key characteristics of an analysis that you should also note in order to get the perfect definition of what is an analysis.

• Aspects of the plot are not usually discussed in chronological order, unless there is a contrary instruction
• Elements of the subject or topic of analysis are comprehensively explained
• There is always a particular reason for picking a detail to be analyzed from the text.

Guidelines on how to write an analysis

Although writing an analysis is a common assignment in school, it slightly differs from other academic papers. This is because its main concern is to describe something into a greater a more detailed view through a particular method. However, it also involves evaluation and argument of ideas and different points of view.

The main aim of writing an analysis is to present a unique point of view about a subject. Carefully read the following tips to find out more about what is an analysis.

Select a topic

It is important that you know how to choose a topic for an analysis. This may seem challenging to many, but you should simply go for something straightforward and easy to handle. Selecting a topic of your own interest can make the work much easier.

However, it should also be noted that there are certain instances whereby you will be given a topic to analyze.

Past analysis papers can offer great ideas for a topic. Besides, you can also ask for suggestions from friends. Although, you have to always make sure that the topic is one that will not give problems in analyzing.

Start the analysis

It is said that observation is the key to a proper analysis. In case you are asked to analyze a text, it is advisable that you take time to read it over and over till you understand it. On the other hand, you should also take time to watch the film or listen carefully to the song if those are the subjects of your analysis.

As you read, listen or watch the piece to be analyzed, take notes about some of the outstanding aspects or things that look important from it. One of the best approaches to pursue in determining the key elements from the piece is SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats).

You can still apply any other method of analysis that you deem fit for the subject. However, make sure that the technique is one that you can clearly explain in the analysis.

Try to also brainstorm on various ideas connected to the topic of analysis. Review the outlined elements into detail in order to deliver a compelling analysis. It is also important that you do an assessment of the outlined materials or ideas to determine an angle that can present a better argument.

Formulate a thesis

A thesis is a statement or two that tell the readers about the intention of your analysis. This should appear in the introduction and plays a critical role. It defines the boundaries within which your analysis will be confined. Besides, it also offers a preview of what readers should expect in other parts of the analysis.

From the points that you have identified, pick one that is unique or outstanding. A thesis should be specific and not too narrow or broad. The statement that you come up with should give an exact presentation of what you plan to discuss.

What is an analysis and which steps should one follow in writing?

Knowing the definition of what is an analysis is important but you also need the skills on how to write one. An analysis basically has four main sections, introduction, body, conclusion and bibliography.

The following are some simple procedures to help you in writing all the parts of analysis paper.

Introduction

Begin the analysis by giving a precise background or important information about the subject of analysis.

In the introduction, you also have to narrow down from the general information about the subject and state your thesis. Clearly tell the readers about your theory or method of analysis and how you intend to explore it in the piece.

Body section

After presenting your main claim, you should now support it in the body paragraphs into detail. A good analysis should have at least three body paragraphs. However, this may change depending on the subject of your analysis.

Use every paragraph to present a unique analysis that connects back to your thesis statement. For every paragraph that you write, give evidence or examples to support the argument or point.

Conclusion

Towards the end of the analysis, make sure that any questions that might still be lingering in the minds of readers are well answered. Talk about your theory or method of analysis and then give final remarks or closing points on the subject.

Bibliography

On this part, you need to properly cite all your sources or references that have been mentioned in the analysis.

Examples of Analysis papers.

After defining what an analysis is and getting tips on how to write a good one, it is important that you also read some samples of the same. Samples are past analysis papers that will also offer you more insights on how a good one should be presented.

Example 1

Sample analysis about Concerning the Death Penalty

‘’In the article, ‘’The Case against the Death Penalty,’’ which appears in Crimes and Criminals: Opposing Viewpoints, Eric Freedman argues that the death penalty not only does not hinder violent crime but also works against the reduction of crime rate. Freedman says, ‘’the death penalty not only is useless in itself, but counterproductive…’’ (140). This paper will analyze Freedman’s article from the viewpoints of a middle-age working man, a poor person, and a politician…’’- tc.umn.edu.

Example 2

Details of Renaissance Paintings (Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482) (1984) by Andy Warhol

A Modern Venus

‘’Andy Warhol’s piece titled, ‘’Details of Renaissance Paintings (Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482) represents the face of the goddess Venus. This piece was made in 1984 as a depiction of the face of Venus from the earlier painting, ‘’The Birth of Venus’’ by Sandro Botticelli that was completed in 1482. The present location of the painting is the Arkansas Arts Center, and its original location is the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania…’’- ualr.edu- pdf

Example 3

Sample analysis about Your Turn (2002) by Katherine A. Strause

‘’The artwork, which is vertical in its organization, is made up of six strips of color and floral fabric running in a vertical direction. On the left, three squares, each with a different subject, line up again in a vertical fashion each with a different background color which are (in descending order) orange, green and red. The orange square contains a revolver or gun, the green square contains a sporting event scene while the red contains a rose, all of which are line drawings in black…’’- ualr.edu- pdf

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References

http://www.writingcenter.uci.edu/what-is-analysis-and-why-does-my-writing-instructor-keep-asking-for-it-part-i/

http://www.ehow.com/way_5488609_tips-writing-analysis-paper.html

http://www.indiana.edu/~bestsell/1.pdf