How to Write an Analysis

A Step-by-Step Guide for

English II PAP

*This guide uses “A Blessing” by James Wright for the examples.  The poem is attached at the bottom of this page.

When you are given a prompt, begin by breaking it down to determine exactly what your task is. 

Discuss how Wright uses diction to create a specific tone in “A Blessing.”

• Discuss means a minimum of 3-4 sentences. 
• Diction refers to word choice, but you need to come up with specific examples from the poem.  Do not use the word “diction” in your essay.
• Tone is the author’s attitude.  Do not tell me that he expresses a tone; I already said that.  Tell me which tone he creates.

You should spend a couple of minutes jotting down notes on diction and tone before you begin writing.  Now you are ready to create your thesis statement.  This is a sentence that goes in your first paragraph and will tell me what you are going to focus on in your essay.  While it is not your entire first paragraph, that is where it goes.  Usually it is the last sentence in your first paragraph to help transition into your essay.  *Note the repetition of a phrase in the preceding sentences.  This signifies something of importance.

Example:  Wright uses alliteration and personification to develop the tone of spiritual enlightenment.

If you are not prepared to go into a full-blown introduction, skip a few lines before your thesis statement.  This give you some room to come back after you are done and add to your intro.

The body of your essay is structured something like this:

• Give an example from the text.  You are better off to use the exact words.  Do not copy a whole sentence, just the most important words.  If you’re using alliteration, give the specific words you’re talking about.
• You want to choose between 2 and 3 things to discuss.  If you go with one and it’s not quite right, you’re entire essay is toast.  If you list 4,5,6, or more things, there is no way you can get to all of them in the maximum 45 minutes for a timed writing.  It’s much better to write fully-developed, we-discussed essay on two things.
• Now for the most important part of your essay.  This is where essays are made or broken.  Discussion is your opportunity to explain what you’re thinking.  This is your chance to defend your answer to me.  Remember, this is not a personal letter in which you give your personal opinions.  No “I think that..” or “I believe...”  Since you are sitting here in front of me writing this, I will assume that this is what you think, believe, or expect. 
• When I say I want a minimum of 3-4 sentences, that’s just a starting point.  By all means, go on to say more.  My hope is that you will write those four sentences and realize, Hey!  I just thought of something else to add.  All of a sudden – POW – like Emeril, you have created something full of flavor and depth!

Finishing touches

We haven’t spent much time on conclusions.  Several things a conclusion is NOT:

• A repetition of your thesis
• A sentence that begins with “In conclusion...”
• A deep, philosophical thought that tries to impress me
• A cliche’ you heard from your grandpa, like Life’s not fair.

A conclusion wraps up your thoughts and ideas into a neat summary.  Do not add anything new because you won’t discuss it, which means you will lose points.  Until we spend time examining and practicing conclusions, they will not count much in your scoring. 

A Blessing (doc file)

doc file: You need the Microsoft Word program, a free Microsoft Word viewer, or a program that can import Word files in order to view this file. To learn more about the free Microsoft Word Viewer, visit the Microsoft Word website.

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