Analysis is a written work that discusses aspects of the document in detail. To make a good analysis, you should think about how and why the document works or has an effect. The process can be started by gathering information about the subject of the analysis and determining the questions to be answered by the analysis. After outlining the main argument, look for specific evidence to support it. Then, you can assemble the analysis into a coherent piece of writing.
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Part 1 of 3: Gathering Information and Building Arguments
Step 1. Review the assignment carefully
Before you start working on your analysis, make sure you fully understand what needs to be done. For schoolwork analysis, the teacher may have provided detailed instructions. If not, feel free to ask. Try to find out the following:
- Should the analysis answer specific questions or focus on a particular aspect of the document being analyzed?
- Are there any lengths or formats to follow.
- The citation style is determined by the tutor or teacher.
- By what criteria will the teacher or supervisor evaluate the analysis (eg, setting, authenticity, use of references and citations, or correct spelling and grammar).
Step 2. Gather basic information about the subject of the analysis
Most analysis tasks must select a single document. You may be asked to analyze a text document, such as a book, poem, article, or letter. Some analyzes focus on visual or audio sources, such as paintings, photographs, or films. Identify what you will be analyzing, and gather basic information, such as:
- Document title (if any).
- The name of the document creator. For example, a writer, painter, director, actress, or photographer.
- The form and medium of the document (eg, “Painting, oil on canvas”).
- When and where the document was created.
- The historical and cultural context of the work.
Step 3. Read the document carefully and take notes
After gathering basic information, examine the document carefully. Pay attention to whether the analysis should answer specific questions or address certain aspects of the document. Write down your thoughts and impressions. For example, if you are analyzing an advertising poster, note the following:
- Who is the target audience for the ad?
- What rhetorical choices did the author create to draw the audience to his main point.
- What products are advertised.
- How the poster uses images to make the product look attractive.
- Is there text in the poster, and if so, how does it function next to the image to emphasize the advertising message.
- What is the purpose of the ad or what is the main point.
Step 4. Determine the question you want to answer with the analysis
Analytical writing should have a clear and narrow focus. The analysis should also answer “how” or “why” questions, not just summarizing the content. If the assignment doesn't ask you to focus on a specific question or aspect, you should choose one.
For example, to analyze an advertising poster, you might focus on the question: “How does the poster use color to symbolize the problem this product intends to solve? Does this poster also use color to represent the benefits of using the product?"
Step 5. List the main arguments
After narrowing the focus of the analysis, decide how you will answer the relevant questions. Note the main argument. This will form the main core of the analysis.
- For example, you might write, “This poster uses red to symbolize headache pain. The blue element in the design represents the healing that the product brings.”
- You can expand on this argument by stating, “The color used in the text reinforces the use of color in the graphic elements of the poster, helping us to create a direct relationship between words and images.”
Step 6. Gather evidence and examples to support the argument
The presentation of arguments alone is not enough. To convince the reader, you must provide supporting evidence. Usually, evidence must come from within the document being analyzed, but you can also cite contextual information that provides further support.
- For example, if you think an advertising poster uses red to represent pain, you could indicate that the sick person is red, while the people around him are blue. Another evidence is the use of red letters for the words “HEAD” and “PAIN” in the poster text.
- You can also use outside evidence to support a claim. For example, point out that in the country where the ad was published, red is usually associated with warning or danger.
Tip:
When analyzing text, make sure you correctly cite the sources used to support the argument. Put the direct quote in quotation marks (“”) and provide location information, such as the page number of the quote. Also, follow the citation conditions provided by the supervisor or the citation age generally used for the subject you are writing about.
Part 2 of 3: Organizing and Structure Analysis
Step 1. Write a thesis statement or topic sentence
Most analysts start with a summary of the main points. Writing a thesis at the start helps you focus while planning and crafting your analysis. In 1 or 2 sentences, summarize the main argument you are going to cover. Enter the name and author (if known) of the document you are analyzing.
For example, “The ‘Ah! Disappearing pain' created in 1932 by Soedarto Permadi used contrasting colors to symbolize the headache pain and healing brought by Jamoe Headache Njonja Oentoeng. Red indicates pain, while blue indicates healing.”
Tip:
The supervisor may have given specific directions about what information to include in the thesis statement (eg title, author, and date of document analysed). If you're still unsure about the format of your thesis statement or topic sentence, don't hesitate to ask.
Step 2. Create an analytical framework
After determining the thesis and arguments while reading the document, create an analytical outline. Include the main arguments and evidence that will support each argument. The following is an example of the basic structure of an analytical framework:
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I. Introduction
- a. Background
- b. Thesis
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II. body
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a. Argument 1
- i. Example
- ii. Analysis/Explanation
- iii. Example
- iv. Analysis/Explanation
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b. Argument 2
- i. Example
- ii. Analysis/Explanation
- iii. Example
- iv. Analysis/Explanation
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c. Argument 3
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- i. Example
- ii. Analysis/Explanation
- iii. Example
- iv. Analysis/Explanation
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- III. Conclusion
Step 3. Compose an introductory paragraph
The introductory paragraph should provide basic information about the document being analyzed, as well as the topic sentence or thesis. You don't need to provide a detailed summary, just enough information for the audience to understand what you're talking about.
For example, “In the late 1920s, a housewife in the Semarang Residency concocted herbal medicine for headaches which quickly achieved commercial success on the island of Java. The popularity of this herbal medicine is largely due to the attractive advertising posters created more than a decade later. Posters 'Ah! “Losing Pain”, created in 1932 by designer Soedarto Permadi, uses contrasting colors to symbolize headache pain and the healing that Jamoe Headaches Njonja Oentoeng brings.”
Step 4. Use the body of the essay to present the main argument
Following the outline guidelines, develop the main argument. Depending on the length and complexity of your analysis, you can write each argument in one or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain one topic sentence, as well as 2 or more sentences that develop and support the topic sentence. Make sure you include specific examples and evidence to support each argument.
- Include clear transitions between each argument and paragraph. Use transition words and phrases, such as “Next”, “Besides”, “For example”, “Similarly”, or “Otherwise”.
- The best way to organize arguments varies depending on the individual topic and the specific point you want to make. For example, in poster analysis, you might start with an argument about the visual element of red and then move on to a discussion about how red text fits within it.
Step 5. Draw conclusions that summarize the analysis
In the conclusion paragraph, summarize the main ideas and arguments discussed in the analysis. However, do not restate the thesis in another language. You can end the analysis with 1 or 2 sentences discussing possible actions based on the analysis, or find a way to link the conclusion to the introduction to the essay.
For example, you could end your essay with a few sentences about how other advertisements at the time were influenced by Soedarto Permadi's use of colors
Step 6. Do not present a personal opinion on the document
Analytical essays aim to present arguments based on evidence and clear examples. Don't focus on your opinion, or subjective reaction to the document.
For example, in a discussion about advertising, avoid personal statements that the work is “beautiful” or that the ad is “boring.” Instead, focus on what the poster achieves and how the designer worked to achieve that goal
Part 3 of 3: Refining Analysis
Step 1. Check if the analysis settings are reasonable
After compiling the analysis, read it again and make sure the flow is logical. Also make sure that there are clear transitions between ideas and that the order in which ideas are presented makes sense.
For example, if the content of the essay jumps between the red and blue elements discussion, consider rearranging it so that the red element discussion comes first, then focus on the blue element
Step 2. Look for areas that need to be clarified or added details
When writing an analysis, it is possible that details that can clarify arguments are forgotten. Read the draft again carefully and look for areas where relevant information could be added.
For example, find a place to add an example that supports one of the main arguments
Step 3. Eliminate irrelevant sections
Look for superfluous details that don't support the main focus. Delete sentences or phrases that are not relevant to the idea presented.
- If you include a paragraph about Soedarto Permadi's previous work as a children's book illustrator, the information can be omitted if it is not related to his decision to use color in advertisements.
- Removing material from your analysis can be difficult, especially if you've worked through each sentence or found additional material particularly interesting. However, the analysis will be stronger if it is written in a concise and concise manner.
Step 4. Correct and fix errors
Once you find a major problem in the settings, check the analysis carefully. Look for spelling, grammar, or punctuation problems. Fix it right away. During revision, ensure that all citations are formatted correctly.
Ask someone else to read the analysis and look for errors you may have missed
Tip:
If you read silently, typos and minor errors are sometimes missed because the brain corrects them automatically. Try reading aloud, and errors will be more visible.
