The Analytical Essay

1. The Analytical Essay Ms. Marootian

2. The Introduction Paragraph • Hook: First sentence of essay, catches readers attention (quote from outside source, song lyric, poem line, anecdote) • Connection to hook: Second sentence of essay connects hook to novel (Example: This reflects Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird because) • Summary: 2-3 sentences summarizing novel (catered to your thesis) • Avenues: How you are going to prove your thesis? • and • Thesis: What you are going to prove to the reader?

3. THE HOOK • Searching the internet for a hook is a good technique to do after thesis is determined • Example: In the words of philosopher William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way”(thinkexist).

4. Connection to hook • Now you must connect your hook to the novel for a smooth seamless transition. • Example: In the words of William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist). • Harper Lee explores this humble concept in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird through the character of Atticus Finch. MalalaYousoufzai, young Pakistani hero and education activist, displays this as well.

5. Summary • A small summary (2-3 sentences) is needed to reacquaint your reader with the novel at hand. • Example: In the words of William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist). Harper Lee explores this humble concept in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird through the character of Atticus Finch. Written in 1960, the novel exposes the difference in the lives of the inhabitants in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930’s. It introduces the idea of how prejudices and racism can be overcome step by step througheducation and kindness.

6. Avenues: 2 in this case • Topics of each body paragraph • Example: Atticus Finch courageously represents Tom Robinson in order to teach a lesson to his kids. MalalaYousufzai courageously stands up for the rights of women in order to make a change.

7. Thesis • Final sentence (for now). What you are going to prove in your essay • Example: While both heroes make significant changes to society, Malala is more heroic because she risked more than just her reputation, she risked her life.

8. Putting It All Together • In the words of William Pascal, “Some heroes do what they do for fame, others do what they do because there is no other way” (thinkexist). Harper Lee explores this humble concept in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird through the character of Atticus Finch. Written in 1960, the novel exposes the difference in the lives of the inhabitants in Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930’s. It introduces the idea of how prejudices and racism can be overcome step by step through education and kindness. Atticus Finch courageously represents Tom Robinson in order to teach a lesson to his kids. MalalaYousufzai courageously stands up for the rights of women in order to make a change. While both heroes make significant changes to society, Malala is more heroic because she risked more than just her reputation; she risked her life.