1. Analytical Essay Technique
You need to look at producing an essay of around six
paragraphs for effective analytical essays (the number
of paragraphs changes depending on the nature of the
question). However you should only look at increasing
the length of the essay!
The paragraph breakdown should be as follows

2. Paragraph One:
A concise introduction that acknowledges and incorporates key
words in the question. More importantly it should also include the
thesis statement or argument, the controlling idea that will be
explored and developed in the remainder of the essay.
Paragraphs Two to Five:
You then need to compose several substantial paragraphs of
analysis where you offer close analysis of the text[s] under
discussions.
Paragraph Six:
The conclusion. Remember the snake analogy – a good conclusion
should come back to the beginning and give a clear sense of things
being wrapped up.

3. Paragraph Structure
You should adhere to the following structure for each paragraph and
remember the acronym – PPA (Point, Proof, Analysis)
Point – The first sentence of the analytical paragraphs should open
with a clear topic sentence that shows your reader what you’ll be
talking about in the paragraph and how it will develop your thesis.
Proof – You then must offer some detailed proof from the text[s] to
support the point raised in your topic sentence. This should be direct
quotes, detailed summaries or a mixture of both.
Analysis – You must then show the reader why you selected this
evidence and how it develops your argument. Remember you can
analyze BIG things (recurring ideas, themes, motifs etc.) and
SMALL things (microscopic sentence and word level analysis)

4. Question Key Words
Listed below are some common words or phrases that you’ll find in
exam questions. All of them are looking for you to state a position or
argue a particular point of view so you must do that!
• Agree or disagree
• To what extent
• Discuss
• How far do you agree
• Responding to a quote

5. Planning
It is recommended that you spend around 10 minutes in exam conditions
planning your response. The following template could assist you in planning
your response:
Para 1
Intro & Thesis
Statement
Para 6
Conclusion
Para 5
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 4
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 3
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 2
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Thesis Statement

6. Planning
It is recommended that you spend around 10 minutes in exam conditions
planning your response. The following template could assist you in planning
your response:
Para 1
Intro & Thesis
Statement
Para 6
Conclusion
Para 5
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 4
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 3
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Para 2
Topic Sentence
Proof
Analysis
Thesis Statement