Analytical research essay: Definition
The analytical research paper often begins with the student asking a question (a.k.a. a research question) on which they have taken no stance. Such a paper is often an exercise in exploration and evaluation.
It is not the student’s intent to persuade the audience that their ideas are right while those of others are wrong. Instead, the goal is to offer a critical interpretation of primary and secondary sources through-out the paper–sources that should, ultimately, buttress the student’s particular analysis of the topic.
It is typically not until the student has begun the writing process that the thesis statement begins to take solid form, because as the student writes, they are also actively engaged in evaluating and re-evaluating their sources the longer they spend time with them.
Objectives
The purpose of the analytical research essay is for the student to demonstrate close-reading and critical thinking skills, and to become more deeply familiar with a major topic of their choosing. The analytical paper also asks a specific question or articulates a specific problem about the topic that will be answered through a reading analysis of multiple sources that directly address that topic. The student will demonstrate a close reading and make clear connections between sources.
Assignment
Write a 4-5 page minimum analytical research paper based on a specific thesis question using multiple sources.
Instructions
After you have developed a thesis question, return to your sources and underline/annotate the passages that are possible answers, or may be interpreted in a way that provides an answer, to your thesis question. Your answer to the thesis question will become your thesis statement.
Next, craft body paragraphs (using the discussed format in class) that focuses on a passage you want to present in that paragraph.
Finally add an introduction that clearly expresses your intent which includes your thesis statement, and a conclusion that wraps up your argument and provides an answer to the reader why your analysis and conclusion matter.
The paper MUST include the following elements:
1. An introduction and thesis statement in the introduction that you develop and support in the body of the paper. Avoid general statements in introduction -start with a quote OR a sentence specific to your argument. (Follow Guidelines for Introductions provided on Canvas)
2. The thesis statement MUST be analytical in nature and must be clearly and concisely articulated.
3. Paper needs to be properly organized according to the conventions of standard English composition (for example, paragraphs should be organized and paper should follow a logical progression; paper should have coherency throughout). Each paragraph needs to be united by a single idea and include a clear topic sentence.
4. Evidence to support your argument from a MINIMUM FIVE Sources, TWO must be SCHOLARLY sources. Sources are to be correctly paraphrased or quoted and documented according to the conventions of MLA in-text citation (See the guidelines I posted to Canvas for more details). Each time that you make a claim, you must provide evidence from a scholarly source to support your claim.
5. ANALYSIS of the evidence you are using. In other words, you are not to merely state what a source says, but think critically about how the information fits into your argument and offer your own analysis of the significance of the information. There should be at least 3 supporting claims in your essay.
6. Paper needs to include a conclusion in which you DO NOT merely summarize the main points of the paper, but you also reflect on the wider significance of your argument. WHY does this matter? You might also reflect on how your argument speaks to you on a personal level (this is an effective way to end a paper).
7. Paper is to be typed, double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt font with standard 1inch margins and is to include a proper heading according to MLA format (see MLA guideline for details).
8. Paper needs to include a Words Cited page following the standards of MLA formatting (see MLA guideline posted to Canvas for details).
9. Paper is to follow standard rules of English grammar; it is to be edited AND polished before being turned in.
10. Paper is to be a MINIMUM of 2000 words.
SLO 1: Students will be able to generate papers with a clear, robust central claim, examples, and other relevant evidence sufficient to support the central claim.
Better than Acceptable
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Includes strong, debatable thesis statement
Thesis statement is clearly stated, original, and debatable
Thesis statement is clearly stated and debatable
Thesis statement is not evident OR not debatable OR trite
Includes relevant supporting claims based on evidence
Three or more relevant supporting claims are well developed with evidence
Three or more relevant supporting claims are present with adequate evidence
Supporting claims are either not included OR not relevant OR do not include adequate evidence
Assignment is generated by the student
Assignment is generated by the student; any language not in keeping with the student’s voice (paraphrase or quotation) is clearly attributed to a source
Assignment is generated by the student; in no more than 3 instances, language not in keeping with the student’s voice (paraphrase or quotation) is clearly attributed to a source
Assignment is not generated by the student
SLO 2: Students will be able to produce works cited pages and annotated bibliographies in accordance with the specified conventions.
Better than Acceptable
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Works Cited page follows MLA format
Works Cited page follows MLA format
With no more than 1 exception, Works Cited page follows MLA format
Works Cited page does not follow MLA format
In-text citations follow MLA format
In-text citations follow MLA format
With no more than 2 exceptions, In-text citations follow MLA format
In-text citations do not follow MLA format