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I am not an English Teacher. Please follow guidance from your supervisor.
I asked GPT to help me out with this. Tips at the bottom.
You should have a clear and focussed research question and a thesis statement to guide your analysis.
Preparing for Analysis:
Revisit Your Research Question (RQ):
Remind yourself of the specific question you're trying to answer.
Keep it in mind as you examine the text.
Review Your Initial Thesis:
Look at the thesis statement you wrote in your introduction.
Consider it a "working thesis" – something that might change as you analyse.
Gather Your Tools:
Have your text, notes, and any relevant critical sources ready.
3. Refining Your Argument:
Evaluate Your Thesis:
After analysing several key elements, step back and look at your initial thesis.
Ask yourself:
"Is my thesis still accurate, based on the evidence I've found?"
"Does it need to be more specific or nuanced?"
"Have I discovered anything that contradicts my thesis?"
Revise Your Thesis (If Necessary):
If your analysis has changed your understanding of the text, revise your thesis statement.
Make it more precise, accurate, and compelling.
Ensure it reflects the strongest points of your analysis.
2. Conducting the Analysis:
Identify Key Elements:
Focus on specific aspects of the text that relate to your RQ.
Look for:
Recurring themes or ideas
Important literary devices (metaphors, symbols, etc.)
Significant character interactions
Key moments in the plot
Find Evidence:
For each key element, find specific quotations or examples from the text.
Choose evidence that is:
Directly relevant to your RQ
Compelling and insightful
Analyse the Evidence (The "So What?"):
For each piece of evidence, ask yourself:
"What does this quotation mean?"
"How does it relate to my RQ?"
"What effect does it have on the reader?"
"What deeper meaning does it reveal?"
Write down your analysis – don't just state the obvious.
Connect to Your Thesis (The "Therefore"):
For each piece of analysed evidence, ask yourself:
"How does this analysis support my initial thesis?"
"Does it strengthen my argument, or challenge it?"
"Does it suggest a new way of looking at my thesis?"
Write down how each analysis connects to your overall argument.
4. Writing the Analysis Section:
Structure Your Paragraphs:
Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea.
Follow with evidence, analysis, and a clear connection to your thesis.
End with a transition to the next paragraph.
Use Strong Transitions:
Use transition words and phrases to show the relationship between your ideas.
Make it clear how each paragraph contributes to your overall argument.
University of Manchester: PhraseBank
There are many different paragraph structures to include analysis - PEEL, PETAL, PTEEL, the Circle of Analysis, etc.... the main thing is to be sure you are analyzing rather than describing all the way through! Use what works best to have you analyze thoroughly throughout.
Key Reminders:
Focus on Analysis, Not Summary: Don't just retell the story. Explain why certain elements are significant.
Show Your Thinking: Make your reasoning clear to the reader. Don't assume they will make the connections for you.
Be Specific: Use precise language and avoid vague generalisations.
Connect Everything to Your RQ and Thesis: Keep your argument focussed and coherent.
Tips:
Avoiding Common Mistakes:
Don't Just Summarise: The EE isn't a book report. Avoid simply retelling the plot or describing the characters. Your focus should be on analysing how the text works and what it means.
Avoid Generalisations: Don't make broad, sweeping statements without specific evidence to back them up. Be precise and focus on the details of the text.
Don't Plagiarise: Always cite your sources properly, even if you're just paraphrasing. Plagiarism is a serious academic offence.
Don't Over-Rely on Secondary Sources: While critical sources can be helpful, your primary focus should be on your own analysis of the text. Don't let secondary sources overshadow your own thinking.
Don't Ignore Counterarguments: Acknowledge any potential counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the text. Explain why your interpretation is more persuasive or insightful.
Don't Be Afraid to Revise: The analysis process is iterative. Be prepared to revise your thesis, your evidence, and your arguments as you gain a deeper understanding of the text.
Strategies for a Cracking Essay:
Choose a Topic You're Passionate About: You'll be spending a lot of time with this text, so choose something that genuinely interests you.
Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to start your analysis. Give yourself plenty of time to read, think, and write.
Break It Down: Divide the analysis into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on one key element at a time.
Talk It Out: Discuss your ideas with your supervisor, classmates, or mates. Talking through your analysis can help you clarify your thinking and identify new insights.
Read Widely: Familiarise yourself with different critical perspectives and approaches to literary analysis. This will broaden your understanding and help you develop your own unique perspective.
Be Organised: Keep your notes, evidence, and drafts organised. This will make it easier to find what you need and to track your progress.
Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your essay, proofread it carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Seek Feedback: Ask your supervisor or a trusted teacher to read your essay and provide feedback.
Trust Your Own Voice: While it's important to consider the ideas of others, ultimately, your analysis should reflect your own unique perspective and insights.
Specific Tips for Textual Evidence:
Choose Strong Quotations: Select quotations that are particularly revealing, evocative, or representative of the themes you're exploring.
Use Quotations Sparingly: Don't overload your analysis with too many quotations. Use them strategically to support your arguments.
Embed Quotations Smoothly: Integrate quotations seamlessly into your own sentences. Use introductory phrases and proper punctuation.
Analyse the Language of the Quotation: Don't just drop a quotation into your analysis and expect it to speak for itself. Explain what the quotation means and how it supports your argument.
Consider the Context of the Quotation: Think about where the quotation comes from in the text and how it relates to the surrounding events and ideas.
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