Steps To Analyzing An Essay

This time, it won’t be writing; it has to be analyzing.

You may have already written a lot of essays- from narrative, descriptive, informative, up to persuasive. But have you ever analyzed one? There are professors who are fond of giving essay writing assignments but beware of some professors who do not give tasks like these but ask students to analyze an essay.


Yes, you have read it right. Students are assigned to analyze an essay.

Analyzing an essay may be new to you. Hence, here are several steps on how to do it properly.

Step#1: Read the essay over and over again.
You need to read the essay several times for you to understand the writer’s message. You cannot get it in one reading. It does not necessarily mean that you will agree with the writer. What is more important that you comprehend his or her message. In understanding the essay, you can ask yourself questions such as “What does the author want to say or prove?”, “What is the theme of the essay?”, or “What is/are its highlight(s)?”

Step#2: Have it discussed with a friend or an expert
It can be of great help if you will ask assistance from others. Discuss your ideas and thoughts about the essay and get your friend’s feedback. Be open-minded to criticisms but this does not automatically mean that all the things your friend will say are correct or you have to agree with. 

Step#3: Create the structure of your essay and compose an outline
Just like when you are writing an essay, create your analysis by having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Using this structure, write an outline that will guide you all throughout your writing process.

Step#4: Write your analysis
Consider the meaning of analysis. According to Wikipedia, it is the process of breaking a complex topic into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. In writing your analysis, you are not writing a summary or a reflection. What you need to provide is the breakdown of important information that you have extracted from an essay.

Step#5: Proofread
Never pass your paper unless it is proofread. A good analysis is one that is good both in substance and structure.

So, you are just five steps away from completing your analysis. Good luck!