analytical essay topic sentence starters

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Rhetorical Analysis Sentence Starters: Easy and Effective!

November 2, 2020 // by Lindsay Ann // 3 Comments

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Are you assigning a rhetorical analysis essay ? Why not try having students use rhetorical analysis sentence starters?

But, you might say, then students aren’t using their own words.

When someone says this, I think of that tear-jerky ending scene from Finding Forrester when William Forrester comes out of seclusion to defend his friend, Jamal Wallace, who is being accused of plagiarizing Forrester’s words. “I helped him to find his own words by starting with some of mine,” he says.

This is exactly what sentence starters for rhetorical analysis can do.

We give students some of our own words to move them toward more sophisticated analysis.

This is also an easy way to differentiate for students who may struggle with writing a rhetorical analysis essay. These stems will nudge students to talk about ethos, pathos, and logos , as well as SOAPStone and rhetorical devices.

25 Rhetorical Analysis Sentence Starters

It’s important to teach students to use these stems, but as a springboard to further analysis.

This means that students should not simply complete the sentence, filling in the blanks (…) and moving on. They must unpack the move the author is making in order to connect it to their focus for rhetorical analysis.

After the starter sentence, it will be necessary for students to dig into “why” the author made that particular choice and “how” it shows purpose, tone, message, etc. For this, students will need to use basic text analysis skills as they unpack words and sections of the text to discuss on a deeper level.

The writer/author/speaker describes … in order to highlight…
The writer/author/speaker inspires a sense of … by …
The writer/author/speaker reminds the audience of … because …
The purpose of the writer/author/speaker is demonstrated through the organizational pattern of …
The repetition of … allows the reader to infer …
Unpacking this word a bit further allows the reader to understand …
Pursuing a deeper understanding of this topic, the writer/author/speaker reasons …
The writer/author/speaker allows the reader to connect … and … through use of … device.
The writer/author/speaker’s credibility is clear when …
The use of … contributes to the writer/author/speaker’s tone because…
It is important to notice that the writer/author/speaker’s tone shifts when … because …
… and … are loaded words used by the writer/author/speaker because they make the audience feel …
The writer/author/speaker’s use of collective pronouns implies…
Because the writer/author/speaker alludes to … , the listener realizes …
Organizationally, the opening and closing of this text are important and connected to each other in the way that they…
The imagery/description of the … creates …
It is clear that the writer/author/speaker knows his or her audience, because s/he appeals to its sense of …
The author’s … reasoning allows the audience to …
… appeals to the audience by …
… shifts the audience’s perspective by …
The argument is developed by the writer/author/speaker’s use of …
The occasion / context shapes the speaker’s message. We see this in …
The writer/author/speaker inspires a sense of … through use of …
The overall message becomes clear when …
To unpack this device even further …

Action Verbs for Rhetorical Analysis

analytical essay topic sentence starters

In addition to the rhetorical analysis sentence starters above, I would suggest dreaming up your own for students to use (or having students come up with them). Every sentence starter needs an action verb. Here’s a list to get you started!

Takes a Stand
Demonstrates
Establishes
Alludes to
Contributes to
Joins Together

Thank you so much for allowing me to share some of my favorite rhetorical analysis sentence starters with you! I love hearing from my readers. If you have a question or a thought to share, please leave a comment and I’ll respond as soon as I’m able.

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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Reader Interactions

April 8, 2023 at 12:43 pm

Lindsay, thank you so much for these tools to support students writing rhetorical analyses. These are really exceptional and student friendly supports.

[…] for writing thesis statements, teaching show don’t tell and connotation in literature, and rhetorical analysis… I […]

[…] For rhetorical appeals–logos, ethos, and pathos–students need to consider closely how they can touch the heads and hearts of their readers. […]

15 Analytical Essay Samples to Learn From - Tips Included

Understanding Analytical Writing

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that looks into a specific subject, dissecting it into its various components and examining how they interrelate.

It requires the writer to not only present a clear understanding of the topic but also to analyze and evaluate it critically.

Unlike a descriptive essay , an analytical essay demands a more in-depth exploration, often involving an argument or thesis statement that guides the critical analysis.

Essay Deadline Approaching? Our Experts Can Help!

Analytical Essay Examples

To truly understand the art of analytical essay writing, one of the most effective methods is to examine practical examples.

Analytical essay examples provide a clear blueprint of how to approach this type of essay successfully. So, read the examples below to find inspiration for writing a clear analytical essay.

Analytical Essay Example PDF For Students

Here are some analytical essay examples for students in PDF form that you can read and download for free:

Analytical Essay Example (Pdf)

Analytical Essay Example Sample

Analytical Essay Structure

Analytical Essay Example University

Analytical Essay Example College

Analytical Essay Examples For High School

Short Analytical Essay Example

If you are still having difficulty, here are some more examples of analytical essays to help you get inspired.

How To Write An Analytical Essay - Example

APA Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Example APA Format

Analytical Essay Example on A Book

Macbeth Analytical Essay Example

Analytical Essay Example Movie

Analytical Essay Outline Example

When tackling an analytical essay create an outline that is well structured. This outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the essay-writing process. The proper structure ensures you don't miss vital elements.

Let's break down the essential sections of an analytical essay outline with examples:

Introduction - Setting the Stage

In the introduction , your aim is to set the stage for your analysis. This section should introduce the topic, provide context, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines the main argument or focus of your essay.

Let’s take a look at another thesis statement for an analytical essay example:

Body - Analyzing Key Points

The body paragraphs of your analytical essay typically are where the real analysis takes place. This section can be divided into multiple paragraphs, each addressing a specific point or aspect related to your thesis.

Here, you should provide evidence, examples, and critical analysis to support your argument.

Conclusion - Summarize Key Points

As you reach the essay conclusion , it's time to tie it all together. Summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and underscore the importance of your analysis.

Remember, this is not the place to introduce new background information. Instead, offer insights and an impactful recap of your discoveries.

Conclusion for analytical essay example:

Analytical Essay Topics Examples

Choosing the right type of essay topic is an important first step when writing an analytical essay. The topic you select should be engaging, relevant, and suitable for in-depth analysis.

Here are some thought-provoking analytical essay topics to consider:

The Symbolism of the "Green Light" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality
The Role of Nature in Shakespeare's Sonnets
Analyzing the Historical Significance of the Industrial Revolution
The Influence of Technology on Education
The Psychology of Marketing and Consumer Behavior
The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
Analyzing the Ethical Dilemmas in Artificial Intelligence
The Evolution of Environmental Policies and Their Impact on Conservation

Are you still having trouble coming up with a good analytical essay topic? Check out this blog for more than 150 compelling analytical essay topics .

Stuck on your analysis? Our expert writers can help!

Tips to Write an Effective Analytical Essay

Writing an effective analytical essay requires a structured approach and attention to detail. Here are some valuable tips to help you craft a compelling analytical essay:

Focus Your Topic: Select a specific topic or aspect for in-depth analysis rather than a broad subject matter.
Research Thoroughly: Gather reliable sources and evidence to support your analysis.
Create a Well-Structured Outline: Plan your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Analyze, Don't Summarize: Avoid summarizing the subject; instead, critically evaluate and interpret it.
Use Clear Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to your thesis.
Provide Evidence: Support your analysis with quotes, examples, and data from your research.
Critical Thinking: Engage in critical thinking to question assumptions and explore alternative perspectives.
Maintain Clarity: Use clear and concise language to convey your points effectively.

In conclusion, the analytical essay stands as a potent tool for honing your skills and conveying your understanding of complex subjects.

Throughout this guide, we've uncovered the key elements of an analytical essay and the steps necessary to craft a compelling piece. If you’re tasked with writing an analytical essay, the examples provided above can offer valuable guidance. Alternatively, if you're thinking, 'I need someone to write my essay ,' you can seek assistance from a professional analytical essay writer at MyPerfectWords.com.

We provide the best essay writing service tailored to your needs at the most affordable rates. So why wait? Get expert help from our analytical essay writing service and ensure your success today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an analytical sentence.

A concise example of an analytical sentence is: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee uses the character of Atticus Finch to explore themes of morality and justice in the face of racial prejudice.

What is an example of analysis?

Here is an example of analysis: Through Atticus Finch's unwavering commitment to defending Tom Robinson, despite facing societal backlash, Lee highlights the importance of integrity and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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Sentence Starters & Other Useful Words for Analytical Essays

This resource is for mainstream english year 12 students writing analytical essays for reading and responding to texts aos1 units 3 & 4 in the sac and vce english exam section a., it is a good idea to vary the type of words you use to write an analytical essay for section a in the vce english exam. below are helpful ways to introduce your essays, body paragraphs, conclusions and other alternative words so that your essay flows with a higher level metalanguage., all resources created by englishtutorlessons.com.au online tutoring using zoom for mainstream english students in the victorian vce curriculum, leave a reply cancel reply.

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