Adams / Pre-AP English II
Name:
Literary Analysis Essay Template
While there is no “one way” to write an analysis essay, this template can provide a sound
foundation for developing a strong, organized paper. Using this guide helps ensure that your
position is supported (but not overwhelmed) by carefully selected evidence from the text, and
explained in thoughtful commentary by you.
We will practice with this format for your Frankenstein essay.
--------------------------------------Introduction: (~6-7 sentences)
1. A hook – begin with a general idea related to your thesis (2-3 sentences)
2. Transition to the book; what does this general idea have to do with the book and your main
idea in this essay?
3. Transition to your thesis – what are you going to argue that this book proves (according to
the author)?
Body paragraph 1: (~7-8 sentences)
1. Topic Sentence: A main point that proves/supports your thesis statement.
2.
Transition to Quote: An integrated quote that PROVES your topic sentence is true.
3.
Commentary: An explanation of HOW your quote proves the topic sentence is true.
4.
Transition to Second Quote: An even stronger but related integrated quote that again
proves your topic sentence is true.
5.
Commentary: An explanation of HOW your second quote proves the topic sentence is
true.
6.
Concluding Sentence: A statement of HOW your whole paragraph proves your thesis
statement.
-over-
Adams / Pre-AP English II
Name:
Body paragraph 2: (~7-8 sentences)
7. Transition to Topic Sentence: A main point that proves/supports your thesis statement.
(Make sure it’s clear how and why you’re ordering your main ideas in the way that you are –
how does it help your argument?)
8.
Transition to Quote: An integrated quote that PROVES your topic sentence is true.
9.
Commentary: An explanation of HOW your quote proves the topic sentence is true.
10.
Transition to Second Quote: An even stronger but related integrated quote that again
proves your topic sentence is true.
11.
Commentary: An explanation of HOW your second quote proves the topic sentence is
true.
12.
Concluding Sentence: A statement of HOW your whole paragraph proves your thesis
statement.
(For our first essay we have a minimum requirement of two body paragraphs. You may have
more. )
Conclusion: (~6-7 sentences)
1. Restate your thesis statement more elaborately by incorporating how you have proven
it through your essay.
2. Transition from how your main idea is proven in the book to how this main idea is
relevant to the real world. Why is it important to know and understand this particular
message the author is trying to teach us?