Generic Outline for Analysis Paper
Introduction (Different from Abstract, if you are using APA style)
-Provide context/background for the article you are analyzing (author, title, any info
necessary to understand your analysis
-Give the article’s main idea and purpose
-Include your thesis (with 3 or 4 major rhetorical ideas for your essay to focus on, such
as: Audience, Language, Organization, Evidence, or other rhetorical topics)
Body Paragraph 1
-Topic sentence (rhetorical topic)
-Claim (about the rhetorical topic)
-Examples/Evidence supporting your claim
-Analysis/Explanation of your example: What is the example doing? Why is it included
in the article? How does it support your claim? How does it help the article achieve its purpose?
Body Paragraph 2
-Topic sentence (Make sure your topic sentences all relate to one of your 3 or 4 major
ideas introduced in your thesis)
-Claim
-Example/Evidence
-Analysis of example/evidence
Continue this formula for body paragraphs until you reach the conclusion.
Conclusion
-Offer your overall evaluation of the article