The Analytical Paragraph

A Definition

Every paragraph is, by its very definition as the development of a single idea, an analysis of a subject since that single idea is part of a larger topic. The “analytical paragraph” reflects a further exercise in analysis: the selection of a passage from an outside source that is incorporated as a quotation, paraphrase, or summary in the body of the discussion within the paragraph.

A Sample Analytical Paragraph

The following model illustrates the format of the analytical paragraph with its three distinct parts: 1) the topic sentence and lead-in statement, 2) the quotation (paraphrase), and 3) the response to the quotation (paraphrase):

Topic sentence (a Pattern #1 paragraph) Lead-in sentence with full citation and main idea of the reference that follows The reference: a block quotation indented two tabs over from the left margin Response to the reference Two techniques: 1) paraphrase with citations 2) judgment as a position statement

The federal government is considering loosening restrictions on “search and seizure” laws in order to allow authorities to pursue suspected terrorists in the United States. In his October 4th Newsweek article, “Are We Prepared?” reporter Todd Bartlett summarizes Attorney General John Ashcroft’s appeal for additional, more liberal laws: The federal authorities want looser laws that will extend the powers of law enforcement agencies to enter homes, search for suspected evidence, plant surveillance devices, and to exit without notifying the targets. More liberal wiretap laws would also allow agents to monitor multiple devices and at different locations. The “feds” have lobbied for such legislation in the past, notes Bartlett, hoping to tighten their enforcement of drug codes and extend their investigations, but the American Civil Liberties Union has been successful each time in quashing such attempts. Now, in the aftermath of September 11th terrorist attacks, Bartlett suggests that Congress is likely to be more receptive. Such legislation will assuredly end up before the Supreme Court and could be found unconstitutional. Should the Supreme Court rule against such new laws, the American people would have to consider a Constitutional amendment.

he Topic Sentee

The Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is a claim that includes a main idea or focus. Developing that main idea or focus is the purpose of the paragraph.

The Lead-in Statement

The lead-in statement is a transitional sentence that identifies the source, the function of the author in writing the quotation that follows, and the main idea of the quotation that follows. The lead-in statement is important in that it provides a citation of the author and source necessary to avoid plagiarism.

The Quotation

The quotation is a passage selected from an outside source that helps you develop the main idea or focus of the paragraph. The quotation may be as short as a key word or phrase or as long as several sentences. A short quotation is placed inside quotation marks at the beginning and the end of the passage. A quotation longer than four lines of writing or typing is “blocked,” that is, each line is indented two tabs over from the left margin. Since the blocking of the text indicates that it is a quotation, no quotation marks are placed at the beginning or the end of the passage.

The Response to the Quotation

Generally, avoid ending a paragraph with a quotation. Doing so assumes that the quoted text clearly 1) provides transition into your next paragraph, and 2) illuminates its relationship to the main idea of the paragraph without additional support or commentary. In most cases, quotations will not be very successful in performing either function.

How to Develop the Response to the Quotation

Approach the development of the third part of the paragraph from one of two different approaches:

Content: Ask yourself, “What do I want to say about the quotation?”

You can answer one or more of these questions about main ideas in the quotation:

Who? What? Where? When? Why? Or How?

Function: Ask yourself, “What do I want to do to the quotation?”

You can do one or a combination of the following tasks in developing the response to the quotation:

Repeat key words or phrases for emphasis.

Paraphrase and introduce additional sections of the source.

Summarize the main points of the quotation or reference.

Define key terms introduced in the passage.

Compare/Contrast key concepts with other outside information you have/

Interpret the meaning of the quotation or reference.

Debate concepts introduced in the passage with which you disagree

Evaluate (judge or take a position) on ideas introduced in the passage.