How do you Analyze Something?
Definition of Analysis
The word analysis usually implies at least two elements: (a) a breakdown of something into parts or ideas, and (b) a discussion or description of those parts using a point of view or a method. If, for example, you were asked to analyze the text of a reading, you would choose several main or important ideas from it, then discuss each in turn using some kind of special point of view, theory, or method. An analysis in its purest form differs from other types of writing in that its primary concern simply is to explain something in greater or newer detail using a unique point of view, whereas the main purposes of many kinds of papers may be to argue or to evaluate. In fact, some assignments may require you to use analysis to argue a point or to evaluate something. However, if you are required to do nothing but a simple analysis, then your primary goal is to explain something from a unique point of view.
One famous example of an analysis is Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: it is his analysis of a current situation, using a particular view—idealistic and hopeful—of history.
Source: Previous editions' titles: Writing for School & Work, 1984-1990; CollegeWriting.info, 1998-2012. 6th Edition: 1 Aug. 2012. Text copyright 2002-2012 by R. Jewell except as noted. Permission is hereby granted for nonprofit educational copying and use without a written request.