Analytical Writing Basics

Name:

Date:

__/__/____

📚 Part 1: Quick Knowledge Check

WALT: We are learning to identify the purpose and structure of analytical writing.

1. What is the main purpose of analytical writing?

To tell a story with vivid detail

To explain and examine ideas using evidence and reasoning

To persuade readers using emotional appeals only

To describe a scene or person

2. Which sentence usually begins an analytical paragraph?

The topic sentence that states the main idea

A long quotation without comment

A rhetorical question with no evidence

3. Check all elements commonly found in analytical writing:

Topic sentence

Evidence (quotations, data, examples)

Vivid sensory description for atmosphere

Explanation linking evidence to the idea

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Practice

4. Read the short paragraph below. Match each numbered sentence on the left to the correct function on the right.

Paragraph: 1) Climate change is altering coastal communities. 2) A 2020 report shows sea levels are rising by centimetres each decade. 3) Rising seas increase flood risk, which damages homes and local economies. 4) Therefore, planners must adapt infrastructure to protect communities.

1) First sentence

2) Second sentence

3) Third sentence

4) Fourth sentence

A. Evidence (statistic/report)

B. Topic sentence (main idea)

C. Explanation of evidence

D. Linking/implication (what should happen)

5. Guided mini-analysis: Read the excerpt and write 3–4 analytical sentences explaining the author's purpose and one language feature that supports it.

Excerpt: "When factories spill into riverways, the ripple of consequences reaches families who rely on that water for food." — short article line

6. Exit task (1–2 sentences): Why does using a clear structure (topic sentence, evidence, explanation, link) help a reader understand an argument?

🚀 Extension & Differentiation

7. Extension (optional): Briefly outline how you would compare two texts on the same topic. Include one point about perspective and one about language features.

Differentiation tips (for teacher or self-check):

- Provide sentence starters for learners who need support (e.g. "The author argues that...").

- Offer a graphic organiser or oral response option for neurodiverse learners.

- For advanced learners: identify how paragraph structure supports an overall thesis and suggest an additional piece of evidence to strengthen the argument.