The Formal Paper

THE FORMAL PAPER

An Overview

The analytical paper can take many forms depending on the discipline for which you are writing the paper. As well, the bibliographic and footnote/parenthetical reference format you use will be different for English and Spanish papers. Please discuss the format of your paper, including bibliographic references, with your teacher BEFORE you get started. The following will provide you with an overview of a generic analytical essay, and, on the back, some sample portions of a student essay:

IN GENERAL

The analytical essay is generally three parts. All classical essays choose an existing controversy within a particular field to investigate. The focus of the paper is to defend one side in this controversy. Your statement of opinion, stating which side you will be defending, is called the Thesis Statement. The Thesis is defended by using specific arguments, which will be developed in the different sections of your paper (see below) and supported by specific support from the sources you acquire through your investigation.

As well please keep in mind the following:

" the paper should always be written in third person;

" the paper should always be written in present tense;

" avoid unsubstantiated (and inflammatory or dramatic) opinion;

" do not refer to the process of writing the paper in the paper;

" clearly proofread.

PART ONE

The first part of the paper is your introduction. You should begin with a broad statement which refers to your topic and then narrow to the specifics of your particular focus. Next you offer any relevant background information and define any specific terminology that you may use in the paper. This is also the time to introduce and define your arguments without specifically referring to any support from the texts. Finally, you should conclude this paragraph with your Thesis Statement which also includes your main arguments. (i.e. Hence, The Scarlet Letter is a romance novel because it contains a strong sense of beauty in the world, a vivid imagination that can construct fantastic dream worlds, an interest in ancient legends and traditions, and a deep sympathy with obscure or humble people.)

This section is only one paragraph; however, it is vital to the development and understanding of your paper. Please note, however, that you should begin your research with a Thesis Statement but you will be modifying it as your research and understanding of the controversy unfolds.

PART TWO

The second part of your paper is the body of the paper. Here you will be presenting the arguments you have which defend your Thesis Statement and the research which supports those arguments. Remember your writing classes, and don't forget clear topic and concluding sentences (which summarize the argument, refer back to the thesis and provide transitions between ideas), integration of support, a thorough examination of your support's relevance, parenthetical references and a bibliography, using transitions between ideas and staying focused throughout the essay.

This section is the major part of your paper and should be 75% to 80% of your essay. Also, make sure you develop each separate point in its own paragraph.

PART THREE

The final part of your essay is your conclusion. This will begin with a restatement of your thesis followed by a summary of your major arguments and support. The last part of your conclusion may offer a personal reflection on the topic (but still done in third person), but this should not monopolize the paragraph. You may want to end the conclusion with a quote or a question which causes the reader himself/herself to reflect upon this topic.

The conclusion is one paragraph, as well. At this point, you should step back from the specifics of your subject and relate it to the world as a whole, a universal statement, if you will; this makes your topic relevant to the reader. Remember that this is the last thing your reader will read; therefore, a restatement of your Thesis Statement, a summary of your arguments and some thoughtful reflection is vital to leave the reader with a good impression.

FOOTNOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

Please refer to the Colegio Bolivar Style Booklet (for papers in English) and the ICONOTEX Standards (for papers in Spanish) for information on footnotes, parenthetical references, and a bibliography.