ANALYTICAL “SUMMARY” ESSAY BREAKDOWN

PARAGRAPH 1 PARTS REMINDERS

Grabber GRAB the reader’s attention. Start off
broad and narrow down to the thesis.
Perhaps start with a one-sentence plot
summary of the whole movie.
Connecting Sentence Offer the reader a smooth and logical
Introductory
transition between the grabber and the
Paragraph
thesis.
Thesis Statement 1 sentence! Your original thought on the
subject you are writing about.
Contentions The main three points you will use to
support your thesis.

PARAGRAPH 2 PARTS REMINDERS

Transition & Contention State first Topic Sentence.
Supporting Detail Explain why this contention is important.
Body Elaboration 1 SUPPORT! Examples, quotes,
Paragraph 1 Elaboration 2 explanations, etc.
Closing Statement Restate contention. Lead in to next
paragraph.

PARAGRAPH 3 PARTS REMINDERS

Transition & Contention State second Topic Sentence.
Supporting Detail Explain why this contention is important.
Body Elaboration 1 SUPPORT! Examples, quotes,
Paragraph 2 Elaboration 2 explanations, etc.
Closing Statement Restate contention. Lead in to next
paragraph.

PARAGRAPH 4 PARTS REMINDERS

Transition & Contention State third Topic Sentence.
Supporting Detail Explain why this contention is important.
Body Elaboration 1 SUPPORT! Examples, quotes,
Paragraph 3 Elaboration 2 explanations, etc.
Closing Statement Restate contention. Lead in to next
paragraph.

PARAGRAPH 5 PARTS REMINDERS

Return to grabber Refer back to your grabber WITHOUT
repeating it.
Concluding Free space Summary, quote, final irony
Paragraph Parting thought Appeal to the reader and leave a lasting
impression!