Humanities Homework Help

Complete a Textual Analysis essay using the ‘Textual Analysis’ module in D2L and the Norton Field Guide textbook

1. Read the essay we will be using for our analysis, “Finland’s School Success,” which begins on p. 999 of Norton.

Write – Structure of the Textual Analysis essay. Length of essay 2 ½ – 3 pages.

1. First paragraph, the intro paragraph (summary of the text being analyzed) and thesis statement.

In a paragraph of 8-10 sentences, summarize the main points of the essay. Find and summarize points for analysis that you find most interesting. Do not do any ANALYSIS in the intro, simply SUMMARIZE the essay. In other words, begin the textual analysis by summarizing what will be analyzed in the body of the essay.

1^st sentence – include three items. Provide (1) the title of the text, (2) the name of the author, and (3) the main idea of the text. Everyone’s 1^st sentence will be similar.

-Write in 3^rd person.

-Use an academic tone

DO NOT analyze, respond to, offer opinion in first person, etc.

Add YOUR thesis to the end of the intro. In the student example thesis, explain rather you agree or disagree

1. Body paragraphs

Read the topic sentences for the first two body paragraphs in the student essay. Notice how they “link” to the first half of her thesis.

Read the topic sentence for the third body paragraph (“With the powerful points being made in Miles’ essay…”). Notice how it links to the 2^nd half of her thesis statement (“…however, it also leaves room for further discussion”).

What did the student accomplish with her body paragraphs? She analyzes the article in her first two body paragraphs, then she adds her own thoughts to the discussion in her third body paragraph, which is what you MUST do in your own Textual Analysis.

1. Conclusion

Summarize your essay. Restate (do not simply repeat) what was covered in the essay, which is what the student accomplishes in her Conclusion/summary paragraph.

Again, the student sets up her essay with an intro and thesis, supports her thesis by analyzing in the first two body paragraphs with “direct quotes” and paraphrases from the text. Notice how she cites page numbers properly in MLA format. 3^rd body paragraph: Finally, she adds to the conversation by adding her own thoughts without having to use first person “I” in the third body paragraph.

1. It’s your turn! Complete a Textual Analysis in MLA format of 2 ½ – 3 pages minimum on “Finland’s School Success.”

2. Students MUST support topic sentences by using material and citing pages from our textbook.

1. No Works Cited page necessary. Cite the author in parentheses the first time you cite from the text – Example (Partanen 1003), – after the first time you simply cite page numbers – Example (1002) – without including her last name.

1. Signal phrases. Use signal phrases properly by using the handout in the ‘Textual Analysis’ module – ‘Signal phrases.’

1. Learning Outcomes. To understand what we are accomplishing with the assignment, read in the ‘Textual Analysis’ module – ‘Learning Outcomes.’

1. Rubric for grading purposes. The rubric can be found in the ‘Textual Analysis’ module.

1. MLA – Always use MLA format, Times New Roman 12, double-spaced lines, proper header and heading, etc.