THE PSBB MILLENNIUM SCHOOL, OMR
CLASS:10 ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH
An analytical paragraph is a form descriptive writing which is written on the basis of a given chart, graph, data, outline, cues, table etc.
The analytical paragraph has to be written in around 100-120 words.
Features of an analytical paragraph:
-It describes the given chart, table, data, graph, cues etc.
-It should be brief and comprehensive (include complete information) at the same time.
-It should state facts that are provided by the chart.
-It is necessary to make use of simple and accurate language.
-It should mention figures and quantities appropriately.
-It is appropriate to use the same tense throughout the analytical paragraph.
-No personal observation or response should be provided.
-It would be preferable to use the passive form of the verb.
Format of an Analytical Paragraph
An analytical paragraph must be written in a SINGLE PARAGRAPH. It must have
1. The introductory sentence
The introduction is the first few lines of the paragraph that should describe in brief what the graph is about. It should be like an opening line which
introduces the reader to the context of the chart given.
2. The details of the graph with all the important information.
*Organising the information -Mention the aspect which is the smallest or the largest in the data given. Any aspects that are similar should be mentioned
next. You should further mention about the aspect that has remained unchanged or constant throughout.
*Comparing information: If the chart mentions two different parties, for example: men and women, refer to both of them in the analytical paragraph. If
there is any contrast or comparison that could be drawn, you must present it effectively. If the chart is about a particular time period or highlights trends
of several years, mention about each year in a concise manner. If any comparison or contrast can be done for two or more years, you should write about it
too.
*Mentioning quantities: When including numbers and figures, their accuracy must be ensured. There are a number of ways that can be used to describe
quantities, for example- percentage, fraction, ratios etc.
*Connecting sentences: If different information or ideas are there, you should use connectors or linking phrases to link them logically. The sentences of
the paragraph should be sequential and connected rationally.
3. The concluding sentence should summarise the idea mentioned and the information in general. It should be concluding in nature and act as the closing
statement. One should keep in the mind that one must not include any personal opinions, conclusions or observations.
Words/Expressions to be used while writing an Analytical Paragraph
The following expressions can be used for introduction:
The chart given above describes
The table suggests
The line graph shows
The data given provides information about
The pie chart illustrates, etc.
For describing trends- pattern of growth, rapidly doubled, skyrocketed, striking increase, peaked, soaring rates, declined, plummeted, levelled off,
stagnated, fluctuate, starting to rise, starting to fall, drop down, slightly, etc.
For describing quantities-48% of, one-third of, nearly one-fourth of, almost 80%, majority, on average, twice as much, almost equal, the highest, the
lowest, very close to 2%, roughly, approximately 5% of, just under three per cent, etc.
For establishing relationship or contrast- relationship between, similarly, in contrast with, in comparison to, but in the opposite case, however,
whereas, when it comes to, as opposed to, while, striking difference, noticeable difference, etc.
Time Expressions- Over the next six days/Five days later/In the following week/The next two days show/Over the period/From, to, between ,and/Last
year/Final year/At the beginning of the period/At the end of the period
For conclusion and other connecting phrases - overall, subsequently, in all, in a nutshell, for the chart given, in short, striking changes, including,
therefore, etc.
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