The following list might help you stay on track with your analytic essay. [This list is based on one widely attributed to Moon as cited in Cottrell 1999, although I could track down neither of these.]
Descriptive writing |
Critical/analytical writing |
Merely states what happened |
Identifies the significance of what happened |
States what something is like |
Evaluates its strengths and weaknesses |
Gives the story so far |
Weighs one piece of information against another |
States the order in which things happened |
Makes reasoned judgments |
Says how to do something |
Argues a case according to evidence |
Explains what a theory says |
Shows why something is relevant or suitable |
Explains how something works |
Indicates why something will work (best) |
Notes the method used |
Indicates whether something is appropriate or suitable |
Says when something occurred |
Identifies why the timing is important |
States the different components |
Weighs up the importance of component parts |
States options |
Gives reason for the selection of each option |
Merely lists details |
Evaluates the relative significance of details |
Lists information in any order |
Structures information in order (e.g., of importance) |
Describes the links between items |
Shows the relevance of links between pieces of information |
Merely provides information |
Draws conclusions from that information |