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 |