Analytical Paragraph

1.0What is an Analytical Paragraph?

An analytical paragraph is a form of descriptive writing which is written on the basis of a given chart, graph, data, outline, clues, table, etc. While writing an analytical paragraph, one should remember to describe the facts in the best possible manner and to cover the information provided. The analytical paragraph has to be written in around 100-120 words. So the paragraph must use clear and crisp language along with providing complete details of the chart given in the question. Features of an Analytical Paragraph Writing

• 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.

2.0How to Write an Analytical Paragraph

Analytical Paragraph Writing Format

An analytical paragraph has three parts

• Introduction
• Body of the paragraph and;
• Conclusion

The Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph that should describe in brief what the given data is about. It should be like an opening paragraph that introduces the reader to the context of the chart given. When writing the introductory paragraph, you need not go into the details. You just need to mention what is clearly evident from the chart, the graph or the data given in the question. It is best to write the introduction in one or two lines.

For an introduction, you can start with the following phrases-

• The chart given above describes
• The table suggests
• The line graph shows
• The data given provides information about
• The pie chart illustrates, etc.

The Body of the Paragraph

This part of the analytical paragraph should contain details of the graph/chart given in the question. It should contain all the important information. It is extremely important to choose the significant details that should be included in the paragraph. The body can be broken into two or three sub-paragraphs depending on the information extracted from the graph. Breaking the body into sub-paragraphs makes it easy for the reader to understand.

Organizing Information

You should look for the large differences that are very prominent. You can 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 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. For describing trends, use phrases and words like- a 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, use various styles like- $48\%$ 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 percent, etc.

For establishing a relationship or contrast, use phrases and words like- 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.

The Conclusion

The last paragraph 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 mind that one must not include any personal opinions, conclusions, or observations. You should simply stick to the facts.

You need not dispose off the information to write a good analytical paragraph. The key is to choose wisely the important information, organize it well, state correct facts and summarise it properly. For the conclusion and other connecting phrases use- overall, subsequently, in all, in a nutshell, for the chart given, in short, striking changes, therefore, etc.

Points to Remember While Writing Analytical Paragraph

• Stick to the word limit.
• Use specific words and phrases for analytical writing.
• Try to mention more statistics.
• You can add your own related information.
• Mention the name as given in the question.

3.0Solved Examples

• Below is a graph given showing birth and death rates in a country from 1901 to 2101. Write an analytical paragraph (100-150 words).
  
  Ans. The graph shows birth and death rates starting from 1901 till 2101. Since 1901, the birth rate has remained more than the death rate until 2041. Birth rate was 20000 in 1901 and started increasing gradually. It peaked in 1961 to around 65000. From 1961, birth rate has fluctuated multiple times between 50000 and 60000. It is expected to decline for the coming years reaching approximately 42000 by 2101. On the other hand, the death rate stood at around 10000 in 1901 and then has increased steadily. It is expected to rise strikingly from 2021 before levelling off to approximately 60000 between 2061 and 2081. The graph indicates a slight decline in deaths in the year 2101. The graph shows the huge gap between birth rate and death during 1961 to 2001. However, this gap is expected to reduce in the later years. Overall, as opposed to the prevailing trends, the death rate will be more than the birth rate in the later half of the 21st century.
• Here is a line graph showing the number of persons of different age groups killed in accidents. Analyse the given data in a paragraph of 100-120 words.
  
  Ans. The line graph illustrates the number of persons of different age groups killed in accidents. It is evident from the graph that the maximum number of people who are killed in road accidents are pedestrians. Among pedestrians, too, people of 16-25 age group recorded the highest number of accident deaths that is 800 . Coincidentally, this age group faces the maximum motor bikers' deaths in road accidents which is one-fourth of pedestrians' deaths. Whereas, people who die due to bus or car accidents belong to the 26-35 age group. But, after the age of 35 people get less caught in road accidents. It can be concluded that generation of 16-35 years falls victim to road accidents more than the people who have crossed 35 years. However, pedestrians are at the highest risk of accidents followed by bus and car riders.
• The following excerpt is taken from 'The Times' on the ill-treatment of animals and steps to prevent it. "It is distressing to see the attitude of people towards animals and find that cases of cruelty towards animals are increasing." The following pie chart represents the attitude of people towards animals." As Simran/Dhruv, write the analysis of the above statement in 100-120 words.
  
  Treatment of Animals Ans. The attitude of people towards animals has been cruel since ages. A recent study showed that $50\%$ of animals are exploited by people for their self-interest. Animals are killed for their fancy and priceless body parts including the skin. It was observed that $35\%$ of people having an indifferent attitude towards animals do not care about their pain and sufferings. They continue with their torture and experiments. Animals are beaten and forced to carry heavy loads. Besides, to add to their woes, $15\%$ of people believe that animals are their slaves. But men must not forget that animals equally share the mother earth with us. If we can't help them, we don't have any right to add to their problems.

4.0Let's Recall

• Analytical paragraph describes the given chart, table, data, graph, cues etc.
• It should be brief and comprehensive (include complete information).
• It should state facts that are provided by the chart.
• It is necessary to make use of simple accurate language.
• It should mention figures and quantities appropriately.
• It is appropriate to use the same tense throughout the analytical paragraph.