What is an analytical paragraph?
Analytical Paragraph writing – 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. When 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.
How Do You Start An Analytical Paragraph?
The introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph that should describe in brief what the graph 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 or the
graph given in the question. It is best to write the introduction in one or two lines.
2. 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 subparagraphs makes it easy
for the reader to understand.
i. 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.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. 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 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 of 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.
The chart shows the division of household tasks by gender in Great Britain.
Write an analytical paragraph describing the chart given in not more than 200
words.
The chart shows the number of minutes per day spent by British men and women in
doing household tasks. On an average, the women spend about four hours doing
household tasks whereas the men spend less than two and half hours.
The tasks on which women spend more time than men include cooking, cleaning house,
taking care of the children and laundry. In doing all these tasks, women spend
approximately 200 minutes which is almost three times the time spent by men in these
tasks. On the other hand, men spend twice the time than women in doing tasks like
gardening and maintenance of odd jobs in the house. Men spend the highest time,
almost 50 minutes, in gardening and petcare. While the women spend only 30 minutes
for these tasks. The time spent by men in washing, ironing and sewing clothes is as low
as 2 minutes per day as opposed to 25 minutes spent by women.
In short, women spend far more time doing household chores than men whilst men
prefer to do gardening, petcare and maintaining odd jobs.
