Analysing evidence instead of summarising
Explain how the evidence proves your point, not what happens.
The common mistake
Retelling the plot after a quote ('This means he was alone') instead of analysing it.
Instead: Ask how and why: zoom in on a word, say what it suggests, and link it back to your claim.
Worked example with Guide me
Analyse: the house is described as 'swallowing' the family.
- Sugar · What does 'swallowing' suggest?Student · Something alive that eats them.
- Sugar · How does that support a point about the house?Student · It's threatening and trapping them.
Answer: 'Swallowing' makes the house seem alive and hungry, showing the family is trapped by their past.
Try 3 practice questions
1. Summary or analysis: 'Then she leaves the town'?
Show answer
Summary
2. Two questions that push you into analysis?
Show answer
How? and Why?
3. What should analysis link back to?
Show answer
The paragraph's point and the thesis
Quick answers
- What is the most common mistake with analysing evidence instead of summarising?
- Retelling the plot after a quote ('This means he was alone') instead of analysing it.
- How do I get analysing evidence instead of summarising right?
- Ask how and why: zoom in on a word, say what it suggests, and link it back to your claim.
- Can you show a worked example?
- Analyse: the house is described as 'swallowing' the family. 'Swallowing' makes the house seem alive and hungry, showing the family is trapped by their past.
Related concepts
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