Consider Genre and Design
A well-written analytical essay uses design for three primary reasons: to improve readability, to simplify the presentation of complex concepts and information, and to enhance the writer’s ability to achieve his or her goals.
As you contemplate design options for your essay, make note of any formatting requirements specified in your assignment (such as margins, spacing, font, and the like). Consider as well the expectations of your readers, particularly your instructor. You might also think about including visual evidence such as figures and images.
- Figures, such as charts and graphs, can help readers better understand complex concepts or see trends that would be difficult to discern through textual descriptions alone. A chart, for example, can clearly show comparative cost figures for a state plan to subsidize public transportation. A graph could show changes over time in ridership of those who use trains, buses, subways, or private automobiles.
- Images, particularly when you are analyzing a visual text such as a photograph, video, or painting, can help readers better understand the subject and increase the likelihood that they’ll accept your interpretation as valid and well founded.
- Captions are a necessary complement to figures and images. Be sure to include a caption for each figure or image in your essay. At a minimum, a caption should provide a figure number cross-referenced in the text, a descriptive label, and source information. You can also use the caption to briefly describe what is shown and to explain what it contributes to your analysis.
If you use figures and images in your essay, place them near their first mention in the text. You can learn more about figures, illustrations, captions, and other aspects of document design in Chapters 16 and 17.