An analysis breaks down the points or parts of something and considers how they work together to make an impression or convey a main point. When writing an analysis, you might also consider points or parts that seem to be missing or that raise questions in your mind. Your analysis of a reading provides the main points as well as your own reaction to the piece.

Here is an analysis of the excerpt from the Textbook of Basic Nursing in “Summary.” The main point is double-underlined, and the support points are underlined.

We all know that divorce is difficult for the people who are splitting up, but Rosdahl and Kowalski pay special attention to the problems faced by children of divorce, both right after the split and later on. The authors mention several possible outcomes of divorce on children, including emotional and behavioral difficulties and trouble in school. They also discuss the stresses that remarriage can create for children.

The authors rightly emphasize the negative effects that divorce can have on children. However, I found myself wondering what a divorcing couple could do to help their children through the process. Also, how might parents and stepparents help children adjust to a remarriage? I would like to examine these questions in a future paper.

In any college course, your instructor may ask you to write an analysis to show your critical thinking skills and your ability to respond to a reading.