ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH

WRITING
The four types of data analysis are:

• Descriptive Analysis –
Interpretation of data for
better understanding and
changes that have occurred
using the range of given data.

• Diagnostic Analysis – An
advanced analysis of data
which examines it and
answers the question “Why did
it happen?’
• Predictive Analysis – is a
technique of using the
available data to identify the
likelihood of future
outcomes based on previous
data and outcomes.

• Prescriptive Analysis – is a
kind of analysis that helps
in making decisions using
the raw data. It is normally
based on future predictions
and ideas perceived, that
might materialize or might
not materialize into reality.
 What 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. When writing an analytical
paragraph, one should remember to describe
the facts in the best possible manner and to
cover the information provided.
 Features of an analytical paragraph

➢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.
 Format of Analytical paragraph
Introduction
(explain in one or two lines the subject of the
graph given)
Body
(explain in detail what the graph is about, use
relevant figures, explain trends, make
comparisons and contrasts, divide into sub
paragraphs, if required)
Conclusion
(conclude the paragraph giving the overall view
or summary of the graph)
 1. 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 which
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 (3Ms). The body can
be broken into two or three sub-paragraphs
depending on the information extracted from
the graph.
Note: Breaking the body into sub paragraphs
makes it easy for the reader to understand.
i. Organising 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.
Aspects that are similar should be mentioned next. You should
further mention about the aspects that have 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 about 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 several 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 opinion,
conclusions or observations and 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 most important information, organise it
well, state correct facts and summarise it properly.
Useful tips for writing an analytical paragraph

For 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…
For describing trends, use phrases and words like-
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 per cent, etc.
For establishing 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.

For conclusion and other connecting phrases use-

overall, subsequently, in all, in a nutshell, for the chart
given, in short, striking changes, including, therefore,
etc.
Analytical paragraphs- Examples, samples
Question 1: Below is a graph given showing birth and death rates in a country
from 1901 to 2101. Write an analytical paragraph (100-150 words).
Answer 1:
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.
Question 2: 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.
Answer 2:
The chart shows the number of minutes per day spent by British men
and women in 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 pet care. 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, pet care and maintaining odd jobs.
Thank You.