Analytical essay writing: Who made this text? When? Why? What does it mean? How do you know?

Many students with language and learning difficulties find it hard to analyse texts in high school.

Lots of educators and therapists focus on essay structures: scaffolded instruction about writing strong introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.

A solid structure helps. 

But analytical writing requires much more than PETAL paragraphs, quotes sheets, and shopping lists of literary techniques.

Students can’t write a persuasive argument about a text if they don’t understand it. But, too often, ‘analysis’ starts and ends with a shallow summary of what happens. 

For students who struggle to step up from summary to analysis, we’ve been testing a new module in our Think, then Write sequenced writing program. 

In early 2027, we look forward to releasing Think, then Write 9: Analytical Writing Foundations.

It’s a scripted, sequenced program designed to help students go beyond the surface of a text to think critically about its “why” and “how” so they can communicate their thoughts on its meaning in response to whatever the essay question asks of them.

Designed for students in Years 7-10, as well as older students with language and learning challenges.

Sign-up below if you’d like us to let you know when Think, Then Write 9: Analytical Writing Foundations is available.