Writing Application
Learn
This lesson teaches you to write about complex texts by synthesizing your analysis into clear, well-organized responses.
Writing About Complex Texts
- Thesis Development: Create a clear, arguable claim about the text
- Evidence Integration: Use quotes and paraphrases effectively
- Analysis: Explain how evidence supports your claim
- Organization: Structure your response logically
- Conclusions: Synthesize ideas and address broader significance
Response Types
- Summary responses
- Analytical paragraphs
- Compare/contrast essays
- Evidence-based argument essays
Examples
See how to craft effective written responses about complex texts.
Example: Writing an Analytical Paragraph
Topic sentence → Context → Quote → Analysis → Connection to thesis
Example: Integrating Evidence
According to the author, "..." (citation). This demonstrates...
✏️ Practice
Test your understanding with these practice questions.
Practice Questions
0/2 correctA thesis statement should:
Which is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about recycling benefits?
Check Your Understanding
Test yourself with these review questions.
1. What makes a strong thesis statement about a complex text?
Show Answer
A strong thesis is specific, arguable, and makes a claim about the text that can be supported with evidence.
2. What is the purpose of providing context before a quote?
Show Answer
Context helps the reader understand where the quote comes from and why it is relevant to your point.
3. What should come after you include a quote in your writing?
Show Answer
Analysis that explains how the quote supports your claim - never let a quote "stand alone."
4. What is the difference between summarizing and analyzing?
Show Answer
Summarizing restates what the text says; analyzing explains how or why the text works and what it means.
5. How should you organize an analytical paragraph?
Show Answer
Topic sentence, context, evidence (quote), analysis, and a concluding sentence connecting to the thesis.
6. When should you paraphrase instead of using a direct quote?
Show Answer
When the information is important but the exact wording is not essential, or when you need to condense a longer passage.
7. What makes an effective conclusion in an analytical essay?
Show Answer
An effective conclusion synthesizes the main points, restates the thesis in a new way, and addresses broader significance or implications.
8. What transitional words help show analysis?
Show Answer
Words like "this shows," "this demonstrates," "this reveals," "this suggests," and "this illustrates."
9. Why is it important to cite your sources when writing about texts?
Show Answer
Citations give credit to the original author, allow readers to locate the source, and demonstrate the evidence backing your claims.
10. What should you avoid when writing a summary of a complex text?
Show Answer
Avoid including your own opinions, adding information not in the text, or copying large portions word-for-word without attribution.
Next Steps
- Review any concepts that felt challenging
- Move on to the next lesson when ready
- Return to practice problems periodically for review