Data Analysis Essay
4 to 5 paragraph data analysis:
Paragraph 1: Standard academic introduction
A: BACKGROUND: Definition, description, current situation/characteristics, history, examples of a general topic
B: RELEVANCE: Why is this topic important to anyone? How does it affect other things, or how do other things affect it?
C: RATIONALE: Why do I need to write anything about it? Who is the target audience for this? What will the writing resolve?
D: THESIS STATEMENT: What exact topic will I cover and how?
The Major Issues with the Introduction
1. Lack of essential definitions 2. Lack of current figures 3. Lack of clarifying examples 4. Starting with non-essential background 5. Including information that will be part of the main body 6. Poorly explained or missing rationales
Paragraph 2: Description of the table
Paragraphs 3-4:
– 1. A comparison to other research
– 2. Explanations for the trend(s) (at least 2)
– 3. Implications of the trend (academic/practical contributions and/or natural consequences) –
Paragraphs 5:
Recommended future research.
Should have at least five cited references
Point 1: Summarize broader trends before narrowing down to specific trends. A: Try to go from general to specific. 1. Summarize the graph/table topic (if needed) 2. Overall trends: entire sample or entire period 3. Individual trends: specific groups or specific periods 4. Unique data points: outliers, brief interruption of tends
Point 2: Describe trends first, then give details. (general to specific).
Point 3: Do not forget to include key numbers
In the Outline section, red colours are feedback from professor.
