Non-Fiction Analysis

How Do We Structure a Non-Fiction Analysis?

A clear roadmap from first observation to overall evaluation.

The Big Picture

A strong non-fiction analysis also follows a clear progression. Each part has its own purpose, and good analytical writing keeps these functions clearly separated.

If you ever feel unsure while writing, come back to this page and ask yourself: Am I analysing the right aspect in the right paragraph?

The Roadmap

Before you start writing, it helps to see the whole structure once from beginning to end.

1

Opening

Introduction

You place the text and introduce its basic context and overall aim.

2

Body Paragraph 1

WHAT?

You explain what the author says and how the argument develops.

3

Body Paragraph 2

HOW?

You analyse how the text is written and how language shapes meaning and effect.

4

Body Paragraph 3

WHY?

You explain the author’s intention, the target audience and the effect on the reader.

5

Closing

Conclusion

You step back and evaluate the text as a whole.

Writing Your Analysis Step by Step

Now let us look at each part more closely so that you know exactly what to do while writing.

1

Opening

Introduction

In his / her … published in …, the author addresses the issue of …

Purpose

Introduce the non-fiction text and its basic context.

Focus

author · title · text type · source · date · topic · overall intention

No detailed analysis, no quotations, no personal opinion.
Quick check
  • Did I mention the essential text information?
  • Did I identify the general topic and intention?
  • Did I stay short, factual and neutral?
2

Body Paragraph 1

WHAT?

The author begins by … / This is followed by … / A central claim of the text is …

Purpose

Explain what the author says and how the argument is structured.

Focus

main ideas · key claims · structure · examples · line of argument

No stylistic analysis yet, no evaluation, no random summary.
Quick check
  • Did I explain the main line of argument clearly?
  • Did I keep my summary selective and purposeful?
  • Did I avoid analysing language too early?
3

Body Paragraph 2

HOW?

The author uses … to … / This creates the impression that … / The tone can be described as …

Purpose

Analyse how language and rhetorical choices shape meaning and influence the reader.

Focus

word choice · tone · sentence structure · rhetorical devices · style

No device lists without explanation, no repetition of content only.
Quick check
  • Did I analyse how the author writes?
  • Did I explain the function of the language choices?
  • Did I avoid just naming devices without effect?
4

Body Paragraph 3

WHY?

The author aims to … / This approach is likely to … / In this way, the reader is encouraged to …

Purpose

Explain intention, target audience and the likely effect on the reader.

Focus

author’s aim · target audience · persuasive strategy · intended impact

No new devices, no isolated summary, no simple repetition of earlier points.
Quick check
  • Did I explain what the author wants to achieve?
  • Did I connect language and argument to reader effect?
  • Did I move beyond simple description?
5

Closing

Conclusion

Overall, the text is effective because … / The author succeeds in …

Purpose

Evaluate the overall effectiveness and communicative success of the text.

Focus

overall impact · success of intention · persuasive strength

No new arguments, no new examples, no detailed close reading.
Quick check
  • Did I evaluate the text as a whole?
  • Did I avoid introducing anything new?
  • Did I end with a clear judgement?

Writing the Introduction

The introduction prepares the reader for your analysis. It answers one simple question: What kind of text is this, and what is the author trying to do?

Purpose

Your introduction should be short, factual and focused.

It should place the text without already analysing details.

  • short
  • clear
  • neutral and analytical

What must be included?

  • text type
  • author
  • title
  • source and date
  • main topic
  • overall intention

If one of these elements is missing, the introduction is incomplete.

Language help

Language help

You can combine the key information into one or two clear sentences.

  • In his / her … published in …, the author addresses the issue of …
  • The text discusses the question of whether / how …
  • The author argues that …
  • The author aims to criticise / raise awareness of / convince the reader that …
Model Introduction

Model Introduction

In his 2021 opinion piece published in The Guardian, George Monbiot discusses the impact of social media on public debate. He argues that digital platforms intensify polarisation and aims to encourage readers to reflect on their own media consumption.

Writing Body Paragraph 1: Content and Structure (WHAT)

In this paragraph, you explain what the author says and how the argument develops.

How this works

To keep your paragraph clear and focused, use the following structure:

  • Topic Sentence – introduces the main analytical focus
  • Evidence – refers to what the author states or claims
  • Example – illustrates this with a concrete detail from the text
  • Inference – explains what this shows about the argument or structure

What to focus on

  • main ideas
  • key claims
  • structure of the argument
  • examples and evidence
  • progression from one point to the next

You are not just summarising. You are showing how the text is built.

Important

Keep summary selective and purposeful. Every example should help explain the logic of the text.

Model Body Paragraph I (“What?”)

Model Body Paragraph I ("What?")

Topic Sentence: The author develops the argument in a step-by-step manner, gradually guiding the reader from a general observation to a more critical position.

Evidence: At the beginning of the text, the author addresses the widespread influence of social media on political discourse and presents it as a growing and unavoidable phenomenon.

Example: This idea is illustrated by references to emotionally charged posts and simplified narratives that spread rapidly across online platforms.

Inference: By starting with a broadly shared experience and then narrowing the focus to specific examples, the author establishes common ground with the reader and prepares the basis for a more critical evaluation later in the text.

Writing Body Paragraph 2: Language and Style (HOW)

In this paragraph, you analyse how the author expresses ideas and how language influences the reader.

How this works

You still use the same structure:

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Example → Inference

What changes is your focus: now your evidence comes from language choices and rhetorical features.

What to focus on

  • word choice
  • tone
  • sentence structure
  • rhetorical devices
  • emotional and rational appeal

Important

Do not just list devices. Always explain what they do and why they matter.

Choose one or two striking aspects and analyse them properly. Function matters more than quantity.

Model Body Paragraph II (“How?”)

Model Body Paragraph II ("How?")

Topic Sentence: The author strengthens the argument through a deliberately urgent and emotionally charged use of language.

Evidence: Throughout the text, the author relies on evaluative word choice and rhetorical questions to frame the issue as pressing and serious.

Example: This is evident in expressions such as “deeply concerning” and “dangerous consequences”, as well as in the question “How long can this trend be ignored?”.

Inference: By intensifying the emotional tone, the author appeals to the reader’s sense of responsibility and increases the persuasive impact of the argument, supporting the intention to prompt critical reflection.

Writing Body Paragraph 3: Intention and Effect (WHY)

In this paragraph, you explain why the author uses this particular content and language and what effect this is meant to have on the reader.

How this works

Again, you use the familiar structure:

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Example → Inference

Now, however, you bring together content, language, intention and reader impact on a deeper level.

What to focus on

  • the author’s overall aim
  • the target audience
  • the desired reader reaction
  • how structure and language support this aim
  • the overall effectiveness of the strategy

You are now looking at the text as a whole.

Important

Do not simply repeat earlier observations. This paragraph should connect them and explain why they matter.

Model Body Paragraph III (“Why?”)

Model Body Paragraph III ("Why?")

Topic Sentence: The author’s main intention is to raise awareness of the dangers of increasing polarisation and to encourage readers to reflect on their own role in this development.

Evidence: To achieve this, the author combines a logically structured argument with emotionally engaging language, guiding the reader from a shared observation to a critical evaluation.

Example: For instance, the gradual build-up of the argument and the repeated use of urgent expressions and rhetorical questions reinforce the seriousness of the issue and keep the reader actively involved.

Inference: As a result, the text not only informs but also challenges the reader to reconsider their attitudes and behaviour, making the author’s approach both purposeful and effective.

Comparison Box: Same Structure – Different Focus

Although all three body paragraphs follow the same basic structure, they differ in what you analyse and what counts as evidence.

Element Body Paragraph 1 (WHAT) Body Paragraph 2 (HOW) Body Paragraph 3 (WHY)
Topic Sentence introduces a key idea or structural feature introduces a stylistic or linguistic focus states the author’s intention or overall aim
Evidence refers to arguments or claims refers to language choices refers to how content and language work together
Example concrete idea or argumentative step specific word, phrase or device previously analysed elements
Inference explains what this shows about the argument explains the effect on the reader explains the intended impact and effectiveness

Each paragraph in one sentence

WHAT

This paragraph explains how the argument is built.

HOW

This paragraph explains how language shapes meaning and effect.

WHY

This paragraph explains what the text is meant to do to the reader.

Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion brings your analysis to a clear and controlled end. It answers one simple question: How effective is this text as a whole?

What must be included?

  • a brief reminder of the author’s main intention
  • an evaluation of how effectively this intention is achieved
  • a short comment on the overall impact on the reader

A conclusion should be concise, reflective and focused.

What does not belong here?

  • no new arguments
  • no new devices
  • no quotations
  • no detailed close reading
  • no personal opinion (“I think …”)

The conclusion should gather your insights, not reopen the analysis.

Language help

Language help

The conclusion often works best with evaluative but still analytical language. Usually, two to three sentences are enough.

  • Overall, the author succeeds in …
  • The text is effective in …
  • By combining … and …, the author manages to …
  • As a result, the text encourages readers to …
  • The article leaves the reader with …
Model Conclusion

Model Conclusion

Overall, the author succeeds in raising awareness of the issue by combining a clearly structured argument with emotionally engaging language. This approach makes the text persuasive and encourages readers to reflect on their own role in the development described. As a result, the article leaves a lasting impression and effectively fulfils its communicative purpose.

Overview Non-Fiction Analysis