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An analytical essay is not a summary of what you read but instead analyzing the author’s main point (s) and arguments.

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An analytical essay is not a summary of what you read but instead analyzing the author’s main point (s) and arguments. There are no right or wrong answers in analytical writing but always support your arguments/viewpoints with facts.
Below is a guideline on how an analytical essay should be organized. This is what I expect to see in your introduction, in your body, and in your conclusion:
Introduction:
Title of the Article (in Italic) and name of the author.
What was the author trying to say – In full context.
State your arguments) (Do you agree/disagree? Why? Why not? etc.)
Body:
Elaborate
Expand on your arguments)
If you are going to debate your claim how would you defend it.
Support your viewpoints with facts.
Use information from the article or any other reliable source to support your claims)
*Do not select a quote and try to comment on that quote – That is not analytical.
Conclusion:
An overview of what you have written.
Restate and summarize your main points As you are reading the article take notes. After reading the article: Identify the author’s main argument in full context. And answer these questions: Do you agree or disagree with the author’s main argument? Why or why not?
Please submit a 3-5 page analytical review on the article
The finished review must be in typewritten form, double spaced, typed size 12 pt. and Times New Roman font. Bold lettering is not acceptable. Cover page is required
The ownership of African American slaves by Blacks was surely one of the most peculiar features of the peculiar institution. Yet, in the antebellum South free black people did indeed own enslaved black people. Most historians have emphasized benevolence as the motivation for slaveholding by blacks, but others have emphasized exploitation. This article contributes to that debate using a quantitative approach, drawing upon census data in order to investigate the extent to which the pattern of slaveholding by blacks was or was not similar to that of slaveholding by whites.

🚨 Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily! 🚨

An analytical essay requires you to critically examine an argument rather than just summarizing the article. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you structure your essay effectively.

📌 Step 1: Understanding the Assignment

Your task is to analyze the article about Black slave ownership in the antebellum South.
✅ Identify the author’s main argument
✅ Determine whether you agree or disagree
✅ Support your stance using facts and logical reasoning

📌 Step 2: Structuring Your Essay

🔹 Introduction (1 paragraph)

✅ State the article’s title (italicized) and the author’s name
✅ Summarize the author’s main argument in full context (Do they argue that Black slave ownership was benevolent, exploitative, or both?)
✅ Present your thesis statement – Clearly state your position (agree/disagree) and why.

🔸 Example:
“In the article [Title], author [Author’s Name] explores the controversial topic of Black slave ownership in the antebellum South. While some historians argue that Black slaveholders primarily acted out of benevolence, others suggest that their motives mirrored those of white slaveholders—centered on economic gain and exploitation. The author uses census data to analyze whether Black slaveholding patterns differed significantly from those of whites. This essay argues that [your stance: agree/disagree] because [your main reason 1] and [your main reason 2].”

🔹 Body Paragraphs (3-5 paragraphs)

Each paragraph should focus on one key argument supporting your viewpoint.

🔸 Argument #1: Evaluating the Author’s Use of Evidence

Does the author provide credible historical evidence (e.g., census data)?
Does the evidence support their argument convincingly?
Your stance – Do you find the data reliable or incomplete?

🔹 Example:
“The author effectively utilizes census records to quantify the prevalence of Black slave ownership. However, the article lacks personal narratives from Black slaveholders, making it difficult to determine whether economic motivations outweighed benevolent intentions. Without firsthand accounts, the data alone cannot fully capture the complexity of this issue.”

🔸 Argument #2: Benevolence vs. Exploitation Debate

Does the author convincingly argue whether Black slaveholding was benevolent or exploitative?
Your stance – Do you agree with their perspective? Why or why not?
Use historical context (e.g., laws, social pressures) to support your viewpoint.

🔹 Example:
“While some Black slave owners may have purchased enslaved people to protect them from cruel white masters, historical records also show instances where Black slaveholders exploited their labor for financial gain. This duality complicates the author’s argument, as motives varied among individuals.”

🔸 Argument #3: Comparing Black and White Slaveholding Patterns

The author uses statistical comparisons – Do they reveal meaningful differences?
Your stance – Do you find the argument compelling?
Provide additional historical examples to support or challenge the claim.

🔹 Example:
“Although the article suggests that Black and white slaveholders exhibited similar patterns of ownership, it does not fully consider external factors, such as limited economic opportunities for free Black individuals. Unlike their white counterparts, many free Blacks faced social and legal restrictions that may have influenced their decisions regarding slave ownership.”

🔹 Conclusion (1 paragraph)

✅ Summarize your main points without repeating them word-for-word.
✅ Restate your thesis – Reinforce your stance.
✅ Final thought – Reflect on the broader implications of the debate.

🔹 Example:
“The article provides valuable insights into the complexities of Black slaveholding, but its argument remains incomplete without considering personal narratives and broader historical contexts. While census data sheds light on ownership patterns, it does not fully explain motivations. Ultimately, the issue is more nuanced than a binary choice between benevolence and exploitation, requiring deeper historical analysis.”

📌 Step 3: Formatting & Final Review

✅ Cover Page – Include the essay title, your name, course name, professor’s name, and date.
✅ Double-space, 12pt Times New Roman font (no bold lettering).
✅ Check for grammar & clarity – Ensure smooth transitions between ideas.
✅ Use APA or MLA citation style – Cite the article and any additional sources.

🔹 Final Tip:

📌 Avoid summarizing too much—focus on critically engaging with the author’s argument. Support your stance with historical facts and logical reasoning instead of personal opinions.

With this structured approach, your analytical essay will be well-organized and insightful. Good luck! 🚀📚