Analysis means breaking something down to understand how it works and why it matters. It involves looking closely at ideas, texts, data, or problems to find key information, patterns, meanings, or deeper layers. When you analyze, you're not just describing - you're explaining, questioning, and interpreting. 

Professors want to see: that you can think critically and independently, not just accept information at face value. Strong analysis shows that you're actively engaging with ideas, not just reporting them. 

You're using analysis skills when you...

• Compare two ideas and show how one is stronger
• Evaluate sources (e.g. for relevance, credibility, accuracy, and purpose)
• Identify patterns or contradictions
• Answer questions like "why does this matter?"