how do I write a good analysis essay?

If you are trying to prove a theory, you should attack it from the theory first: “It has been claimed by {?} that the Americans are more prone to hysteria in front of a camera than Brits”

Then you should define the question – what does it really mean? You might narrow it down by ruling out tv shows where people are being paid to be/appear hysterical (movies, game shows, comedy shows, Republican conventions :))

Then your methods: How did you attack the question. ‘We took a sample of 60 TV snippets from each country relating to similar concepts’ ‘rated people on a 7 point scale from ‘stoned’ to ‘just about to attack grandma with an axe’

Then the results. ’55 UK snippets gave the impression that the participants were asleep, only 3 of the US shows …’

Then a discussion of that.

Now the hard part …. does that actually prove the point? If so state how.

If you don’t have an opening theory, you can examine generally and perhaps raise a theory at the end.

Most school systems have preferred formats (you can generally get them off the net or from school/college library) but all research goes pretty much along these lines.