Analysis Essay

I was just wondering what's the definition of an analysis essay. And do you know any URL(s) for a sample analysis essay? Oh, and I was just wondering any clues on how to approach an analytical essay? Is it different than approaching any other essay?

I'd figured I would jot down notes about how many paragraphs I'll have and for each of my paragrahs I would make jot notes under each heading. I would also create a thesis and go from there.

I just thought it was an essay where an idea exists and we formulate our own arguments/opinions on it. Not so much arguments mostly just our opinion about that particular idea that already exists. Cool, thanks.