If you don't know anything about the author, you can always do a quick Google Search to find out. The introduction should include the name of the author, the title of their work, and some background information about the author, if needed.
This type of essay can be on any subject. When you have a clear understanding of the information in each part of the source, write down the main idea in each section in the form of a short overview.
Am I explaining why or how an aspect of the text is significant? Formulate an argument including a good thesis and be sure that your final draft is structured around it, including aspects of the plot, story, history, background, etc.
Corrigan, Timothy. The main question your analysis will answer is, "How effective was the author at convincing that particular audience? What is the exigence events in this moment in time which affect the need for this conversation that makes the audience interested in this issue?
Many writers rely too heavily on summary because it is what they can most easily write. See my Sample Reading Response to this essay as well. This actually may be the less time consuming part of the project, as long as you have accurately comprehended the article.