Exploratory Essay 4 Pages 3 Cite Sources

Exploratory Essay Assignment

For this assignment, you will not be arguing a particular point of view. Rather, your objective is simply to “wallow in complexity:” to research and analyze, to posit thesis (believing), antithesis(doubting), and synthesis(new ideas/your opinions); to challenge the common ways of looking at a problem.

You will begin this assignment, as much good writing does, by posing a question. Your job is to research a (provisional, or temporary) answer (believing). Then you will critique that answer—by reading against the grain and you will find flaws in the answer (doubting). Then you’ll ask another question—a more complex question, based on your research and your rejection of your previous answer. You will attempt to answer that question, debunk that answer, and so on. The purpose is not to find answers, but to ask really good questions—and as a result to probe a topic more deeply than you’ve ever done before.

This assignment differs from others you’ve most likely written before, as a polished thesis statement does not control the organization and development of ideas. Rather, this essay will document the evolution of your thinking on a subject. The exploratory essay should be a first-person narrative of your thinking and research process as you explore and reflect upon your research question. The essay should reflect the appropriate organizational format for exploratory essays (see readings for the week). You will end your essay with a tentative solution to the problem, an acknowledgement of any missing information/research involved in your discussion, and plans for further investigation or a narrowing of your topic.

Format: The final draft should be no less than 4pgs and cite a minimum of 3 sources. Format according to MLA standards, Times New Roman, 12pt, black print, and double-spaced.

Topics

1. hunger

2. poverty

3. spousal abuse

4. women in combat

5. death penalty

6. conditions in prisons

7. child predators

8. animal testing

9. internet censorship

12. child support issues

13. salary caps for athletes/actors

14. dress codes in the workplace/school

15. dangerous drivers

16. child abuse

17. overindulgence of children

18. surrogacy

19. fertility issues/extreme measures of overcoming infertility

20. random drug testing in the workplace or for welfare recipients

21. dangerous elderly drivers

22. bad public schools

23. recession

24. poor local real estate market

25. corruption in leadership/government

26. getting punished for defending oneself

27. bigotry and discrimination

29. environmental issues

30. lack of respect for our military/rights they protect

31. poor work ethic in American workers

33. problems with the current welfare system

34. U.S. involvement with foreign relations

35. animal cruelty