Exploratory Essay

Exploratory Essay

Strand 3: LEAP-Learn, Explore, Argue, Present

Theme: “Taking a LEAP: Standing, Kneeling, and Rising Up for Change”

Graphic Organizer

Use this as a guide to finalize the organization and development of your essay.

Sample title: What Can We Do About _________________ ?

Introduction

Use an attention-getter.

Provide a factual statement about the issue.

Provide a controlling idea in the form of a question. Do not give an argumentative thesis in this paper.

Body Part 1

In one paragraph, explain how this issue is a problem. What has happened in the past or currently?

 Part One: Explain the Rhetorical Situation:

• Text: What sort of writing is being done on this subject? Is it a question being discussed in the news? By advocacy groups? Politicians? Is there an academic study being done?
• Reader: Who are the audiences interested in this question? What are the different positions they hold? Why are the readers interested in this question?
• Author: Who are the people writing on this question? What is common ground between the authors and readers (audiences)?
• Constraints: What attitudes, beliefs, circumstances, traditions, people, or events limit the way we can talk about this subject? Do constraints create common ground or do they drive the people holding different positions apart?

Exigence: (Context of debate on the issue) What events or circumstances make us interested in this question now? What is the history of this issue and question? How has interest in this question changed over time? What enduring values (big life issues) does this debate relate to?

Source: https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-an-Exploratory-Essay by Prof. Virginia Kearney

Body Part 2-Summaries

Three or More Positions on the Issue

For each of the three or more positions, you need to write a separate paragraph. In each paragraph:

• Explain the position.
• Tell why people believe that position.
• Give the best arguments for that position.
• Explain how those arguments are supported.

You can also do some contrast and comparision between the positions. That makes an especially effective transition.

Source: https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-an-Exploratory-Essay by Prof. Virginia Kearney

Be sure to identify the author and title in each one.

Summary of Explored Article 1

Summary of Explored Article 2

Summary of Explored Article 3

Conclusion

Now, you may give your opinion on where you stand on the issue.

Explain why you are interested or concerned about the topic.

Do you agree with one of the explored articles?

Finally, persuade the reader to make a decision or read further.

Add a Works Cited Page

Writing Process

  Peer Review, proofread, and revise for usage, grammar and mechanics, spelling, academic honesty, and MLA formatting.

Submit to the dropbox in D2L as assigned.

Done!