Exploratory Paper
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engl_112_exploratory_essay-1121.rtfENGL 112 Exploratory Paper
When we explore we investigate or study new ideas. Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Magellan, and Ponce de Leon were explorers who sought new knowledge of the world they knew and that others believed to be true. They understood the position of the government and the people of their countries. They understood what they believed to be true. Their knowledge and understanding allowed them to form rebuttals or counterarguments to the world’s knowledge at that time. Without these men the discovery of America and other lands would not have happened. But, because of their desire to explore, Europeans gained new lands and new knowledge of the world around them.
The explorers sought to prove their ideas. They committed their lives and often their money to prove what they believed was true. That is basically what you will do with your exploratory essay. Explore your ideas on an issue by turning it over and testing it.
Exploratory writing allows you to use your writing process to explore unfamiliar, perhaps intimidating subject areas. You will want to get involved—personally – with your subject. You will also need to get inside the subject and get the subject inside of you. Do not bring preconceived notions about proper or expected ways to respond to the subject.
Topic: Explore the range of positions about the issue selected and used for the Annotated Bibliography. To clearly write about an issue, you need to understand what others are thinking and feeling about the topic. Begin with the sources found for Annotated Bibliography showing the various rhetorical situations of the issue. You may need/want to do additional research to fully explore the issue.
Purpose: To understand various positions on an issue and explore your own position on that issue (stopping short of actually making your own argument on the issue). The paper will synthesize (evaluate references for topics/issues/themes they have in common) the viewpoints on a particular issue from a variety of articles with your own position. Do not confuse perspectives with sub-issues about the topic.
Audience: You and members of the class and regional, federal or world individuals who have an interest in the issue being explored.
Focus: Investigate and prepare to join others who have started conversations about your issue.
Development: As you begin your Exploratory, read and annotate articles on the issue. Be sure you find three different views about the issue. Summarize articles and take notes. Your Exploratory essay should:
- Introduce and explain the issue
Describe the rhetorical situation
Explain three or more positions on the issue along with reasons why their authors have them.
Put forth your own position on the issue along with the reasons why you are taking this stance.
Make a tentative claim
Present a paper that has a minimal number of surface, technical formatting, and grammatical problems. (Transitions are particularly important here.)
The paper should be cited, like any academic paper. Use MLA or APA. Give credit in the body of the paper and give source information in the Works Cited or Reference page.
Length, Format and Minimum Requirements: 900-1000 words, plus Works Cited/Reference following MLA or APA style formatting and documentation for sources used in your essay and listed in the Works Cited/References page. Use the style (MLA/APA A minimum of three sources is required.
Due dates: See the calendar for final draft due dates.
Grading: See the grade sheet for a review on how your essay will be graded.
