isearch essay

All research starts with questions. The greatest discoveries of human history started because someone wanted to know why or how something works. Our research should be no different—it should start as a personal quest for answers. This course’s first unit starts our pursuit with our own experience. The I-Search essay is pretty much exactly what it sounds like—a personal search for information. This unit should introduce you to the basics of research, critical reading, analytic thinking, and formatting. But more importantly, this essay will hopefully get you excited about finding out how things work, which excitement will definitely be helpful throughout the semester and beyond.  

Assignments 

The I-Search Essay 

Writing an I-Search essay involves choosing a subject with which you have a personal connection, finding out more about the topic, then writing the process of your discovery. The essay will consist of three distinct parts: 1) the story of your search, 2) what you discovered, and 3) reflections on your search. Because this is a personal essay, the “I” pronoun is perfectly acceptable as you describe you initial interest (yet ignorance), then trace your process of discovery to a main point. You may still have unanswered questions or related topics you’d like to find out more about, but that’s fine—feel free to integrate those questions and feelings into the essay. The “Writing an I-Search Paper” reading will answer many more questions about the process of writing this type of essay. Further into the unit I will hand out a rubric that better explains what the final draft should look like, but here are some basics: You should cite at least three separate sources in this essay. Your final draft will be 5-6 MLA formatted pages, not including works cited or cover letter pages. 

Moodle Posts 

Unless otherwise stated, each pair of readings will be accompanied by a reading response post, the instructions for which will appear on Moodle. The reading response combines two readings so you can compare and contrast the two readings, analyzing them more thoroughly than if you responded to them individually.

The brainstorm post makes use of a great resource for getting feedback: your classmates. Rather than just have me comment on your essay idea, post a description of your I-Search topic. Then, comment (around 100 words) on two classmates’ posts. Be positive and respectful, yet specific and constructive. You won’t get full points on this assignment if you don’t include a piece of advice with your feedback. 

Drafts One and Two/Peer Review 

I understand what it means to be a student—including the prioritizing that often puts assignments without hard due-dates at the bottom of your list of things to do. With that in mind, I will encourage you to work gradually and consistently towards being prepared. That means a two-page, MLA-formatted draft will be due on Feb. 2nd. It should include at least one source, and should begin to get into your findings.

The second draft will be peer reviewed by your classmates. Print two copies of a four page draft and bring it to class on 2/9. Remember, as always, to be positive and respectful, yet specific and constructive.  

Cover Letter 

The cover letter is a one-page letter to me that lets me know how the unit in general, and the essay in particular went for you. Another document describes at length what the cover letter should look like—I’ll post it in the weeks leading up to the end of the unit.