Objectives:
Synthesize what you’ve learned so far on your topic to generate a central claim
Generate material for the researched argument
Consider and integrate alternative viewpoints
Assignment:
Before you begin, make sure you have read “Preparing to Write the Exploratory Essay,” watched the NOVA video on exploratory essays, and read the materials from letterpile.com, especially the differences between an exploratory essay and an argument.
Length: 5-7 pages, double spaced, MLA format
Sources: three, each representing a different point of view
Instructions:
This essay is structured around stages of your thought process and how it evolves as you reflect on how each source illuminates the issue question for your research. Please use this organization.
In this essay, you will describe the problem or controversy your issue question addresses, consider several different perspectives or “answers” to your issue question, and, based on an objective-as-possible examination of the evidence, formulate your own answer to your issue question.
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2 hours ago
The Exploratory Essay is not a rehashed Annotated Bibliography. In the Annotated Bibliography, you considered each source in isolation and evaluated its usefulness for your essay. In the Exploratory Essay, you will synthesize your sources and generate a claim based on what you have learned from your research.
The Exploratory Essay is not an argument. In the Researched Argument, you will make and defend a claim. In the Exploratory Essay, on the other hand, you will show how your sources helped you arrive at your claim and how they inform your claim.
So…what is an exploratory essay?
The main purposes of an exploratory essay are to consider different perspectives and evidence, to question your own viewpoints, and to formulate your thoughts about how to answer the issue question you chose for your topic.
Before you start writing, please view Northern Virginia Community College’s video on exploratory essays.
You may also find it helpful to read “How to Write an Exploratory Essay” by Virginia Kearney.
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