ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Please see the following guidelines for creating an Exploratory Essay. Also see the resources provided by The OWL at Purdue here.


Outline


Paragraph 1 A brief, GENERAL, introduction of the topic. Explain why there is a debate or controversy.


Paragraph 2 The RHETORICAL SITUATION – who is interested in the issue, exigence and constraints.


Paragraph 3 One point of view you have discovered in your readings….. explain this point of view in Your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 4 Another, DIFFERENT point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 5 Yet, another, 3rd point of view on the issue. explain this point of view in your own words. Give credit to the source where you found the perspective.


Paragraph 6 *Tell why you are interested in the issue/topic. *State your personal exigence. *State your claim (working thesis) for the final project. ***** this is the ONLY part of the essay where your opinion should be expressed!


Guidelines


Step 1 Find 3 sources that have at least 3 DIFFERENT perspectives/points of view on your topic. Do this first so that you are educated and informed about the different points of view relating to your topic.


Step 2 Write a short, 1 paragraph summary for each source; in your own words). If you can write a summary for each point of view, then it means you understand them. And there is no need to quote in this essay. Use your own writing style to express the 3 points of view.


Step 2a Edit/revise your summaries…. These are the body paragraphs of this essay. There should be at least 1 paragraph for each perspective; more if needed. Each body paragraph should explain a new point of view only (DON’T state your opinion).


Step 3 Write the second section of your essay: The Rhetorical Situation. Remember this is the part that shows the reader WHY there is a debatable issue in the world, community, etc….. Also remember for this essay not all 5 parts of rhetorical situation are used. Only 3 parts: Interested parties, constraints and exigence.


Step 4 Write your introduction paragraph. It should be a very general explanation of the issue being discussed. NO CLAIM or OPINION should be stated here; only a general description.


Step 5 Write the last paragraph which includes * your personal exigence * your claim/thesis for final project (it is ONLY here that you can show your opinion on the final topic) Combine all parts for one, solid EXPLORATORY ESSAY