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

ENG 105 - Exploratory Essay

Your topic for the Exploratory essay MUST BE YOUR FINAL RESEARCH TOPIC.
You must have:
at least 3 sources (one for each perspective - more recommended);
at least 3 CLEAR perspectives or points of view on the issue;
compliance with MLA guidelines (in text citations and a Works Cited page);
compliance with the Outline.

Use the following links as aids in your preparations
Exploratory Guidelines
Exploratory Essay Step by Step on Youtube
How To Write an Exploratory Essay on HubPages
Organizing the Exploratory Essay

Your Exploratory Outlines are due via email on Tuesday 15th October.
The Exploratory Essays are due Tuesday 22nd October.