Thesis-Seeking Exploratory Essay
Optional Conference: Monday, February 17th
Rough Draft Due on Bb: Wednesday, February 19th by 11:59 p.m.
In-Class Peer Review: Monday, March 2nd (print 2 copies)
Final Draft Due on Bb: Monday, March 9th by 11:59 p.m.
The exploratory essay will be an opportunity for you to learn about the public issue that will be the focus of your argumentative essay. To explore the topic and seek your thesis, you will need to research the history of the issue, identify the different stakeholders who are invested in the issue, consider those stakeholders’ values and beliefs, consider your own values and beliefs, and seek out relevant evidence. [unique_solution]
To begin, find a debatable public issue that you are interested in. When selecting a topic, be sure to choose an issue that you are open-minded about. If your position on the issue is so firm that you cannot acknowledge the possibility of other positions, then you will not be able to write a successful multi-sided argument about that topic. Once you have chosen an issue, formulate an issue question to focus your topic. An issue question is a question that invites multiple reasonable answers (See chapter 2 to learn more about issue questions). The issue question, not a thesis, will be the focus of your exploratory essay. A working thesis statement will be the result of your exploration.
In the introduction paragraph, state the issue question, explain what makes the issue complex, include the history of the issue, and consider what makes the issue significant (why it matters and who it matters to).
In the body paragraphs, summarize multiple viewpoints. Keep in mind that various viewpoints exist along the spectrum – avoid reducing the issue to conservative versus liberal views. To explore ambiguity, believe and doubt the different viewpoints by considering the stakeholders’ reasons, values, and beliefs. This will require dialectic thinking and extensive research.
Make sure to keep track of your sources as you go; take notes on the sources and include them in your annotated bibliography. You may not end up citing all these sources in your argumentative essay, but your goal for the exploratory essay is to acquire as much knowledge and understanding about the issue as possible.
In your concluding paragraph, explain your viewpoint, reconsider your issue question to see if it has evolved, and present your working thesis. Think about your own beliefs and values. Examine the underlying assumptions behind your position and reasons (See chapter 3 to learn more about claims, reasons, and assumptions).
Chapter 8 provides more explanation of exploratory essays and includes a sample essay and an organization plan.
Essay requirements: MLA format: typed, double-spaced, 0 point before and after, no added space between paragraphs, and one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12 pt. font. Minimum of 500 words for the rough draft. Minimum of 750 words for the revised and final drafts.