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What is it? How do I write one?
The Exploratory Essay
What makes them different?
Many essay assignments require you to take
and defend a position with effective argument
Some assignments are not argumentative, but
rather, they are exploratory
Exploratory essays ask questions and gather
information that may answer these questions
The main point is not to find definite answers
Instead, the main point is to conduct inquiry into a
topic, gather information, and share that
information with readers
The Exploratory Essay
The focus of an exploratory essay is an inquiry
question, rather than a thesis statement
Whatever topic you choose, you should pick a
subject you are actually interested in and want
to know more about!
Exploratory Essay Outline
Introduction
Build background about topic
State inquiry question
Body Paragraph (rinse and repeat!)
Topic sentence
Data from source material
Commentary on source material in your own words
AVOID OPINIONS!
Data from source material
Commentary on source material
Transition
Conclusion
Repeat inquiry question
Address question based on what you learned
Sample Outline, Continued
Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence: New Watches
Data/commentary about new watches, transition
Body Paragraph 3
Topic sentence: Compare/contrast features and
pricing of old versus new watches
Data/commentary about features and pricing,
transition
Conclusion
Repeat inquiry question
Address question based on what you learned
Group Essay
Using the four articles you annotated last class, write a
five paragraph exploratory essay
Suggested Approach:
1. Brainstorm main points from each article
2. Develop an inquiry question
3. Create an outline that identifies the three body
paragraph topics
4. Write collectively on one sheet or divide and conquer
taping it all together when finished
DUE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD
