ENGLISH 1302: EXPLORATORY PAPER
An exploratory essay lays out and explains three (or more) of the major positions on a controversial issue – they explore an issue further than “pro” or “con” and can provide mutual understanding and common ground.
This type of essay not only summarizes each view, though; it also includes an analysis of the overall rhetorical situation: What caused the issue and what prompted past and present interest and concern with it? Who is interested in this issue and why? What are the various views in the ongoing conversation associated with it?
Your Mission: Select an issue you’re interested in exploring, and do some research and background reading on the subject. Consult four outside sources (three of which must come from the library) and integrate their information into your paper.
Then, analyze the rhetorical situation. And finally, give your personal response at the end of the essay, after the various views have been thoroughly explored.
Remember, the focus of this essay is not traditional argument – to make a claim and support it with evidence – that’s what your research paper is for! You’re exploring the various claims surrounding the issue, while remaining objective. Your concluding paragraph will offer your personal opinion/response to the various views, but not before then.
Criteria
Max. Pts.
Introduction & Rhetorical Situation
(2 paragraphs)
15
Position 1
(1 paragraph)
15
Position 2
(1 paragraph)
15
Position 3
(1 paragraph)
15
Personal Response
(1-2 paragraphs)
10
Grammar and Spelling
10
MLA formatting – In-Text Citations
10
MLA formatting – Works Cited
10
Grade
100
Explanation of Criteria:
The introduction explains the issue and provides a brief background on it.
The rhetorical situation is explained in a longer paragraph that expands on the introduction: Why people are currently interested in this issue. In addition, the various viewpoints held by certain groups are introduced as well as who holds these viewpoints and any assumptions these groups may have, respectively.
Position 1, Position 2, and Position 3 are clearly stated in one or more paragraphs, showing what the positions are and who holds them. Source material is quoted and paraphrased to support these ideas. Note that this section should be described objectively – free from your own stance or opinion.
A final paragraph is included that explains which viewpoint the writer agrees with and why. This is the only paragraph that should be written using first person.
Grammar and spelling are correct with zero to minimal errors.
The document is typed in correct MLA format.
All sources used are cited correctly in the text of the document using MLA parenthetical documentation.
The works cited is paginated as the last page of the paper and is formatted correctly in MLA format.
MLA Format: Times New Roman, 12 point font, double spaced, 3-4 pages, Works Cited
Due Date: Feb 28th by 11:59pm
