Exploratory Essay Writing
As its name implies, the Exploratory Essay allows you to explore a complex issue to not only better understand the issue itself but also to inform your readers and better situate yourself as a critical thinker within the larger cultural conversation. Because of its investigative nature, the Exploratory Essay’s purpose is informative and its
tone is neutral and invitational
An exploratory essay introduces a current problem or question that people disagree on and shows the different points of view that exist. The purpose of an exploratory essay is to remain unbiased by showing current perspectives on the issue instead of persuading readers to choose one viewpoint over another. A writer may conclude the essay by asking readers to make their own decisions on issues on using the information given in the
essay.
Tips for Writing an Exploratory Essay
Writing an exploratory essay presents several challenges. It requires exploring a topic without a clear thesis in order to present various perspectives, which provides freedom but makes organization difficult. The writer must guide the reader through the different ideas in a logical flow.
Step 1: Select an arguable subject on which there are multiple perspectives that can be researched. Avoid selecting a topic that has limited evidence or which only proposes a “for or against” stance. Effects of divorce on a family unit or how health care costs should be paid for are both broad topics which a writer can compile multiple perspectives on. For example, consider the hypothetical topic: “How can students avoid procrastination?”
Step 2: Research the issue and select at least three perspectives to explore in the paper. When conducting research, examine different theories or experiments regarding the subject, and identify the reasons why people favor or oppose the topic. Keep in mind that this is not an argument essay. Rather than explaining the various sides of an issue and advocating for one over another, an exploratory essay aims to identify and break down as many perspectives on a particular issue as possible.
Step 3: Establish the audience and constraints. Identify which groups or individuals adhere to which perspectives and why. Constraints include any and all information that explains why certain values, beliefs, and circumstances persuade groups or individuals to maintain their perspectives. For example, some students believe that maintaining a physical planner is the best way to avoid procrastination because they remember
things best by writing them down.
Step 4: Answer the questions proposed by accumulated research. After narrowing down at least three perspectives to explore, decide how to explain any questions the research may prompt. For example, one perspective regarding avoiding procrastination is that students can maintain a planner to organize their priorities. In this case, state not only that maintaining a planner is one of the theories on how to avoid procrastination but use research to explain why some people hold to that belief.
Exploratory Essay Writing Process
Introduction
Begin by giving a brief overview of the subject and its importance. Provide any pertinent background information that will aid the reader in understanding the significance of the topic. Then, in the thesis statement, mention the various perspectives regarding the topic which will be explained throughout the paper.
• Discuss what has already been said about the issue (e.g., what is already known historically, statistics, potential effects)
• Identify the important people or groups of people connected to the issue
• Explain why the issue is both a present and future concern for the people or groups of people you have identified
• Organize the essay around questions the issue raises instead of writing a clear thesis in the introduction. A delayed (implied) thesis
may be placed near the end of the paper, but it does not create a persuasive stance. For example, in a news article, writers write about others’ views without stating their own. Always check the instructor’s assignment guidelines regarding a thesis.
Body Paragraphs
There should be at least one body paragraph for every perspective laid out in the thesis statement. Each paragraph should neutrally examine a single viewpoint, present evidence or examples that illuminate it, explain why it’s compelling to some audiences, and acknowledge its limitations, ultimately helping readers understand the complexity of the issue without taking a firm stance throughout the discussion.
• Explain the views that key individuals or groups have come up with, recent actions that have taken place, and any intentions key people have shown
• Show both sides of three or four important sides of the issue that others have already said
• When using supporting evidence, include in-text citations for paraphrases or direct quotations, and list sources, including
interviews, on a works cited page
Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph should summarize all the explored perspectives on the subject without restating them word-for-word. Likewise, the thesis should be emphasized again but not repeated verbatim. It should highlight the insights gained through examining multiple viewpoints, acknowledge any remaining complexities, and leave readers with a clearer understanding of the issue or a question that encourages further reflection.
- Without repeating sentences word-for-word, summarize the results or future results of the recent actions and beliefs you uncovered in the body of the paper
- Reflect on how the ideas in the paper can help people understand both sides of the issue
- Encourage readers to formulate their own decisions and conclusion