AP Language and Composition
Exploratory Essay and Researched Argument Paper
Mrs. Oliveros
Exploratory Essay
The exploratory paper is simply an exploration of an issue, as it exists in the world. Your
task is to describe the issue and a variety of perspectives on it by explaining those
perspectives through summaries and an analysis of the issue’s rhetorical situation. In other
words, an exploratory essay is a moderately open form of academic writing that doesn't seek to
answer or solve a problem; instead, it provides you with an opportunity to wrestle with a
problem as a way to uncover some of its complexities. Such essays are generally chronological
narratives of your research process that embody some genuinely dialectical thinking. Some of the
aspects of an exploratory essay concern the following:
1. The focus of an exploratory essay is a question, rather than a thesis.
2. The two main ways to compose an exploratory essay yield different effects: The "in-process"
strategy produces immediacy, while a "retrospective" strategy produces more artistically
designed essays.
3. Exploratory essays chronicle your research actions and the thinking that results from those
actions; they address both content-oriented questions and rhetorical questions about possible
responses to the problem under consideration.
4. Exploratory essays regularly consider the strengths and weaknesses of various different
solutions to a perplexing problem.
5. Exploratory essays are often dialectical; they put into conversation several different sides of
the issue. Remember no issue is ever just black and white; there are many possible
viewpoints. For example, the issue of abortion tends to be divided into the polar opposites
of pro-choice and pro-life; either abortion is wrong or should always be available. But
between these two extremes there are several other viewpoints. Some say abortion should
be legal is some cases, such as only when the life of the mother is at stake, while others do
not advocate abortion for themselves, but still feel its is the woman’s right to choose.
The analysis of the rhetorical situation in your paper should explain what has caused the
issue, what prompted past and present interest in it and why, and examine the constraints
of inquiry and the debate associated with it. The summaries of the positions should not
only explain each of the different perspectives on the issue, but they also must provide the
usual reasons cited to establish the validity of each perspective. The writer’s own opinions
should not be expressed at all.
The exploratory paper serves as a means for launching into a single perspective argument.
It lays out various positions to educate both the reader and the writer before taking a
position. Your assignment is to write an exploratory paper on the topic you selected. Begin
by explaining what is at issue. Why is it an issue? Who is involved? Whom does this issue
affect? Be aware of how all of these considerations involve the rhetorical situation. Then,
explain the different sides of the issue. You may obtain the information from the articles we
have in our anthologies, or from the articles brought into to class by your fellow classmates.
Ask around for information. Research the Internet; read articles from the approved
summer reading texts for your summer journals. You must cover at least three different
views on the issue you choose. What are the different people/groups claiming about this
issue and how do they support their positions?
DUE: To Turnitin by 11/25 at 11:59pm
Final Researched Argument/Position Paper
In a 5-7 page researched argument, take a position on the issue you investigated in your
Exploratory Paper. Consider how to state and defend you position because your audience may
hold another view. You will need a minimum of six outside sources. Carefully cite every source
you use. This researched paper is an opportunity to take a stand on the issue that is of importance
to you. Be willing to stick your neck out and argue your position.
This is a formal writing assignment. You must support your analysis of the various
perspectives by properly citing the articles according to MLA format. Your papers are to be
typed double-spaced and submitted in a pocket folder with drafts and critiques. Papers will
be graded on the quality and organization, the use of language, as well as the
comprehensive analysis of the rhetorical situation. Introductions, conclusions, and titles
are important aspects of the paper so do not neglect them. The grade for any late work will
be deducted by 10 points. Make sure you are present for the peer evaluation day.
Your final portfolio must include:
Final draft
One rough draft
One peer review
Your paper proposal
Your annotated bibliography
Two Toulmin analyses of journal articles, books, or essays that hold views different than your
own
Annotated bib—12/5
Toulmin analyses—12/8
Rough draft/peer review—12/12
Final draft and portfolio—12/17