Basic Structure of an Exploratory Analysis Essay
I. Introduction:
 Begin with a snazzy opener.
 Introduce the topic, perhaps by defining it or by providing an example.
 Thesis Sentence: Supply the main idea to which every portion of the essay refers. This is the
controlling element of your essay. In an exploratory analysis you will identify the issue in your
thesis.
 Try to touch upon the 5 W’s in some way in your introduction. You can explore each of the
W’s in more detail within your body paragraphs.
II. First Body Paragraph (s)

After your introductory paragraph, supply the background: For the exploratory analysis paper,
provide background on the problem/issue in the first one or two body paragraphs. Use a
narrative pattern in this section (SF Writer p. 109-110). Employ sequence (time) transitions to
guide your reader (SF Writer p. 104, sequence adverbs).
III. Analysis Body Paragraphs: Do the following for each body paragraph:
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Begin each paragraph with a transitional opener to give readers a clue of what direction you
will be taking them.
Provide a topic sentence for each paragraph that identifies the one subtopic you will
discuss in the paragraph and demonstrates the relationship to the main idea presented in the
thesis from the introduction. Often the transitional opener and a topic sentence are
accomplished in the same sentence.
Provide at least two supporting details for each paragraph to support the single subtopic:
Use methods such as referring to authorities (noted experts, agency reports, etc.),
summarizing, supplying facts, giving examples, relating personal experiences, examining
consequences.
Use a cause and effect pattern within the body of your paper since much of the exploratory
analysis paper will be explaining why this issue has happened and the effect it has had on both
individuals and society (see SF Writer p. 107-108). Employ cause/effect transitions throughout
your paragraphs, where appropriate, to guide your reader (SF Writer p. 104, causation
adverbs).
IV. Conclusion: Though you have probably been told that a conclusion should summarize and
restate your thesis, it should do so in a way that is not simply repeating what you have already said.
The conclusion should stress the significance of your thesis rather than repeat it, and it should
encourage your readers to look beyond the thesis to an important future goal.
*Remember, for the exploratory analysis paper, your goal is to inform and enlighten the readers about an issue,
not to argue or defend a position. You must withhold your opinion and try to remain objective throughout.
Using the 5 W’s within the Basic Structure of an Exploratory Analysis Essay
I. Introduction: Your introduction should introduce the topic and identify the issue within your thesis
statement.
You can focus on the What, Who, and Why in your introduction.
What is the topic and the specific issue? Define the topic and state the issue simply and
concisely.
Who does this effect? Does it affect one or more segments of the population specifically?
Why is the issue important (in a broad sense)?
II. First Body Paragraph (s) - The Background
You may want to focus on the When, Where, and How in your background section immediately
following the
introduction.
When did the issue first come to light?
Where did it begin or where was the area of focus when the issue first came to light?
How has the issue been handled in the past?
III. Analysis Body Paragraphs: Explore an individual facet of the issue in each body paragraph by
looking at different viewpoints for each facet.
You can go into more detail with your 5 w’s in this section.
A. Facet one:
- one side
-a different side or perspective
B. Facet Two
-one side
- a different side or perspective
C. ; D; E; etc.,
VI. The conclusion: Your should stress the significance of your thesis rather than repeat it, and it
should encourage your readers to look beyond the thesis to an important future goal. Ask:
What is the impact on society today?
How is present society dealing with the issue? Has that changed over time?
Why is it crucial that we seek a solution right away?