For the exploratory essay, you will be writing an essay of 1500-1750 words. Your exploratory essay should include at least four sources; if you have used different sources for the summary, strong response, and synthesis, you should have enough sources from those assignments. There are two sample exploratory essays in the textbook (pp. 180-188 of ABW). If you wish me to examine your exploratory essay, you should Bring the first 500 words of your exploratory essay to class or email it to me on Wednesday, May 26. I can also examine longer drafts if you tell me what you wish me to focus on when reading your essay. You should bring your full draft of your exploratory essay to class on Wednesday, June 2.

Exploratory essay requirements: These are the criteria I will be using to grade your final exploratory essay.

1. Does your exploratory essay include at least three sources?

2. Does your exploratory essay focus on a specific problem or question?

3. Is the question your essay focused on problematic?

4. Do you explain why you care about your problem?

5. Do you explain why anyone else should care about your problem?

6. Does your introduction include relevant background information about your problem?

7. Do you frequently use words like "I" or "My" in your essay?

8. Do you include a narrative account of your own thinking on the issue?

9. Do you include a narrative, chronological account of your research on the problem?

10. Do you look at a variety of perspectives on your issue?

11. For each of your sources, do you briefly summarize the main points of the source?

12. For each source, do you analyze and/or synthesize the strengths and/or weaknesses of the source?

13. For each source, do you respond to the arguments made with your own thoughts on the issue?

14. Does your essay explore the issue rather than coming down on one side or the other immediately?

15. Do you include a conclusion that does any of the following: summarize what you have said, look forward to future research, or possibly come to a conclusion about what has been said?

16. Do you use transitional phrases between sections?

17. Do you use MLA citation whenever you are quoting or paraphrasing your source's argument?

18. Do you both introduce your quotes and respond to their arguments, rather than just leave the quotes "hanging"?

19. Is your paper 5 to 6 pages, not counting the "Works Cited" page? Have you included a creative title? Have you included a "Works Cited" page that is properly formatted and includes all of your sources?

20. Have you checked the spelling, grammar, and fluency of your paper?

You must email the final draft of your exploratory essay by NO LATER THAN NOON on Tuesday, June 8. Students who miss this deadline will be tarred and feathered and--most importantly--will fail the course.