Getting started on your Investigative Essay? Chapter 7 in our Allyn and Bacon text (starting on p. 171) has good information on every step of completing this type of assignment.
While searching for a topic, consider what issues interest and perplex you!
When doing exploratory or investigative writing, it’s important “to create a tension between alternative views” (174). Consider as many points-of-view as you can, and pay attention to how your own opinion changes as you learn more. Don’t be satisfied with your first answer! This is why Essay B received a higher grade from a teacher than Essay A — because the writer of Essay B uses writing as a “process of inquiry and discovery” (174).
In investigative writing, the writer incorporates the different stages of his/her thinking process into the essay.
FIGURE 7.1, the Framework for an Exploratory Essay on p. 180 can be very helpful.
Make sure you have read the entire section on Exploratory Writing (pp. 171-182) by Wednesday.
English 102 Spring 2014 