1. Review the purpose of the Exploratory Essay (you do not need to write down anything for #1).

aExploratory Essay Workshop (for complete credit, complete steps 2-4)



Using Unit 1 as a springboard, students will gain opportunities for exploring multiple issues related to their personal narrative assignment. For example, a student who writes a learning narrative about generational language loss may choose to research language policies in the U.S., or, a student who writes a community narrative about being a bicyclist in New Mexico might research cyclist’s rights to the road and national vs. statewide safety statistics. Your goal is to ask a question about your topic, find sources to help you answer that question, and determine if the sources you found are helpful.

Students begin learning the basic citation formatting and practice honing keyword lists to navigate online search engines while applying evaluation tools to assess the reliability of these sources.

2. Outline: Fill out outline with at least one sentence, or, alternatively, choose an outlining method found in ch. 7

A. State your topic.

B. List at least four questions you want to ask about your topic.

C. List the sources you will use to answer these questions.

3. Write a complete introduction paragraph and at least three complete body paragraphs with quotes. Use Times New Roman font and double space.        


Set context – this is where you can begin to give general background information and set up a “map” of what the paper will discuss. 1) State importance – the introduction should also explain why the topic is important, it should compel the audience to read further and create interest in the topic. 2) State the questions or topic of exploration – this can be one or several sentences or questions that states what the author is interested in finding out, why, and how they intend to do it. 3) Provide a brief overview of the types of sources you researched during your inquiry.

Body Paragraphs


  1. A question you have about your topic (All body paragraphs need to start with a different question about your topic.)
  3. Important information you found in the source regarding your problem; include a direct quote using P.I.E.
  4. Explanation on why the information is important and dependable in relation to the problem

4. Write down your Works Cited entries as they will appear in your final essay; at least three sources are needed.

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