Objectives:

• Synthesize what you’ve learned so far on your topic to generate a central claim
• Generate material for the researched argument
• Consider and integrate alternative viewpoints

Assignment:

Before you begin, make sure you have read “Preparing to Write the Exploratory Essay,” watched the NOVA video on exploratory essays, and read the materials from letterpile.com, especially the differences between an exploratory essay and an argument.

Length: 5-7 pages, double spaced, MLA format

Sources: three, each representing a different point of view

Instructions:

This essay is structured around stages of your thought process and how it evolves as you reflect on how each source illuminates the issue question for your research. Please use this organization.

In this essay, you will describe the problem or controversy your issue question addresses, consider several different perspectives or “answers” to your issue question, and, based on an objective-as-possible examination of the evidence, formulate your own answer to your issue question.

Theme: violence at school