FRAMEWORK FOR AN EXPLORATORY PAPER
FRAMEWORK FOR AN EXPLORATORY PAPER
| · Establishes the subject, the issue—framed as a question, the exigence (What happened to cause this argument? Why is it perceived as a defect or problem? Is it new or recurring? The issue, problem, or situation that causes or prompts someone to write or speak).
· Presents relevant background information: the types of sources, the perspectives · Ends with the thesis statement: Keep it brief, but include the number of sources and the fact they represent three distinct perspectives on the issue |
| Body Paragraph 1—6-10 Sentences
All body paragraphs should follow— M-main point of the paragraph [context] 1-2 sentences that will logically lead the reader to the evidence E-evidence—reasons to support the main point A-analysis/tag lines that explain how the source (evidence) supports the topic sentence L—linking sentence that transitions to the next paragraph |
· M= Topic sentence that introduces the first source: first and last name of the writer and their perspective
· [Context]—1-2 sentences that narrows the topic sentence and leads logically to the summary of the source. Explains why the source is selected. · Summary: Include a 2-3 sentence summary. USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE: Include the writer’s full name, a verb, and their thesis statement –of course in your own words. Then include only the main points—these are the reasons the writer uses to support his/her thesis statement. IMPORTANT: CITE THE SUMMARY—when the summary is completed—CITE IT (“shortened title”). Follow this with the analysis/tag line(s) that explains how the source supports the thesis statement and then prepare the reader for your specific example. · Evidence: After the summary you want to include at least one example from the writer’s article that clearly SHOWS how the writer supports his/her perspective. ALWAYS USE A SIGNAL PHRASE TO INTRODUCE THE SOURCE. Follow the quote with a parenthetical reference ( ). Follow this with a tag line/ANALYSIS that explains how the source supports your claim in the topic sentence: the perspective. · END WITH A LINKING SENTENCE: DO NOT END WITH THE SOURCE (quote). |
| Body Paragraph-2—repeats the process/form in paragraph 1
6-10 Sentences
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· Repeats the process with source #2.
· [context]–Explains the importance of the source. · Summary—2-3 sentences—use correct MLA format for citing · Analysis of the summary—explains the source’s relevance to the issue as presented in the summary. · Evidence—incorporate direct quotes using correct MLA format. · Linking sentence—end with a sentence that prepares the reader for the next source. |
| Body Paragraph 3—repeats the process/format in paragraph 1
6-10 sentences
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· Repeats the process with source #3
· CONTINUES THE PROCESS/FORMAT FROM PARAGRAPH 1 |
| Conclusion: 5-8 sentences | · Choose an appropriate transition that clearly indicates the essay is closed
· Include the thesis statement—the answer to the issue question—in the topic sentence · Summarize each source—use 1-2 sentences for each source beginning with the first source and ending with the last source. DO NOT CLUMP THE SOURCES TOGETHER IN ONE SENTENCE. · Evaluate each source’s relevance to the issue · End with a final remark that reinforces the relevancy of the sources to the issue. |
| MLA Format/ Works Cited/Annotated bibliography
All handouts on MLA formatting on eCompanion. ONLY THREE SOURCES |
· 1” margins, 12 font New Roman, heading—1/2 inch with your last name and page number in the upper right hand corner of the page.
· Works Cited—centered on the page—1” margins, · Sources must be varied: newspapers, magazines, Web sites, scholarly journals · Format: alphabetical order, double-spaced within and between. · Do not include: http://www. for web Sites. Refer to the formatting handout. |
For Web sites:
Author (last name, first). “Title.” Website. domain. Sponsor, date. Web. Date you accessed the article.
