Essay No.

3: Writing to Explore
Purpose: For this essay you will scour the New York Times Opinion Pages for a debatable issue that gets
your blood roiling, that inspires you and infuriates you, that you find difficult to approach without
passion and fury. The topic must be controversial and the consequences for each side must be
devastating.
Then, you will put the two opposing perspectives in conversation. You will remain neutral as you
explore the claims and assumptions of each side of the debate, ultimately finding a point of agreement.
Assignment: Compose an MLA-style research paper that illustrates the conversation on your issue and
then identifies a place where the two perspectives overlap. The objective here is to summarize the
controversy, not argue one side of it. Present both sides of the argumentgive them each the space to
represent themselves, quote them to avoid strawmanningand then find a point of common ground.
For example, an essay on corporal punishment (spanking) would focus on parenting and the value
systems and beliefs of what it means to be a successful parent. It would consider the perspective of
dominion versus modeling, the claims and assumptions of each side. It might find the point of
resolution in both sides desire to raise healthy children. The goal is not in question so much as the
means.
Topic: In his article Inventing the University, David Bartholomae argues that when a writer takes the
time to struggle with difficult ideas, his tortuous syntax. . . shows the effort that is required when
[working] against the pressure of conventional discourse. This essay is your opportunity to struggle
and to experiment. Therefore, you will work to turn the familiar on its head, offering new and inspired
insight to push the conversation forward. You have a choice: choose a familiar, prototypical research
essay topic, and make it novel. Avoiding trite and tired claims, craft a well-informed, creative argument
that breathes new life into the debate. Or, work outside the familiar topics, exploring a conversation
just coming to light, or one that has carried on in the recesses of a very specific community. Either way,
venture forth into the frenetic conversations of the op-ed column.
If you have any questions at all about your topic or are struggling to find a research question, please
talk to me as soon as possible.
Format: 3-4 pages, MLA style, 12 pt. Times New Roman, double-spaced
Guidelines: 4 sources, subheading for each perspective
Style: Neutral does not mean boring. Do not take a side, but keep your ideas vivid and sophisticated.
Perhaps being your essay with a cited anecdote demonstrating why a compromise between the two
sparring perspectives is so important.
Submission: You will submit two drafts of this essay: the rough draft, which will receive peer feedback;
and the polished final draft. If youd like instructor feedback on your essay, please contact me.
Due Dates:
Rough Draft: Thursday 04/14 (3 copies)
Final Draft: Thursday 04/28