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How to write an exploratory essay [Updated 2024]

Unlike other types of essays, the exploratory essay does not present a specific argument or support a claim with evidence. Instead, an exploratory essay allows a writer to "explore" a topic and consider tentative conclusions about it. This article covers what you need to know to write a successful exploratory essay.

What is an exploratory essay?

An exploratory essay considers a topic or problem and explores possible solutions. This type of paper also sometimes includes background about how you have approached the topic, as well as information about your research process.

Whereas other types of essays take a concrete stance on an issue and offer extensive support for that stance, the exploratory essay covers how you arrived at an idea and what research materials and methods you used to explore it.

For example, an argumentative essay on expanding public transportation might argue that increasing public transit options improves citizens' quality of life. However, an exploratory essay would provide context for the issue and discuss what data and research you gathered to consider the problem.

What to include in an exploratory essay

Importantly, an exploratory essay does not reach a specific conclusion about a topic. Rather, it explores multiple conclusions and possibilities. So, for the above example, your exploratory essay might include several viewpoints about public transit, including research from urban planners, transportation advocates, and other experts.

Finally, an exploratory essay will include some reflection on your own research and writing process. You might be asked to draw some conclusions about how you could tackle your topic in an argumentative essay or you might reflect on what sources or pieces of evidence were most helpful as you were exploring the topic.

Ultimately, the primary goal of an exploratory essay is to make an inquiry about a topic or problem, investigate the context, and address possible solutions.

What to expect in an exploratory essay assignment

This section discusses what you can expect in an exploratory essay assignment, in terms of length, style, and sources. Instructors may also provide you with an exploratory essay example or an assignment rubric to help you determine if your essay meets the appropriate guidelines .

The expected length of an exploratory essay varies depending on the topic, course subject, and course level. For instance, an exploratory essay assigned in an upper-level sociology course will likely be longer than a similar assignment in an introductory course.

Like other essay types, exploratory essays typically include at least five paragraphs, but most range from a few pages to the length of a full research paper .

While exploratory essays will generally follow academic style guidelines, they differ from other essays because they tend to utilize a more reflective, personal tone. This doesn't mean that you can cast off academic style rules, however.

Rather, think of an exploratory essay as a venue for presenting your topic and methods to a sympathetic and intelligent audience of fellow researchers. Most importantly, make sure that your writing is clear, correct, and concise.

As an exploration of your approach to a topic, an exploratory essay will necessarily incorporate research material. As a result, you should expect to include a bibliography or references page with your essay. This page will list both the sources that you cite in your essay, as well as any sources that you may have consulted during your research process.

The citation style of your essay's bibliography will vary based on the subject of the course. For example, an exploratory essay for a sociology class will probably adhere to APA style , while an essay in a history class might use Chicago style .

Exploratory essay outline and format

An exploratory essay utilizes the same basic structure that you'll find in other essays. It includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction sets up the context for your topic, addresses why that topic is worthy of study, and states your primary research question(s).

The body paragraphs cover the research that you've conducted and often include overviews of the sources that you've consulted. The conclusion returns to your research question and considers possible solutions.

Introduction

The introduction of an exploratory essay functions as an overview. In this section, you should provide context for your topic, explain why the topic is important, and state your research question:

Context includes general information about the topic. This part of the introduction may also outline, or signpost, what the rest of the paper will cover.
Topic importance helps readers "buy in" to your research. A few sentences that address the question, "so what?" will enable you to situate your research within an ongoing debate.
The last part of of your introduction should clearly state your research question. It's okay to have more than one, depending on the assignment.

If you were writing an exploratory essay on public transportation, you might start by briefly introducing the recent history of public transit debates. Next, you could explain that public transportation research is important because it has a concrete impact on our daily lives. Finally, you might end your introduction by articulating your primary research questions.

While some individuals may choose not to utilize public transportation, decisions to expand or alter public transit systems affect the lives of all. As a result of my preliminary research, I became interested in exploring whether public transportation systems improve citizens' quality of life. In particular, does public transit only improve conditions for those who regularly use these systems? Or, do improvements in public transportation positively impact the quality of life for all individuals within a given city or region? The remainder of this essay explores the research around these questions and considers some possible conclusions.

Body paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an exploratory essay discuss the research process that you used to explore your topic. This section highlights the sources that you found most useful and explains why they are important to the debate.

You might also use the body paragraphs to address how individual resources changed your thinking about your topic. Most exploratory essays will have several body paragraphs.

One source that was especially useful to my research was a 2016 study by Richard J. Lee and Ipek N. Sener that considers the intersections between transportation planning and quality of life . They argue that, while planners have consistently addressed physical health and well-being in transportation plans, they have not necessarily factored in how mental and social health contributes to quality of life. Put differently, transportation planning has traditionally utilized a limited definition of quality of life and this has necessarily impacted data on the relationship between public transit and quality of life. This resource helped me to broaden my conception of quality of life to include all aspects of human health. It also enabled me to better understand the stakeholders involved in transportation decisions.

Your conclusion should return to the research question stated in your introduction. What are some possible solutions to your questions, based on the sources that you highlighted in your essay? While you shouldn't include new information in your conclusion, you can discuss additional questions that arose as you were conducting your research.

In my introduction, I asked whether public transit improves quality of life for all, not simply for users of public transportation. My research demonstrates that there are strong connections between public transportation and quality of life, but that researchers differ as to how quality of life is defined. Many conclude that public transit improves citizens' lives, but it is still not clear how public transit decisions affect non-users, since few studies have focused on this distinct group. As a result, I believe that more research is needed to answer the research questions that I posed above.

Frequently Asked Questions about exploratory essays

You should begin an exploratory essay by introducing the context for your topic, explaining the topic's importance, and outlining your original research question.

Like other types of essays, the exploratory essay has three primary parts:

Although an exploratory essay does not make a specific argument, your research question technically serves as your thesis.

Yes, you can use "I" throughout your paper. An exploratory essay is meant to explore your own research process, so a first-person perspective is appropriate.

You should end your exploratory essay with a succinct conclusion that returns to your research question and considers possible answers. You can also end by highlighting further questions you may have about your research.

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A Research Guide
Essay Topics

120 Exploratory Essay Topics

Exploratory essay topics: how to choose the perfect topic, exploratory health essay topics:.

The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem among adolescents
Exploring the relationship between stress and physical health
The role of genetics in determining susceptibility to certain diseases
Exploring the benefits and risks of alternative medicine practices
The impact of technology on mental health and well-being
Exploring the link between diet and mental health
The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and overall health
Exploring the potential benefits and risks of intermittent fasting
The impact of environmental factors on human health
Exploring the relationship between exercise and mental health
The effects of long-term use of electronic devices on eye health
Exploring the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases
The impact of social isolation on mental and physical health
Exploring the benefits and risks of vaccination
The effects of air pollution on respiratory health

Exploratory Education Essay Topics:

The impact of technology on classroom learning
The effectiveness of standardized testing in evaluating student performance
The role of creativity and innovation in education
Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling
The influence of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities
Examining the relationship between teacher-student relationships and academic achievement
The importance of emotional intelligence in educational settings
Exploring the impact of cultural diversity on classroom dynamics
The role of experiential learning in fostering critical thinking skills
Investigating the effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities
The impact of social media on student learning and engagement
Exploring the benefits and challenges of online education
The role of parental involvement in student success
Examining the impact of gender stereotypes on educational outcomes
The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing real-world skills

Exploratory Psychology Essay Topics:

The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
Exploring the relationship between personality traits and academic success
The influence of social media on body image perception among adolescents
Exploring the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders
The role of genetics in the development of psychological disorders
Exploring the connection between sleep deprivation and cognitive functioning
The impact of early attachment styles on adult romantic relationships
Exploring the psychological effects of long-term isolation
The influence of cultural factors on the perception of mental health
Exploring the relationship between exercise and mental well-being
The impact of technology on attention span and cognitive abilities
Exploring the psychological effects of bullying on both the victim and the perpetrator
The role of nature versus nurture in the development of intelligence
Exploring the psychological factors contributing to addictive behaviors
The influence of parenting styles on the development of self-esteem in children

Exploratory Environment Essay Topics:

The impact of climate change on biodiversity
Exploring the relationship between deforestation and the loss of wildlife habitats
The role of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions
Exploring the effects of plastic pollution on marine life
The potential benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture
Investigating the impact of air pollution on human health
Exploring the connection between urbanization and the loss of green spaces
The role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security
Investigating the effects of water scarcity on ecosystems and human communities
Exploring the potential of eco-tourism in promoting conservation efforts
The impact of industrialization on water pollution and aquatic ecosystems
Investigating the relationship between climate change and natural disasters
The role of government policies in promoting environmental sustainability
Exploring the effects of overfishing on marine ecosystems
Investigating the potential of renewable energy technologies in mitigating climate change

Exploratory Technology Essay Topics:

The impact of artificial intelligence on job automation
The ethical implications of gene editing technology
Exploring the potential of blockchain technology in revolutionizing industries
The future of virtual reality and its impact on society
The role of 3D printing in transforming manufacturing processes
Exploring the benefits and risks of autonomous vehicles
The impact of social media on mental health and well-being
The potential of renewable energy sources in addressing climate change
Exploring the use of drones in various industries and their implications
The ethical considerations of using facial recognition technology in public spaces
The impact of big data analytics on business decision-making
Exploring the potential of quantum computing in solving complex problems
The role of wearable technology in improving healthcare outcomes
The implications of biometric identification systems on privacy and security
Exploring the future of space exploration and colonization

Exploratory Philosophy Essay Topics:

The nature of consciousness: Exploring the mind-body problem
The existence of free will: Examining determinism and moral responsibility
The concept of personal identity: Investigating the continuity of the self
The nature of reality: Exploring the possibility of an objective reality
The problem of evil: Analyzing the compatibility of evil and a benevolent God
The ethics of artificial intelligence: Examining the moral implications of AI development
The nature of beauty: Exploring subjective and objective perspectives on aesthetics
The philosophy of time: Investigating the nature of past, present, and future
The concept of knowledge: Analyzing the conditions for justified true belief
The ethics of animal rights: Examining the moral status of non-human animals
The philosophy of mind: Exploring the relationship between the mind and the brain
The nature of truth: Investigating different theories of truth and their implications
The philosophy of language: Analyzing the relationship between language and thought
The concept of justice: Exploring different theories of justice and their applications
The philosophy of science: Investigating the nature and limits of scientific knowledge

Exploratory History Essay Topics:

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the environment
Exploring the causes and consequences of the French Revolution
The role of women in ancient civilizations: a comparative analysis
The influence of religion on the colonization of the Americas
Exploring the origins and consequences of the Cold War
The impact of the Renaissance on art, science, and society
Analyzing the factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire
The effects of imperialism on indigenous cultures and societies
The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II
Exploring the origins and consequences of the American Civil Rights Movement
The impact of the Black Death on medieval Europe
Analyzing the causes and outcomes of the Russian Revolution
The role of technology in shaping warfare throughout history
Exploring the origins and consequences of the Great Depression
The influence of ancient Greek philosophy on modern Western thought

Exploratory Sociology Essay Topics:

The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
Exploring the causes and consequences of income inequality
The role of gender in shaping career choices and opportunities
Examining the effects of globalization on cultural identity
Exploring the relationship between education and social mobility
The impact of technology on social interactions and communication
Investigating the factors influencing political participation among young adults
Exploring the effects of racial and ethnic diversity on community cohesion
The role of religion in shaping social attitudes and behaviors
Examining the impact of social class on health outcomes
Exploring the causes and consequences of urbanization
Investigating the relationship between media representation and stereotypes
The role of family structure in shaping child development
Exploring the effects of immigration on social integration and cultural diversity
Investigating the factors influencing public opinion on climate change

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