exploratory essay

Whereas most essays are designed to have the writer prove a thesis by backing it up with specific thesis by backing it up with specific evidence, an exploratory essay leads the writer by exploring, not proving. The writer does not start writing with an idea to prove, but rather explores many different options and opinions. Although an exploratory essay is similar to an inquiry essay, the exploratory essay is much greater in scope as it addresses many aspects of a question instead of a single component.