ENG 475, Spring 2017—Essay #4: I-Search Paper
Overview: The I-search paper is designed to teach the writer something valuable about a chosen topic and about the nature of searching and discovery. As opposed to the standard research paper where the writer usually assumes a detached and objective stance, the I-Search paper allows you to take an active role in your search, to experience in the hunt for facts and truths first-hand, and to provide a step-by-step record of discovery.
Purpose:You will compose a college-level paper in which you successfully research a career/job that you are genuinely interested in pursuing. This informative paper will share with your reader [an academic audience of your peers] your original assumptions, the information you found on your search, and your discoveries.
Deadlines: Dates for prewriting charts/outline, rough draft [**missing peer review workshop will result in a 10%reduction of your final draft grade], revised draft, and final draft are listed on the course schedule
Required Format:Essays must be typed, at least 3 full pages in length [not to exceed 6 full pages], and show expertise in MLA policy for formatting the paper and citing your sources: double-spaced; proper heading and header; 1” margins; 12 point, Times New Roman font; in-text citations; Works Cited page.
Structure of Essay:The I-Search paper will be written in four integrated sections; for the FINAL DRAFT—be sure to label each section in your paper:*Introduction [1],*What I Know, Assume, or Imagine [2],*The Search [3, 4, 5, 6] and *What I Discovered [7]
Introduction: The introduction section of your essay should give your reader some indication of why you have chosen to write about this particular topic. For example, you could share a personal anecdote about what in your past history has sparked your interest in this career/job.
What I Know, Assume, or Imagine:Before conducting any formal research, you will compose a one-page discussion in which you explain to the reader what you think you know, what you assume, or what you imagine about your career/job choice. There are NO WRONG ANSWERS here. You are basically establishing your hypothesis about your topic.STAY TRUE TO JOURNAL #21
The Search: Test your knowledge and assumptions by researching your topic thoroughly through both first-hand and second-hand sources. One requirement of this assignment will be to conduct a face-to-face interview with someone who is currently working [or has recently worked] in the career/job you are researching. Also, you must consult and successfully implement 3-4online sources. Use eitherO*NET OROCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK, but not both—no other Internet-based sources can be used, such as a Google search, Wikipedia, etc.The other 2-3 online sources MUST be accessed through the Chaffey College Database; you may include a relevant journal article [try the VOCATIONAL STUDIES database] and/or a relevant book [try using the EBOOKdatabase]. Be sure to always record all of the information you gather.
You will write up your search in a narrative form, relating the steps of the discovery process. Do not feel obligated to tell the reader everything; rather, highlight the happenings and facts you uncovered that were crucial to your hunt and contributed to your understanding of the information.
What I Discovered:After concluding your search, compare what you thought you knew, assumed, or imagined with what you actually discovered. Be sure to assess your overall learning experience and offer some personal commentary about the value of your discoveries and draw some conclusions about this career/job and its role in your future.
Final Thoughts: Even though you will have a required conference for this essay, PLEASE feel free to visit my office [TTH from 7:00am-7:45am; 12:00-12:30pm] or reach me by email [] if you have any questions or simply wish to talk about the writing process. This essay is worth 25%of your semester grade, so give it your best effort. Good luck!
Robert C. Nazar, Chaffey College