(contributed by Darren Crovitz)

As such, the essay should begin with a "why" question, and then proceed to investigate causes, influences, and reasons for this state of affairs. Thus, the essay's purpose could encompass the following:

• To inform/educate
• To explain
• To satisfy curiosity
• To speculate and reach conclusions
• To argue

Here's where the title fits in. No concept exists in a vacuum--rather, there are reasons for the status quo or the world existing as we know it. Your goal in this essay is to trace the evolution of a concept in a way that brings a greater understanding of it to your audience.

Practical Advice

To avoid feeling lost, confused, or swamped by abstractions with this essay, choose a limited topic! Students often overlook specific trees because of the vastness of the forest. That is, they often want to choose a focus that may be too broad to handle adequately.

Also, many students feel a need to choose topics that they think are "academically acceptable"…which means that they think topics such as abortion, capital punishment, and gun control are just fine to write about, while the nature and purpose of a necktie, the convention of toenail painting, or the rhyme and reason of toilet-stall design are way too "out there" for legitimate analysis.

We're all thinking, curious people, and we should be asking "why?" as part of our daily existence. Choose one of those questions you've pondered in passing--concerning something you have a curiosity about or interest in--to address in this essay.

1. The Necktie

Ever wonder what's behind this very common piece of male attire? It certainly seems to serve very little practical purpose, not to mention often making the wearer rather uncomfortable. Where did neckties evolve from, and how did this strip of cloth become essential for a certain type of wardrobe? Why did the necktie develop as a professional male accouterment, and not a headband or a necklace? What are the set of cultural values inherent in a necktie? Your investigation here would probably lead you to some historical background, along with some supported speculation on your part as to the origins of the tie.

2. Toenail Painting

Why do women (and some men) paint their toenails? Why does this common custom persist in our modern culture? What are its origins, and how has come to be seen as acceptable and feminine, instead of masculine?

3. Toilet Stalls

4. The TV as the Center of the American Living Room

…will depend on your focus. Some topics may require more of a speculative approach; most will require some historical insight or perspective. This means you may well have to rely on outside sources in your essay that help support whatever point you're developing.

Depending on your topic, coming to a solid conclusion with the essay might prove difficult, and this may in fact not be your purpose--your essay might be an investigation of different theories that provide us instead with further intellectual avenues of research. Thus, the question you pose may lead to further questions rather than a clear-cut answer. What's important here is a clear explanation and analysis, wherein you support any claims you make with clear reasoning and evidence as you explain your meaning.

Some writers are tempted in this sort of essay to overstate their case or make summary judgments and proclamations. Pay attention to the following:

1. Speculation is just that. You may need to offer your findings and thinking as possibilities rather than truisms…while also remembering to fully explain and support the assertions you do make. When in doubt, go back to this maxim: "What do I mean, and why do I think as I do?"
2. Be careful of oversimplifying relationships or causes. (See comments for #3)
3. Be careful to qualify your statements. No topic can possibly be utterly exhausted in four or five pages…opening a discourse will often mean inviting further inquiry and study rather than pronouncing the "final word."