The argument is all about trying to prove a point and get everyone on your side. On the other hand, the inquiry is more of an exploration. In A.J. Jacobs' inquiry into "The Overly Documented Life," the inquiry strategy is used. Jacobs begins by introducing a subject which is an idea of walking around recording every moment of his life. He does this in order to inquire in to what the effects might be. He then writes a generally informal essay using facts, thoughts, and observations in an attempt to answer his question. All sides are examined to create a well balanced argument that, yes, carrying around a camera changes the way people act around someone.
What I really like about the essay is the voice and focus. With regards to voice, Jacobs is more informal. He is not sounding 'pushy' nor is there any clear bias. He simply inserts all of the information available to him in order answer the question. The insertion of stories, such as the one where he tries to gossip but is instead ignored. Personal flair makes Jacobs not only credible but interesting as it is obvious that he is interested in his subject. The focus in the essay makes it very easy to follow. Everything discussed is relevant to the question. The personal stories are relevant, the images are relevant, and the facts are relevant. While they all answer the question in the same fashion, they act as compounding evidence not redundant facts.
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