Summary of Unteaching the Five-paragraph Essay

In New York State, the finals are called Regents. For many Regents exams, students are required to write an essay. Most teachers teach the “five paragraph essay” method: an introduction paragraph, with last sentence in tbeing the thesis statement with three reasons, then three body paragraphs that discuss each of the reasons, and a conclusion paragraph which students will reiterate the thesis statement one last time. Teachers work hard with students so they can receive full credit on these essays. There is never enough time in the class to begin with and having to teach how not to write a five paragraph essay with creative ideas, is a new

After evaluating the essay written by Ed White, it was evident that he was very confident about the popular method used by many writers universally. The five-paragraph theme is highly common and effective in many cases. White believes that teachers have taken advantage of the five-paragraph theme and backs up his opinion with reasoning. He effectively uses rhetorical devices throughout his essay to help support his argument.

Unteaching The Five- Paragraph essay by Marie Foley is a light hearted but argumentive piece focusing on the way most school aged children are taught to write. Foley's main point comes down to the very first words in the essay; “The five-paragraph formula confuses and alienates students and undermines our most basic goals as writing instructors." Foley believes that by teaching children to write in a formulated manner we are not letting them explore and learn through their own writing. We are instead giving them the freedom to discontinue the thought process once they feel that the essay they have produced meets the formula standards they have been kept to, and refuse to part with.

Simply spoken, the aging youth are facing a very large dilemma when it comes to making the transition from high school to college level courses. As many have been taught in the past, just as many will be taught in the future, the commonly known 5-paragraph essay is quickly becoming an eyesore in the writer’s community. John Warner published an article in which he deploys a full on assault to persuade others to do away with this type of essay format all together. In his article “Kill the 5-paragraph Essay” Warner establishes his credibility, paints an imaginary picture of the 5-paragraph essay and uses logical and emotional

In the novel Unwind, Neal Shusterman offers a unique perspective on the possible outcome of our society’s conflicts on ethical issues, especially directed towards the debate on abortion. The author shows the outcome of second civil war, in which the system of unwinding is born, a word hiding the harsh truth of dismembering children. This form of abortion proved to be the only way that would bring back peace to the country, however wrong in many ways and means of drastic measures it seemed to both the authorities and the public. The process of unwinding portrayed in the novel in biased and is not a realistic solution to the problems in today's society, only serving further issues and tensions in the nation. The author on purposefully

Teaching the process of a five-paragraph essay seems to be a popular strategy when it comes to teaching new writers; however, not everyone agrees that five-paragraph essays are the best way to go about introducing the writing process. John Warner, author of “Kill the 5-Paragraph Essay” believes the process gives writers little freedom and is a “tool for the worst of teachers to hide amongst the good.” On the other hand, Kerri Smith, author of “In the Defense of the Five-Paragraph Essay” claims “students who know the five-paragraph essay intimately are more prepared to take on the challenge of college-level writing.” Both first-year composition professors make great arguments; however, Warner’s article seems to argue his point effectively.

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it."-Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a place, where Unwinding is permitted for saving lives and possible, people must take a stand against this rebellion. The novel, Unwind by Neal Shusterman’s, showed commitment and leadership roles throughout the novel. This type of leadership and commitment came from Connor, Roland, and the Admiral. They showed leadership roles in their own different ways throughout the book. This novel says that a leader can influence others by motivation and inspiration, persuasion, and strongly believing in a vision.

However, before the ultimate chance to succeed presented itself, there were months of hard work, assignments, practice tests, and passages to read. The road to success would not be easy, and there were frequent stops along the way. Writing an essay in forty minutes?! That was outrageous, Fran thought at first. Fortunately, Mrs. Belles would diligently meet or surpass her students with the effort she put into teaching; she consistently encouraged and taught her students in detail what they needed not only to pass the AP exam, but also prepared them for writing essays in college. In addition to knowledge, Mrs. Belles bestowed the gift of confidence upon her students, which Francine reports to be priceless and something

In the article “Unteaching the Five Paragraph Essay”, Marie Foley intere that the five paragraph essay format is blameworthy of high school graduate unpreparedness for college coursework and the need of remedial classes. Foley stated that “Many college freshman enter composition course alienated from writing”(P.2) Foley also claim that “teaching the five paragraph formula this harms student in some fundamental ways….i'll-preparing them for academic and real world writing”(P.3) This paper is going to analyse Marie foley article by brake down the reason and problem behind the Five paragraph essay.

My past writing life has allowed me to learn and grow and develop my voice. The more I write, the more I understand what my voice is and how to use it. Trying to restrict myself to the five-paragraph essay structure inhibits my voice and makes it increasingly more difficult to showcase who I am as a writer in the world. When I remove that structure, I believe my voice can be heard loud and clear. When I write, I can explain my thoughts and ideas succinctly, and I believe that allows me to accomplish what I am trying to do more quickly. I am better at communicating through writing, which has been and will hopefully continue to be a great asset for me as I go through life.

Maria P. Rey's, Letter to West Port High School's English Department, was written for an assignment in her English Composition course at the University of Florida in late October of 2009. In Rey’s letter, she tries to entice her former teachers to re-evaluate how and what they are teaching to their students. Rey explains that her former instructors are not teaching their students a standard format, but that she actually received conflicting guidelines from different teachers. Rey continues with describing to professors the four rules that obstructed her ability to be a good writer. The first of these are the five paragraph essay model that is taught in most schools. Rey believes this method can inadvertently cause issues for a writer. One being

The blinds on the windows are shut, it feels like a prison cell as I sit under the spotlight. The darkness outside makes me feel somber and alone. I stare at the glowing screen and think to myself, “It’s just me and this paper.” In December of my junior year in high school, I was assigned a persuasive essay on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter; it was my first academic essay of the year. My previous experiences with academic writing were both stressful and unfulfilling; when the essay topic was announced, I felt only resentment and anger, I remembered my past tribulations. With my mother’s help, this essay was different; after I submitted it to the teacher, I possessed a new perspective on academic writing. From my experience, I learned that strong writing skills are vital to communication, critical thinking, and life outside of the classroom.

In Marie Foley’s “Unteaching the Five Paragraph, Mary Kay Mulvaney’s “Difference Between College and High School Writing,” and “Understanding Writing Assignments: Tips and Techniques” by Dan Melzer, the authors all have a different opinion on various topics of writing. The topics includes the five paragraph structure, how to understand a writing assignment and the difference between the writing of college student and high school students. In my opinion everyone have their own opinions. My opinions on the three articles differ in various ways; there are some things that I agree with and few minor things that I disagree with.

While attending public schools english teachers did not begin teaching students the proper method to create a essay until the sixth grade. I never understood writing, because the stress of the state test, the teachers only taught what will earn students a successful score. In lectures, we learned to create and revise an essay. The teacher trusted student to be accurate in their corrections. By analyzing Richard Straub’s document, I have gained knowledge on where to put place my comments, how to criticize an essay and goals a responder should encounter.

Since the beginning of the semester, my writing has changed and evolved to accommodate and sustain longer essays. With longer essays, there is more room for in-depth analysis. Further analyzing a topic has led me to findings that I did not know existed. As I continue to write, I uncover addition and superior methods to approach my writing to the benefit of me and therefore, my audience. Throughout the semester, I have incorporated techniques to further my narrative throughout my writing.