College Writing

College Writing Overview

  • Purpose of the Handout:

    • To help students understand college expectations in writing assignments.

    • To guide students to evolve from five-paragraph essays to more analytical and flexible writing styles.

The Five-Paragraph Essay Model

  • Definition:

    • An essay structure often taught in high school.

    • Characterized by an hourglass shape:

      • Starts general, narrows to specifics, then broadens again.

  • Structure Details:

    • First paragraph: General statement leading to a thesis with three points.

    • Body paragraphs: Each discusses one of the three points.

    • Final paragraph: Summarizes the essay.

  • Purpose:

    • Simplifies academic writing to help students learn organization.

    • Supports students preparing for standardized writing tests.

    • Serves as a tool for learning rather than a permanent structure.

Limitations of Five-Paragraph Essays in College Writing

  • College Expectations:

    • Emphasis on analysis (how and why) rather than just facts (who, what, when, where).

    • Need for deeper comprehension and argumentation.

  • Common Issues with Five-Paragraph Essays:

    • Inadequate Context:

      • Often utilize vague introductions that lack specificity.

      • Example of a weak introduction: "Since the dawn of time…"

    • Lack of Argument:

      • Tendency to present 'listing' theses that lack strong arguments.

      • Crucial for essays to generate debates rather than just presentations of facts.

    • Repetitiveness:

      • Repeats ideas from the introduction, leading to a lack of progression in arguments.

    • Poor Flow:

      • Transitions between paragraphs may be missing, as topics are treated separately rather than cohesively.

    • Weak Conclusions:

      • Endings that merely summarize rather than providing fresh insights or implications.

    • Real-World Relevance:

      • The structure is rarely utilized in real-world writing and fails to prepare students for effective communication in various situations.

    • Form Over Content:

      • Student ideas may be forced into a rigid structure, potentially distorting original thoughts.

Transitioning Beyond Five-Paragraph Essays

  • Breaking the Mold:

    • Focus on developing a strong, argumentative thesis instead of sticking to settled points.

    • Example Topic: Discussing the impact of social media on public awareness.

    • Initial drafts may reflect five-paragraph structure but should evolve to support a more nuanced argument.

  • Effective Thesis Development:

    • Brainstorm to find a main argument rather than simply outlining points.

    • Consider counterarguments to develop responses.

  • Flexible Structure:

    • The number and organization of body paragraphs can vary based on the argument's needs.

    • Revision of introductions is crucial to align with the developed argument.

When Is a Five-Paragraph Essay Acceptable?

  • Situational Use:

    • Can be useful in timed exams to help organize thoughts quickly.

    • Useful for short speeches where concise organization is beneficial.

  • Importance of Argument:

    • Avoid the pitfall of 'listing' theses; strive for a thesis that reflects a true argument.

    • Acknowledge that while a five-paragraph structure can be useful, it should not dictate the writing process in academic essays.

Works Consulted

  • Reminder to not use the provided reference list as a model, as it may not align with all citation formats.

  • Encouragement to further research for comprehensive understanding.