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the problem with the five-paragraph essay
Jan. 9th, 2012 01:04 amThe problem with the five paragraph essay is that it is BORING. Here are two essays from the pre-GED book. First, the "ineffective" one, then the "effective" one.1 See what you think:
( the 'ineffective' one )
( the 'effective' one )
You can see what they're trying to show: the first is disorganized and wanders off topic, whereas the second sticks to the topic. But the first is much more fun, right? You get a sense of this fed-up person, ready to leave winter behind and flee to someplace warm. You get a real sense of personality.
It pains me to have to be teaching people a bloodless, boring form of writing when writing--even essay writing--just doesn't have to be that way. I'm hoping maybe, after I understand what I'm doing more, I can add in some *fun* writing. Eyes on the prize, though. It's most important that they be able to pass the test. There are other people coming in who do journaling and creative writing.
1Excerpts from Contemporary's Pre-GED: Language Arts, Writing (McGraw Hill, 2002)
( the 'ineffective' one )
( the 'effective' one )
You can see what they're trying to show: the first is disorganized and wanders off topic, whereas the second sticks to the topic. But the first is much more fun, right? You get a sense of this fed-up person, ready to leave winter behind and flee to someplace warm. You get a real sense of personality.
It pains me to have to be teaching people a bloodless, boring form of writing when writing--even essay writing--just doesn't have to be that way. I'm hoping maybe, after I understand what I'm doing more, I can add in some *fun* writing. Eyes on the prize, though. It's most important that they be able to pass the test. There are other people coming in who do journaling and creative writing.
1Excerpts from Contemporary's Pre-GED: Language Arts, Writing (McGraw Hill, 2002)
