We have lost sight of the original concept embodied in the essay--that
it is an attempt to explicate an idea. The word "attempt" above is no
accident. I guess I'm simply uncomfortable simplifying such a complex
psychological weapon so that anyone can use it--not because I believe
that person will persuade masses of people to believe hir view, but
because I believe she will persuade hirself.
On Sun, 11 Feb 1996 SAC@aol.com wrote:
> One thing that I think we, as teachers, should keep in mind is that not all
> students learn in the same way. Some students really do need a rigid form to
> start them off. I am thinking of students with various learning and
> processing needs. We should be careful about using ourselves as the model.
> Remember: we're the weirdos, the ones for whom writing comes relatively
> easily). The five paragraph theme provides some students with a model for
> what an essay should do: say something in a somewhat organized fashion so
> that a reader can follow you. Not all essays need to be five paragraph. The
> same function can be served by a three paragraph essay in which a writer has
> only one point to make. I think the formal approach has its place at the
> table, but there are many settings and seats.
>
> Steve Cohen
>
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Dr. Robert D. Royar Morehead State University r.royar@morehead-st.edu
Writing & Writing Center Coordinator
"Guns don't kill people, movies do" -Senator Robert "OKForMeToBeOnThe" Dole
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