Alternative Form to the Five Paragraph Structure Encourages Creativity, Essay Example

Conforming to the standard five paragraph essay can suck the joy out of writing. While it requiring students to adhere to a predetermined structure may have its benefits, in terms of academic or even professional writing, it can squash creativity. In the article “The Sixth Paragraph: A Re-Vision of the Essay” by Paul Lynch, the topic of breaking free of the standard five paragraph essay is readily embraced.

While writing five paragraphs may be appropriate for some subjects, there are many times when more or less paragraphs are required in order for an essay to make sense. Essays are often more enjoyable to read when the flow appears to have a more organic feel to the reader. Lynch seems to understand the need for freedom of expression, and he writes with an open-mindedness that taking his class would be a lot of fun in addition to providing a good learning experience. But if requiring students to write exactly five paragraphs causes them displeasure with writing, then why is it taught? Lynch (288) does provide solid reasons that this structure is required. The five paragraph structure is easy to remember and perform; a major benefit for students when they are writing essay exams and are crunched for time. The five paragraph essay is also easier for teachers to grade. Teachers often have many students and it is understandable that they do not want to make themselves crazy.

While these reasons are understandable, students are still fulfilling a quota. The essay loses an otherwise natural flow and the student’s creativity is stunted. Perhaps the five paragraph essay should be taught as one alternative, and a less structure format should be taught as another.

By allowing students to free themselves with expression, they may decide to pursue careers in English, writing, journalism, or even teaching.

Work Cited

Lynch, Paul. The Sixth Paragraph: A Re-Vision of the Essay. Writing Spaces, 2011. Web. <http://www.parlorpress.com/pdf/lynch–the-sixth-paragraph.pdf