RE: Big Yes for Formulaic Writing

[Lynne Belcher <lrbelcher@saumag.edu>]

Robert,

You use the example of students of music looking at the structure 
of the compositions of real composers.  How about having writing 
students look at the structure of the compositions of real 
writers?  How many real writers do you know who actually use the 
five-paragraph theme structure?  

Students do need to know something about structure, but filling a 
structure with content is one of the hardest things I have ever 
done as a writer.  As as student in a master's program, I had a 
composition pedogogy class in which students had to write from 
the modes.  I couldn't do it!  I found it very difficult to start 
with a structure instead of an idea. 

Students who have learned the five-paragraph theme structure want 
to write everything that way.  Unfortunately, that structure has 
a very limited application.  Why not do as you suggest and have 
students look at how real writers structure their ideas?

Lynne Belcher
Southern Arkansas University