The Five-Paragraph Crutch
The five-paragraph essay is as much of a classroom institution as the blackboard or the pencil sharpener. It's a time-proven, basic organizational structure: as introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion restating the thesis.
"Though easy to learn, the formula is inherently limited. Sylvan Learning's Academic Writing and College Prep Writing programs encourage students to move beyond the basic organizational tool," explains Emily Levitt, education program manager of writing for Sylvan Learning. "There's nothing magical about the number five. It's much better to write an essay based on audience and purpose rather than an arbitrary number of paragraphs."
Further, many assignments don't lend themselves to the five-paragraph format. The result is that students use unnecessary information as a filler in their writing, or distort what they want to say just to fit the pattern.
Students should ask themselves:
What is my goal in writing this piece?
Is it to persuade the reader? Students should include enough information to convince the audience of the validity of their research.
Is it to inform? Students should help the reader comprehend the topic at hand.
Is it to entertain? Exciting or funny details should be part of the prose.
Who is the audience?
What is the role of your reader? More formalized verbiage is appropriate for academic audiences or older readers.
What is the reader's knowledge of this topic? Will technical language be understood?
Is the audience expecting an academic essay or a friendly, informal piece?
What resources do I need to begin writing?
Do I need to conduct historical or background research? do I need to review important literature on the topic or conduct empirical research, such as a survey or and observation?
"In Sylvan's Academic Writing program, we work to equip students with strategies for analyzing audience and purpose. We also teach students a step-by-step process to pre-write, draft, revise, edit, and publish," explains Levitt. "In our Sylvan College Prep Writing program, we provide a bridge between high school and university English classes by giving college-bound students the skills to refine their research and understand formatting and source documentation. We address a college-bound student's writing needs."
Why it is Vital That Students Learn to Become Effective Writers
Students need to be prepared to meet the demands of a growing and changing workplace. All workers, no matter if they work in an office environment or elsewhere, need to communicate succinctly and demonstrate logical thoughts based on supporting details. If students are confident communicators, they will be better able to utilize logical thinking when learning political science, mathematics, science, or a trade skill, such as auto mechanics.
By becoming more proficient in logical thinking and analysis, North Americans will be better equipped to observe, reason and make informed judgements about all issues. Ultimately, this ability will improve a student's earning potential and allow our nation to continue to be a global economic leader. | 
