my students on the five-paragraph essay:

They had to read an article ("Developing 'Real-World Intelligence': Teaching Argumentative Writing through Debate" by Randi Dickson) about argumentation and debate in the classroom and the role (or lack thereof) of formulaic writing in argumentation and debate.

Most of the article argues that debating in classrooms prepares students to be active members of a participatory democracy. She suggests that while requiring a strict interpretation of the five-paragraph format might traditionally be thought of as the best way to teach students to write, she has found that it actually limits learning, especially within the context of argument. Instead, she suggests not getting rid of writing "templates" all-together, but rather giving them several to choose from and adapt.

My students had to answer several questions about the article so that I could check their comprehension of it. One of the questions asked, "How does Dickson suggest that writing instructors avoid such formulaic assignments? Do you agree or disagree with her approach? Why?"

Here's what some of them had to say:

"A five-paragraph essay isn't flexible and there is no room to expand it. You are stuck to a guideline that can't be broken."

"I agree with her approach because it gives a student writer more options and opportunities to make it the best and als their own; thus making it more motivational to do the assignment."

"you never know wat the other people are going to say so she thinks it shouldn't be formulaic cuz wat if the other team has something that's not in ur formula your screwed."

"I don't agree because you have to be on track."

"I agree because a student should not be limited to just five paragraph essays which restrict a student's creativity and potential."

"This is smart because it gives a lot of freedom without total lack of 'rules.' Needs flexibility but structure (a backbone)."

"I agree with her approach because they don't leave enough room for choice. There shouldn't be a 'right' way to write an essay."

"I kind of agree with this because other students might not always need the basics, so what's left for them?"

Coincidentally, we just had this discussion at a recent department meeting -- not necessarily about writing just for argument and debate. It seemed like most of my colleagues are in the five-paragraph-yay camp, which kind of stunk for those of us in the five-paragraph-nay camp.

Anyway, I think this stuff's super-interesting.