Standardize tests such as the SAT, have been an influential factor when determining student success. These tests are used to assess a student’s capability and proficiency in various subjects as a baseline. English however, is a complex topic there is not a simple clear cut answer for a question. There is no right or wrong answer in literature and this generates a broad variety of responses, therefore, rubrics are used to make grading more efficient. To help students pass this exam teacher formulates a strategy to guide the writing process of a student. Dennis Baron an English professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign challenges the methods of the SAT assessment and criticizes the use of formulaic writing.
In The College …show more content…
Baron then comes to the conclusion that methodic writing is inadequate and should not be taught when approaching literature. While this is true to some extent, I feel formulaic writing can be an advantageous tool depending on the extent of the restrictiveness. In Formulaic Is Not a 4-Letter Word by Cathy Birkenstein and Gerald Graff you are able to see formulaic writing in an entirely new perspective with this quote, “Formulas, less invidiously called conventions, pervade everything we do” (Graft & Birkenstein 1). Instead of viewing formulaic writing as a standard concrete outline, they present us with the idea that formulas are simply guidelines to accomplishing something. Therefore, methods should not have the potential to restrict a person’s identity or inspiration nevertheless, if they lack the understanding or struggle to express themselves, then a structure like the five-paragraph pedagogy should be used for assistance. This should not always be used as you improve as a writer, you should also redevelop your procedure for writing. “What critics of the five-paragraph model should be objecting to is not that it is a formula, but that it is a weak formula” (Birkenstein & Graft 1). This quote separates different types of methodologies and demonstrates not all formulas are impractical but, there are more advantageous methods for different situations. As a high school student, I was never a particularly strong writer, I often lacked direction and the poetic language in my works. However, what the five paragraph essay did for me what guide me as a beginner to able to write my idea in an organized manner. As you develop as a writing this method becomes obsolete and you should upgrade your writing technique. Now I college I able to write as if I am having a conversation and able to use my own experience that fuels my
In The College …show more content…
Baron then comes to the conclusion that methodic writing is inadequate and should not be taught when approaching literature. While this is true to some extent, I feel formulaic writing can be an advantageous tool depending on the extent of the restrictiveness. In Formulaic Is Not a 4-Letter Word by Cathy Birkenstein and Gerald Graff you are able to see formulaic writing in an entirely new perspective with this quote, “Formulas, less invidiously called conventions, pervade everything we do” (Graft & Birkenstein 1). Instead of viewing formulaic writing as a standard concrete outline, they present us with the idea that formulas are simply guidelines to accomplishing something. Therefore, methods should not have the potential to restrict a person’s identity or inspiration nevertheless, if they lack the understanding or struggle to express themselves, then a structure like the five-paragraph pedagogy should be used for assistance. This should not always be used as you improve as a writer, you should also redevelop your procedure for writing. “What critics of the five-paragraph model should be objecting to is not that it is a formula, but that it is a weak formula” (Birkenstein & Graft 1). This quote separates different types of methodologies and demonstrates not all formulas are impractical but, there are more advantageous methods for different situations. As a high school student, I was never a particularly strong writer, I often lacked direction and the poetic language in my works. However, what the five paragraph essay did for me what guide me as a beginner to able to write my idea in an organized manner. As you develop as a writing this method becomes obsolete and you should upgrade your writing technique. Now I college I able to write as if I am having a conversation and able to use my own experience that fuels my