Following Sandy's comments below, we might want to revisit Rick Coe's essay in College English 49.1 (1987), 13-28: "An apology for form; or, Who took the form out of the process?" Like wine, Rick's ideas get better with age. And, of course, so does Rick.
Anthony
Anthony Paré
Director
Centre for the Study and Teaching of Writing
Faculty of Education
McGill University
514-398-5600
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-----Original Message-----
From: CASLL/Inkshed [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sandy Dorley
Sent: October 26, 2005 5:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Composition and Canada
Before we dismiss it out of hand, there is a time and a place for such structures as the 5 paragraph theme. The problem is not that they exist--they are quite useful in some cases with novice writers and simple subjects. The problem is that they have a limited shelf life.
Most of my colleagues try to show students that writing needs a structure--but that it is a fluid rather than rigid one. But a writing structure based on audience analysis, role, and purpose seems way too moveable for a student writer who is struggling with making meaning.
Having said all that--there are days when I sit grading a stack of first-year papers and would be happy to find a 5 paragraph theme in the bunch.
Professor Sandy Dorley
School of Liberal Studies
Conestoga College, Kitchener, ON
519-748-5220 x3819
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