How Important are essay writing conventions in the university level and above?
I go to a CEGEP, which is basically pre-university in Montreal. In my Introduction to English class, I had a teacher who allowed us to go around the typical essay writing conventions. Conventions like outlining three points in your thesis and summing up those points in different words in your conclusion were thrown out. Instead, our essays consisted of logical points of progression; if I could prove point A, then I can prove point B, and then C, and therefore I've proven my thesis.
This sort of progressive method allowed me to write some of the best essays I've written so far, and my favourites too. But when I took my second English class in my second semester, I was forced to go back to these conventions, which weren't horrible, but I didn't see too much use in them, as I never felt as though I required them to prove my point in a literary essay.
I wanted to ask, are there strict rules about essay writing format in a university, other than the need for a thesis and 5 paragraphs? Or is the format irrelevant, so long as the essay does its job, which is proving the thesis?
Much Thanks,
Zolani
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Speaking as someone who's gotten As on essays through the entirety of an American education, I would say that the answer is-- yes and no.
That conventional scheme works very well, which is why it's so common. But a good writer can pull off almost any kind of format for an essay: the sky is the limit. In fact, the definition of what an essay even is is a very loose thing. Essays come in a million shapes and sizes; sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between a short story and a reflective essay.
If you can pull it off, it's perfectly permitted. If it's just not working no matter how you tweak it, maybe try accepting that the format you've chosen is not right for that particular essay.
In sum: there are not strict rules. Do a good job, make sure the reader understands exactly what you're saying and never feels lost, never loses sight of the essay's overall purpose, and you're set.
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I'm a language teacher in my native country and I do teach how to write essays. The structure is always the same:
- Introduction
- Development
- Conclusion
Within the development, one should present arguments in a logical order, much like the one you learnt in the first semester. Do note that the definition of 'logical order' may depend on the topic and scope of the requested essay. If one is required to present pros and cons while validating a thesis (especially if 'right / wrong' is subjective), using classical rhetoric strategies is of great advantage.
I'd say it's not a matter of choosing one approach over the other, it's a matter of combining the best of those approaches. Respect the general structure and be creatively logic in the development section.
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I'll answer as a professor at a university: Stick to the script. I have 30 papers to grade!
Going off script is, IMO, just proof you couldn't get your point across in the standard format so you ditched it. To me it isn't a demonstration of strength, it is a demonstration of weakness. If you want to be original, be original within the constraints of the system.
Once you demonstrate you can get a series of A's using the script, then I would put in the effort to read an off-script essay. Before then: Expect B's or C's. Prove your competence at walking before you try to convince me you can dance.
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