From Montaigne to the five-paragraph essay: Resuscitating sophisticated academic writing in English (original) (raw)

This article argues for a shift in the teaching of academic writing from simplistic formulaic approaches, such as the five-paragraph essay, to more sophisticated writing structures that engage students in exploratory writing reminiscent of the traditional essay form pioneered by Montaigne. The current educational practices often restrict students' potential and limit their critical thinking and writing abilities to rigid styles that do not reflect the expectations of advanced English readers. By allowing students to experiment with varied rhetorical structures, educators can better prepare them for success in academic environments.