<p>I really didn't think it was weird that I still write most of my papers in classic five paragraph essay format. Obviously not research papers and the like... but in class papers for lit or euro I usually stick to intro, three points, concl. because it's easy, time tested, and pretty much fool proof. Is this weird/really amateur? One of my classmates talked about the five paragraph essay like it was absolutely disgusting and that AP graders loathe it, etc. True/false? This classmate is a bit pretentious so I didn't really know what to think, but it was a slap in the face hearing that, I must say. Usually my teachers praise my papers. However, am I the only one still swearing by the format we learned in the 5th grade?</p>
<p>I don't particularly like it...sometimes I really need more than 5 paragraphs to get my point across and I hate being restricted. Still, I find that teachers generally like the format since students will usually get their points clearly across to the reader.</p>
<p>I never use it unless specifically told to. I don't like it, but at the same time, there's nothing wrong with it if it gets the job done depending on the situation.</p>
<p>I usually don't use it in class, but I do use it on standardized tests as it's easy and quick. (However I made 8's on my ACT & SAT writing, and a 2 on the APUSH test, so...)</p>
<p>On principle (the principle that I loathe having to write in a specific format) I strongly dislike the five paragraph essay. However, there are some benefits to this format (plus it's been so ingrained in me I seem to do it naturally). So, much to my chagrin, I find that I am constantly writing 5 paragraph essays- but I do seem to be able to get away with 4 in compare/contrast essays.
Concerning your classmate, I think he/she is misinformed. What AP Graders find "disgusting" is a poorly written essay that doesn't adequately answer the prompt, not the length (although it is generally better to opt for the longer essay)</p>
<p>What other kind of essay is there, exactly? I mean, you have to have a concluding paragraph and an introductory paragraph, right? I never felt limited to the number of paragraphs I wrote, but those two are always there. Okay, here is exactly what my teacher posts a few days before the test on her website:</p>
<p>Directions: Write an essay (introduction, 3 or more supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion) that answers one of the following questions thoroughly and with extensive evidence to support your argument. Make sure you have a clearly defined, argumentative thesis that takes a stance on ONE of the questions, correct grammar, and close readings of the text.
She then proceeds to give the questions/topics.</p>
<p>Depends on the essay. If it's a simple prompt then I'll use this, quick and easy. However, if it's a complex one, I just write until I feel I have made my point.</p>
<p>I usually use it in history (for FRQ's and DBQ's) and on standardized tests because it's fast and easy. However, for english I usually write much longer papers and try not to cram all of the content into 5 paragraphs.</p>
<p>The 5 paragraph formula does not always work like with my IB Extended Essay which ended up being 20 something pages...The same thing with my History IA which has a weird format. You can't just list three points and explain them.</p>
<p>Bah. I'm lazy and I write slow. (On the upside, CB gives me 1.5 time for it.) I usually do only 4 paragraphs, which works fine. 5 on AP Euro, and it wasn't because of the MC...</p>
<p>I normally do the 5 paragraph thing, too. It just...works. Sometimes I only for 4, mostly in compare/contrast. Sometimes I have more - in DBQs I normally get 3 bodies for the groupings to make sure I've made proper groupings that are distinguished - sometimes I've got to add another body. It's normally the same style though.</p>