Ch.8 THE RIGHT TO GO BEYOND FORMULA

All together now--“Main idea, supporting details, conclusion….repeat…."Main idea….” This is how I was taught to write. Consequently, when I became a teacher, I taught this way as well. What was that called-- the five paragraph rule- The Famous Hamburger, Give me Five, etc. In essence, our writing formula was introduction, three supporting paragraphs plus the conclusion. Although this was the “appropriate” way to teach writing years ago, it is not something readers anticipate reading for pleasure. As I read this chapter, I could not help but wonder what if novels were written this way? Would a romantic novel fanatic read it with great anticipation? Of course not.
A writing formula provides a since of false security. Students are apt to concentrate more on the method of writing, rather than on voice, or even content. Spandel is not suggesting that teachers should avoid organization. Instead “writing needs to do a kind of dance.” (pg. 118) It’s like adding seasoning to a bland bowl of green beans. A little dash of facts, a sprinkle of emotion, a pinch of humor (who doesn’t like to laugh), and let’s not forget a can of cream of voice. Writers must expand on every concept to invoke the reader’s mind with images, sounds, and feelings.
Chapter Eight confirms that reading and writing intertwined. Better readers inevitably produce better writers. Therefore, we must encourage our students to READ.