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    The Transition From High School To University: H S R U E

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    Paul Liu
    The document summarizes some key differences between writing expectations in high school versus university. In high school, essays typically follow predetermined structures like five-paragraph essays with three main points. At university, there are no set structures and students have more freedom to develop their own. Additionally, high school writing may focus more on summarizing content while university emphasizes critical analysis and using evidence to support arguments. Overall, university encourages students to think independently and come up with their own approaches, rather than relying on set formulas.

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    The Transition From High School To University: H S R U E

    Uploaded by

    Paul Liu
    63 views2 pages
    The document summarizes some key differences between writing expectations in high school versus university. In high school, essays typically follow predetermined structures like five-paragraph essays with three main points. At university, there are no set structures and students have more freedom to develop their own. Additionally, high school writing may focus more on summarizing content while university emphasizes critical analysis and using evidence to support arguments. Overall, university encourages students to think independently and come up with their own approaches, rather than relying on set formulas.

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    The document summarizes some key differences between writing expectations in high school versus university. In high school, essays typically follow predetermined structures like five-paragraph essays with three main points. At university, there are no set structures and students have more freedom to develop their own. Additionally, high school writing may focus more on summarizing content while university emphasizes critical analysis and using evidence to support arguments. Overall, university encourages students to think independently and come up with their own approaches, rather than relying on set formulas.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    63 views2 pages

    The Transition From High School To University: H S R U E

    Uploaded by

    Paul Liu
    The document summarizes some key differences between writing expectations in high school versus university. In high school, essays typically follow predetermined structures like five-paragraph essays with three main points. At university, there are no set structures and students have more freedom to develop their own. Additionally, high school writing may focus more on summarizing content while university emphasizes critical analysis and using evidence to support arguments. Overall, university encourages students to think independently and come up with their own approaches, rather than relying on set formulas.

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    of 2

    The Transition from

    High School to University

    To meet the expectations of university writing, you will need to unlearn some of the rules you
    learned in high school. Those rules may have helped you to plan and write your essays by
    providing a ready-made structure you could fit your ideas into. But continuing to rely on these
    rules will limit your freedom and may lead to unnecessary repetition or awkward expression.
    Here are some important differences between high school rules and university expectations:

    HIGH SCHOOL RULES UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS

    Essay Structure
    Essays consist of three main points. There is no predetermined number of points
    that your essay must include.
    Essays have a five-paragraph structure: an Essays have as many paragraphs as needed.
    introduction, your three main points, and a You should choose a structure for your essay
    conclusion. that serves your ideas and your argument.

    Paragraphs
    Paragraphs are as long or as short as needed to Paragraphs are usually between one-third and
    meet the five-paragraph requirement and the two-thirds of a page and vary in length
    page limit. according to the needs of the paragraph.
    Each paragraph must begin with a topic Paragraphs will be clearer and more coherent if
    sentence that explicitly echoes the thesis they begin with a topic sentence that sums up
    statement. the main point of the paragraph.
    Each paragraph should end with a conclusion Your paragraphs should end whenever you
    that reiterates the point contained in the topic have provided enough evidence and analysis to
    sentence. support the point in your topic sentence;
    repeating that point would be redundant.

    Thesis Statement
    Essays must include a thesis statement. Not every essay needs a thesis statement.
    The opening paragraph must end in a thesis The opening paragraph often ends in a thesis
    statement. statement, but a thesis can also occur
    elsewhere.
    The thesis statement must be supported by The thesis statement does not have to be
    three main points. supported by any specific number of points.
    A thesis statement must be one sentence in A thesis statement can be two or three
    length. sentences long, or even longer if the argument
    is complex.
    2
    Introduction and Conclusion
    The introduction should begin with a broad and The introduction should raise the essay topic or
    general statement and eventually be narrowed question as soon as possible in specific and
    down. concrete terms.
    The conclusion should provide a summary of The conclusion should do more than merely
    the main points of the paper. summarize what you have already done in the
    paper.

    Argument
    You may add narration and description to You may incorporate narrative or plot elements
    remind the reader of events or particulars. into your argument as long as you analyze
    them in sufficient depth.
    Argumentative essays can be based on personal Argumentative essays should be supported by
    experience or opinion. evidence from your sources. In some
    disciplines, your professor may invite you to
    supplement your argument with an account of
    your personal experience.

    Presentation
    Students may receive credit for visual effects. Professors are concerned with your ideas and
    your writing and expect you to submit your
    essays in a plain format with no fancy fonts,
    colours, title pages, and binders.

    Here are the overall differences between the two institutions in philosophy and approach:

    HIGH SCHOOL … UNIVERSITY …


    Provides formulas. Discourages formulas.
    Offers you a ready-made structure to work Provides freedom for you to come up with
    with. your own way of structuring your argument.
    Teaches just one model for an essay that you Offers discipline-specific guidelines for
    then apply in all of your courses. approaching written work.
    Encourages repetition. Discourages repetition.
    Provides rules. Encourages critical thinking.
    Rewards you for demonstrating your Rewards you for engaging in analysis.
    knowledge of the material.

    Prepared by Rebecca Vogan and Jerry Plotnick, University College Writing Centre.
    A first draft of this handout was developed at Innis College.
    Other handouts from UC are available online at www.uc.utoronto.ca/handouts
    Over 50 other files offering advice about university writing are available at www.writing.utoronto.ca

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