Strong writing is key to success in college. In this section, you’ll explore common writing assignments and the shift from formulaic to organic writing.

High school writing often follows structured formats like the five-paragraph essay or the three-point essay, which help build skills in making a point and supporting it with evidence—especially useful when responding to standardized tests under time pressure.

In college, however, writing varies across disciplines and purposes. You’ll need to move beyond rigid structures and learn to develop and organize ideas more naturally. So, what sets organic writing apart? Read on to find out.