Alternative writing assignments can be just as hard as regular essays and can ignite the imagination of young writers.

Consider all the many types of writing: letters, news stories, video scripts, infographics, press releases, and so on.

Why are we so fixated on essays as the primary framework for pupils to display their writing abilities? There is little question, in my opinion, that we overdo essay writing in schools.

Burnout is one of the consequences for our student writers. When the first-year instructors I work with tell me that their students are tired of writing essays by February, if not sooner, we brainstorm together about alternatives they may pursue.

These instructors frequently indicate that when they deviated from the essay and offered an alternate writing project for a certain lesson or unit, their pupils became engaged and motivated in ways that the teachers had never seen before.

Before I mention a few essay options, I want to state that I believe essay writing is an important talent that all students must learn.

Teaching the five-paragraph framework gives students the "training wheels" they need to start finding out how to express their thoughts and facts. Once the majority of pupils have mastered it, teachers should periodically suggest alternatives.

Alternatives to the typical essay might be just as rigorous and challenging, developing the same skills and applications while also conforming to standards.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE TRADITIONAL ESSAY

Craft a convincing letter (argumentative writing): Students send a letter to an editor, the administration of their school, or a community figure after discussing and studying a hot-button subject or a matter of concern in their school or community.

As in an argumentative essay, they should use ethos, pathos, logos, counterclaim, and a call to action.

Design a pamphlet (informational writing): This option allows students to avoid writing a research essay while still requiring them to conduct research.

The format offers considerable flexibility in terms of layout and messaging. Students should be obliged to incorporate relevant material and facts, as well as citations.

Change the ending of a book or short story (narrative writing): Narrative writing methods such as dialogue, metaphorical language, and imagery will be required.

If a student's novel or tale ended on a terrible note, they may write a brighter ending or have a character make a different choice that changes the outcome.

Whatever changes they make, they must be loyal to the characters, the setting, and all parts of the tale, including the author's tone and style.

Rewrite an article (informational writing): Students compose a new article on the same topic using the facts and information offered in an article.

They'll discover how rewriting may substantially shift the tone and give readers a different viewpoint on the same issue by rearranging how facts are presented, using a different title, and even bringing in fresh information and quotations from further research.

Script a TV or radio commercial (informational and argumentative writing):  This activity has awakened even the most dormant young writers in a classroom as they strive to pitch a product to each other.

First, as a class, watch and listen to a few very effective ads or ad campaigns and then debate what makes them so great. This works best if you give kids certain writing restrictions and standards (for example, length of text and usage of rhetorical elements they've mastered).

Following any writing assignment—essay or alternative—it is critical that students participate in some reflective writing and conversation about why they picked a certain topic, style, and tone, or how they organized their work.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ESSAY ALTERNATIVES

Having students write in a format other than the essay can give a true context, one that extends beyond the teacher's audience. Other advantages of deviating from essay writing? This enables young authors to:

• Take more chances and be more creative—how else can a writer create a writing style and voice?

• Practice a broader range of writing styles that the actual world requires.

• Have a greater say over what they write, how they write it, and the message they convey—a tremendous motivation for students who are struggling, hesitant, or worn out.

As the adage goes, variety is the spice of life, so taking a break from the essay and presenting alternatives might add interest to young writers.

This also provides additional opportunities to experiment with writing style and voice. Because style and voice are important factors in assessing whether a piece of writing is successful, compelling, moving, or amusing, it's beneficial to allow students to experiment with them.