The Inflexible Paradigm Perhaps the biggest problem I run into as a writing teacher is having to detach students from the rules inflicted on them in high school English. The dictates are, more or less, are as follows: 1. Open with an “attention getter” or “thesis statement.” Then follow with the points that will unfold in your paper like an accordion churning out “Lady of Spain.” 2. Explain your points in 5 to 7 paragraphs. A paragraph should have between 4 to 7 sentenc