In the Introduction to They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates designed to help writers express themselves.
Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing templates they offer a base to build upon As the authors themselves put it, “helpful.” Although some people believe they discourage creativity, Graff and Birkenstein insist that it is encouraged. In sum, hen, their view is that these templates help writers organize their thoughts
I agree/disagree/have mixed feelings. In my view, the types of templates that the authors recommend do noy help. In addition, they are very general. Some might object, of course, on the grounds that templates are very straightforward and they have problems recognizing that it can be changed. Yet I would argue that the template is not permanant, only a guideline.