ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION
= = =This is the road map which directs the reader through the paper. It begins with a //strong lead// or hook and catches the reader¹s interest right from the beginning. The //details// along the way should add to that lead and should help build toward the conclusion, pulling the reader along right to the very end. It should use //good transitions// to move smoothly from one idea to the next, helping things fit together easily for the reader. Organization gives writing a sense of purpose and structure.=

ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES
“Once upon a time, there lived a little girl with a red riding hood…” KIND OF A BORING, CLICHÉ INTRO!
 * Great alternatives to introductions, hooks, and leads**

There are more interesting ways to start off this famous story. Below are eight techniques to consider:

Could You Make a Film of It?

It is often argued that one sign of well organized information is that it can be made into a film. Ask students to find an example of a piece they think is "filmable," and to do a brief storyboard-type layout of how they would film the piece, scene by scene. Where would the close-ups occur? The slow motion? Would any parts be skipped over? Why?

Bad On Purpose

Sometimes we learn the most by doing what does not work. Begin this lesson by asking students to identify a well-organized piece. Then ask them, in groups, to rewrite it - only with poor organization (ideas: remove the lead, weaken the transitions, put things out of order, etc.) Ask groups then to trade pieces, and to try rewriting one another’s badly organized samples to improve the organization. Compare the "improvements" to the originals, talking about what makes organization work.

ORGANIZATION RUBRIC
=5= //The organization enhances and showcases the central idea or theme. The order, structure, or presentation of information is compelling and moves the reader through the text.// A. An inviting introduction draws the reader in; a satisfying conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of closure and resolution. B. Thoughtful transitions clearly show how ideas connect. C. Details seem to fit where they're placed; sequencing is logical and effective. D. Pacing is well controlled; the writer knows when to slow down and elaborate, and when to pick up the pace and move on. E. The title, if desired, is original and captures the central theme of the piece. F. The choice of structure matches the purpose and audience, with effective paragraph breaks. The organizational structure is strong enough to move the reader through the text without too much confusion.

=3= A. The paper has a recognizable introduction and conclusion. The introduction may not create a strong sense of anticipation; the conclusion may not tie-up all loose ends. B. Transitions sometimes work; at other times, connections between ideas are unclear. C. Sequencing shows some logic, but not under control enough that it consistently supports the development of ideas. The structure may be predictable and taking attention away from the content. D. Pacing is fairly well controlled, though the writer sometimes lunges ahead too quickly or spends too much time on details that do not matter. E. A title (if desired) is present, although it may be uninspired or an obvious restatement of the prompt or topic. F. The organization sometimes supports the main point or story line, with an attempt at paragraphing. The writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Ideas, details, or events seem strung together in a loose or random fashion; there is no identifiable internal structure. The writing reflects more than one of these problems:

=1= A. There is no real lead to set-up what follows, no real conclusion to wrap things up. B. Connections between ideas are confusing or absent. C. Sequencing is random and needs lots of work. D. Pacing feels awkward; the writer slows to a crawl when the reader wants to move on, and vice versa. E. No title is present (if requested) or, if present, does not reflect the content. F. Problems with organization make it hard for the reader to understand the main point or story line, with little or no attempt at paragraph breaks.