| Organizing paragraphs and
essays
One of the primary means of achieving coherence
in essays is logical ordering or sequencing of the main points and details
of each paragraph in the body of the paper. Once the divisions and details
are logically ordered, transition words and devices to signal that order
become more natural and obvious to use.
There are two major steps to the organization
process. Both steps should be accomplished during the outlining or planning
of your paper after you have decided on the main point of the paper. The
first step involves ordering the paragraph topics. You must impose some
logical sequence for the paragraphs and have a reason for one paragraph
coming first, another next, another next, and so on through the end of
your essay. The second step involves ordering the specific sentences as
details within each individual paragraph. You must impose a logical order
for the various sentences and have a reason for writing one sentence first,
another next, and so on through the end of the paragraph. There are various
ways to order information. In some cases, your main point will indicate
an obvious order to use. In others, you must think awhile to choose an
order. Some of the ways you may consider are outlined as follows:
Ordering by Time (Chronological Order): Chronological order
is usually used in narration and process analysis, but can be used in
other cases as well. first in time last in time season season morning
night early late
Ordering by Space (Spatial Order): Ordering from one place to
another is usually effective in physical description but can be used
in other cases as well. left right top bottom inside outside here there
far near
Ordering by Groups or Types (Classification and Comparison):
This method involves two steps. The first step is labeling the groups
or types by answering the question "What is this paragraph about?" or
"What kinds of things are these details about?" The second step arranges
the types in Chronological, Spatial, or Emphatic Order. first type second
type third type first similarity second similarity third similarity
first difference second difference third difference problem first possible
solution second possible solution
Order of Importance (Emphatic or Climactic Order): This structure
may be used for an entire paragraph or essay or it may be used for portions
of an essay. For example, one section of an essay may require sequential
organization while another section requires order of importance. Or
the similarities in a comparison may need to be arranged emphatically.
Most essays move from least to most; however, under some circumstancesfor
example, an argument addressed to a skeptical audiencethe strongest
point comes first. least important most important easiest hardest least
convincing most convincing
NOTE: Effective writing uses combinations of structures as appropriate
for communicating information and ideas most logically. Be sure to consider
both the internal organization of your paragraphs and the external organization
among the various paragraphs. In addition, use transitions and other
coherence strategies to enhance the logic.
Comments: writcent@tcc.edu
Last revision:
August 4, 2003
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