The 6 Writing Traits: Organization

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What is Organization?

Organization is the structure of the paper. The order should be logical and effective so that the reader hardly thinks about it. The information should be delivered at just the right moment. There should be an inviting lead that "hooks" the reader. The body should build to an important point by using supporting details that fit where they are placed. The conclusion should tie everything together. The ideas should be linked together with smooth transitions.

When working on Organization, a writer should do the following:

ü Use an inviting lead that "hooks" the reader

ü Place supporting details so that they fit

ü Use logical and effective structure, order, and sequence

ü Give information at just the right moment

ü Use smooth transitions to help the ideas flow together

ü Use a conclusion that ties everything together

ü Use a conclusion that gives readers a sense of resolution

ü Use organization that enhances the central idea

ü Use organization that is graceful

Organization Rubric

Rating of 5 (Strong):

The order makes sense and is easy to follow. The paper contains an effective lead and conclusion. The ideas are connected with transitions.

v The paper contains an inviting lead that grabs the reader's attention.

v The main idea is supported by details that fit where they are placed; sequencing makes sense and helps the reader understand what is written.

v The ideas are connected with smooth transitions.

v There is a strong conclusion that brings an ending to what is written.

v The reader doesn't have to think about the organization to understand what is written.

Rating of 3 (Developing):

The paper moves from point to point without too much confusion. The paper contains a lead and a conclusion. Some ideas are connected with transitions that may be weak.

v The paper contains a lead that can be identified, but is weak.

v The writer spends too much time on one area and not enough time on another.

v The order is hard to follow, or too easy and predictable.

v The transition between ideas are unclear or do not seem to fit.

v The conclusion is weak or does not bring an ending to what is written.

v The organization, though weak, does not seriously get in the way of the main point.

Rating of 1 (Beginning):

The writing does not have a clear sense of direction. The ideas are put together with no connections. The lead and/or conclusion cannot be identified.

v There is no real lead to begin the paper.

v There is no recognizable pattern to the ideas. They seem to be a list of thoughts that confuse the reader.

v There are no transitions between ideas. The reader gets lost easily.

v There is no conclusion.