Step 2 — Organizing
The second step of the Writing Process. Transforms raw ideas into a logical structure before drafting begins. Poor organization is identified as the most common weakness in student writing.
Part of: ADMN 233 — The Writing Process
flowchart LR I[Raw Ideas from Preparing] --> C[Group into categories] C --> OS[Choose ONE ordering structure] OS --> OL[Build an outline] OL --> CUT[Cut what doesn't fit] CUT --> W[→ Step 3: Writing]
Why Organization Matters
A document without clear structure:
- Fails to communicate its overarching goal
- Is hard for the reader to follow
- Wastes time by going off-topic
- Repeats itself, undermining credibility
- Cannot persuade
The Two Sub-Steps
2.1 Categorizing and Ordering Your Points
Group your ideas into categories and sub-categories. Mind mapping or diagraming tools help establish relationships between ideas.
Then choose ONE ordering structure that best serves the audience and the message:
| Structure | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Sequential (A → B → C) | Steps in a process |
| Chronological | Timeline of events |
| Cause and effect | Explaining why something happened |
| General → Specific | Introducing a concept then drilling down |
| Specific → General | Building up to a broader point |
| Topical | Discrete, unrelated sub-topics |
| Geographic | Location-based information |
| Alphabetical | Reference lists |
| By importance | Persuasive writing — lead and close with strongest points |
Rule: Use only one ordering structure per message. Tell your audience which structure you’re using so they can follow along.
Exam trap: The ordering structure must serve the audience, not the writer. A list of store locations should be ordered by proximity to the customer — not by when each store opened.
Prioritization tip: In persuasive writing, lead and conclude with your strongest points — this captures attention and ends on a high.
2.2 Creating an Outline
An outline is a skeleton for the message built before drafting.
Outline format:
- Start with one sentence stating the topic and goal (equivalent to a thesis statement)
- Number every high-level section in order
- Under each section, list key points (1–2 lines each)
- Bold or highlight keywords
Rules while building the outline:
- Every time you add a point, ask: does it fit the section? Does it flow from the point before and lead to the next?
- If a point doesn’t fit the structure → cut it or revise the structure. Never force points in.
- Never repeat points. Repetition in professional writing undermines credibility.
- Your section headings in the outline become the section headings in the document.
Key Points for Exam/Study
- Poor organization = most common weakness in student writing (per the source)
- Use exactly ONE ordering structure per message
- Tell the audience what structure you’re using
- The outline starts with a goal/thesis statement
- Never repeat points; never force points that don’t fit
- In persuasive writing: strongest points first and last
Cross-Course Connections
WritingProcess-Preparing — ideas generated in Step 1 feed directly into Step 2
WritingProcess-Writing — the outline built here is the continuous guide during Step 3
Argument — argument structure in PHIL 252 follows a similar categorize-and-order logic