Organization

This skill includes developing logical sequences, categorizing elements, ranking items in order, deciding on the priority of items, identifying main ideas, making connections, seeing how ideas relate, writing leads and conclusions, and resolving problems.

Strong Paper (5)

• Details fit where they are placed and are logical and effective

• The introduction draws the reader into the piece

• The conclusion leaves the reader satisfied with a sense of resolution

• The needed information is provided at just the right moment

• Transitions are smooth

• The paper flows so smoothly that the reader is hardly aware of the organization

Developing Paper (3)

• There is an introduction and conclusion, but they may not be compelling or leave the reader with a sense of satisfaction

• Sequencing is logical but may be obvious

• Pacing is fairly well controlled, but sometimes leaps ahead or spends too much time on obvious details

• Transitions are present, but sometimes the connection between ideas is fuzzy and the reader must make inferences

• The organization does not get in the way of the main points or storyline

Weak Paper (1)

• There is no lead or conclusion

• Connections between ideas seem confusing or incomplete

• Sequencing, if it is there, needs work

• Pacing is awkward, too much time spent on minor details or there are hard-to-follow leaps between points

• It is hard for the reader to get a grip on the main points