Unit 2: Structure

Unit 2: Structure

The unit will focus on the importance of structure in writing. But what exactly does “structure” mean in academic writing? The concept of “structure” in academic writing is similar to constructing a building in architecture. Just as a building requires a solid foundation and gradual construction upward, a well-structured piece of writing, like a stable building, organizes sentences, paragraphs, and arguments in a logical order, effectively conveying the main point of the text. In contrast, poorly structured writing lacks logical organization, resembling chaotic construction in which parts are randomly placed, making it difficult for readers to grasp the central idea.

Since a well-structured essay is made up of paragraphs, we begin by exploring the structure of a “stand-alone paragraph”, using argumentative essays as examples. Typically, a stand-alone paragraph consists of three basic elements: a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. The topic sentence is typically the first sentence, used to introduce topic and establish the controlling idea, which narrows the scope of discussion. For example, in a topic sentence: “Homeschooling has three benefits,” “homeschooling” introduces the topic, while “three benefits” defines the scope of the discussion. Even if experienced writers may not always place the topic sentence first, it usually appears within the first few sentences. Once the topic sentence is established, the next step is to provide supporting sentences that further develop the controlling idea. Supporting sentences can include, but are not limit to, statistical data or explanations with relevant examples. The key is to ensure that each supporting sentence directly relates to the controlling idea, avoiding unnecessary or vague, abstract statements. Finally, the writer must succinctly convey the paragraph’s main message through the concluding sentence. While a complete stand-alone paragraph should include a concluding sentence, it can sometimes be omitted in connected paragraphs within an essay for better flow. Overall, a well-constructed stand-alone paragraph follows a simple organizational pattern: the topic sentence, supporting sentences, and concluding sentence, as shown in Figure 1.

Fg. 1. Stand-alone paragraph structure

Building on this foundation, we can shift our focus from a single paragraph to an entire essay composed of multiple paragraphs. A full essay typically includes an introductory paragraph, a concluding paragraph, and several body paragraphs in between. It is worth noting that while the introduction and conclusion are integral parts of the essay, their internal structure tends to be more adaptable and slightly different from what we discussed earlier, due to their function in introducing and concluding the topic. Body paragraphs, on the other hand, generally adhere to a more defined structure to support the essay’s arguments. However, their organization across multiple paragraphs may vary, involving more complex patterns depending on the essay type. In light of this distinction, we will begin by addressing the structure of introductions and conclusions.

Similar to a topic sentence that introduces the subject and narrows the scope, the primary role of the introduction is to present the essay’s topic and then lead to its central argument. Since an essay is much longer than a stand-alone paragraph, directly stating the subject can be too abrupt and may make it difficult to gradually guide the reader into the main argument. Therefore, introductions usually begin with general statements relevant to the topic, followed by examples, research findings, or data that gradually focus the discussion on the central idea, resembling a funnel that moves from broad to specific. Following this logic, the final sentence of the introduction should lead to the thesis statement, presenting the essay’s main argument. The conclusion, on the other hand, follows the reverse approach. It starts by summarizing the key points of the essay and then addresses broader implications related to the main topic and purpose, such as predicting trends, offering recommendations, or proposing solutions. This structure is referred to as the “reverse funnel.” The funnel and reverse funnel structures for the introduction and conclusion are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Fg. 2 The Structure of Introduction

Fg. 2 The Structure of Introduction

Fg. 3 The Structure of Conclusion

The organization of body paragraphs tends to be more complex and often varies depending on the type of essay. Here, an integrated overview of the organizational methods for process essays, cause/effect essays, and comparison/contrast essays is outlined as follows.

First of all, both process and cause/effect essays emphasize time sequence, which is the key element in organizing these types of essays, either through a sequence of cause-to- effect events from beginning to end or tracing backward from the result to the cause. Accordingly, they are often structured in a “chain” organization, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Fg. 4 The Structure of Process and Cause-Effect Writing I

However, depending on the complexity of the topic, it may not always be appropriate for a single paragraph to focus on only one process, cause, or effect; in such cases, the structure can be adjusted to the one shown in Figure 5.

Fg. 5 The Structure of Process and Cause-Effect Writing II

The structure shown in Figure 5 discusses two processes or examines a set of causes and effects in a single paragraph. This approach makes the content in each paragraph much richer compared to the structure outlined in Figure 4.

At this point, readers may wonder: some writers prefer to group all paragraphs related to “causes” together, followed by paragraphs on “effects” when writing cause-and-effect essays. However, this structure does not match the chain organization shown in Figures 4 and 5. This alternative approach is another valid organization pattern called the block organization, which can be used for both cause/effect and comparison/contrast essays. The advantage of the block organization is that it connects similar ideas together, allowing readers to easily see how each set of paragraphs supports the main point. For example, the first three paragraphs in a cause/effect essay could discuss causes, followed by three paragraphs on the effects. Similarly, a comparison/contrast essay might use the first block to discuss similarities and the second block to highlight differences. The block structure is illustrated in Figure 6.

 

Fg. 6 Block Organization

The structure shown in Figure 5 discusses two processes or examines a set of causes and effects in a single paragraph. This approach makes the content in each paragraph much richer compared to the structure outlined in Figure 4.

At this point, readers may wonder: some writers prefer to group all paragraphs related to “causes” together, followed by paragraphs on “effects” when writing cause-and-effect essays. However, this structure does not match the chain organization shown in Figures 4 and 5. This alternative approach is another valid organization pattern called the block organization, which can be used for both cause/effect and comparison/contrast essays. The advantage of the block organization is that it connects similar ideas together, allowing readers to easily see how each set of paragraphs supports the main point. For example, the first three paragraphs in a cause/effect essay could discuss causes, followed by three paragraphs on the effects. Similarly, a comparison/contrast essay might use the first block to discuss similarities and the second block to highlight differences. The block structure is illustrated in Figure 6.

 

Fg. 6 Block Organization

It is worth noting that when using the block organization in comparison/contrast essays, the subjects being compared must only have differences across all comparison criteria. For example, when comparing two phones: Phone A is 6.1 inches, while Phone B is 5.9 inches; Phone A costs NT$ 29,900, while Phone B is priced at NT$19,800; Phone A has a 12-megapixel main camera, while Phone B has a 50-megapixel camera. Given that these two phones differ across all three criteria—size, price, and camera resolution—the block structure would be most appropriate. On the other hand, if the comparison criteria include both similarities and differences, such as comparing two jobs in terms of work environment, benefits, and promotion opportunities, then the point-by-point structure should be used (Figure 7).

Fg. 7 Point-by-Point Organization

In point-by-point structure, each point of comparison becomes the focus of a paragraph, and the similarities and differences between the two jobs are discussed accordingly.

In summary, this chapter first introduced stand-alone paragraph structure and then expanded on how to structure an entire essay, including the introduction, body, and conclusion. We hope that after reading this chapter, readers will enhance their essay writing skills and produce well-structured, coherent essays.

 

 

I. Chinese Writing Websites and Reference Books

  1. The Independent Learning Centre, CUHK
  1. NTU AWEC E-Paper
  • Issue No. 017
    “How to Write a Good Research Paper: From Topic Selection to Content Organization”
    https://epaper.ntu.edu.tw/view.php?id=24373
    A dedicated columns in AWEC’s e-papers specially features a variety of the latest readings, reviews, and updates related to academic writing. While both Issue 002 “The Key to Thesis Writing: Building a Strong Structure” and Issue 017 “How to Write a Good Research Paper: From Topic Selection to Content Organization” focus on the structures of academic research writing, their principles are equally applicable to general writing. Issue 017 uses the example “The Legalization of Marijuana: Comparing the Harmful Effects of Marijuana and Tobacco/Alcohol” to explain essay structure and provides detailed guidance on how to revise the title, outline, and paragraphs in a first draft to improve clarity and reinforce logical coherence.
  1. Digital Guided Chinese Writing
  • Course Introduction Video: http://yt1.piee.pw/RYEAF
  • Online registration: https://pse.is/T6Q8K
  • Theme 1: Introduction to Digital Guided Writing
  • Unit 07: Organizational Structure of Guided Writing
    The Distance Learning Center at Chinese Culture University offers an advanced online Chinese writing course that integrates innovation, digital technology, interdisciplinarity, and diversity. A key feature of the course is its three-step writing journey, which includes the “11 Tips for Gathering Material Worksheet”, “The Brainstorming Family”, and “The Rhetorical Makeover Show”. This design guides learners through effective writing processes, helping them use associative and imaginative abilities to enrich simple sentences with vivid details that can be applied to various writing genres. Unit 07 “Organizational Structure of Guided Writing” offers a visual presentation of essay structure using simple, easy-to-understand diagrams.
  1. “The Little Red Writing Book”
  • Part 1: Structure
    This book offers 20 common writing principles aimed to enhance structure, style, readability, with practical examples applicable to a wide range of writing genres. It includes 13 writing exercises featuring sample answers. Part 1, “Structure,” introduces six commonly used structures: categorical, evaluative, chronological, comparative, linear, and causal —four of which highlight the importance of sequencing. Effectively applying these basic writing structures will enable writers logically organize their ideas and improve the overall coherence of their writing.
  1. “From Words to Structure: A Guide to Academic Writing”
    • Chapter 3: Fundamental Principles of Academic Writing
    • Chapter 4: Structure and Writing Techniques for Academic Research Writing
    • This book offers step-by-step guidance on academic writing, organized into three parts: “Planning and Preparing Writing”, “Structure of Academic Writing”, and “Grammar in Writing” across six chapters. Each chapter includes writing exercises, discussions, and key concepts. By following the book, readers will grasp the essentials of academic writing, including how to structure different sections of a research paper. While Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the organization of academic research papers, the principles apply to other writing genres as well. The examples provided throughout the book further reinforce readers’ understanding and practical application.
  2. “Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument” [2nd Edition]
    • Unit 5: How well do they do it? Clarity, consistency and structure
    • This 11-chapter book offers a structured, step-by-step guide with examples, evaluation forms, and practice activities that encourage critical thinking and help overcome common writing pitfalls. Unit 5 addresses common writing issues such as logical consistency and sequence, featuring exercises with sample answers to improve essay structure and reasoning.
  3. “Concise Writing: Writing is Thinking! 20 Lessons for Refined Thinking”
    • Lesson 7 Structural Power (1): Cultivating the Golden Triangle of Logic
    • This book argues that the most important aspects of writing are logic, observation, and emotion, with a focus on independent thinking rather than mere aesthetic appeal. It highlights three principles—simplicity, subtlety, and depth—to achieve precision in writing. It presents 20 lessons, each with a clear goal, guiding learners through practical exercises, with Lesson 7 specifically addressing the link between structure and logic to improve organization.
  • “McKinsey Writing Techniques and Logical Thinking”
  • Chapter 2: Writing coherent and impactful prose
  • This book incorporates techniques such as the “Pyramid Structure” and the “MECE Principle” to strengthen logical thinking in writing. The “Pyramid Structure” refers to a diagram that organizes topics or key points by levels of importance. placing the “main message” at the top, followed by “key and secondary messages” at the lower levels. The “MECE” principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) ensures themes are clearly organized, avoiding redundancy while covering all essential elements. Chapter 2 explains how to apply these techniques, including the effective use of subjects, connectors, and vocabulary to create coherent, persuasive writing. The pyramid structure, in particular, is useful for drafting outlines.

 

II.English Writing Websites and Reference Books

  1. Athabasca University Write Site
  • Writing Resources — Organization
  • https://www.athabascau.ca/write-site/_documents/writing-in-organizations.pdf?ss360SearchTerm=organization
  • Athabasca University’s Write Site provides feedback on organization, grammar, and style to support students in developing their writing skills. A link to the “Organization” handout is available to offers guidance on structuring essays, outlining, and writing coherent paragraphs and conclusions. While focused on essay structure, these principles are useful for general writing as well.
  1. The Writing Center at George Mason University
  1. Monash University Language and Learning Online
  • Structuring a long text
    https://www.monash.edu/learnhq/resources/excel-at-writing
  • This website includes a variety of resources to help learners improve their English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Learners can explore general academic writing techniques as well as find numerous reference materials and practice exercises tailored to various disciplines. Whether in the humanities, such as art, law, design, and business, or in STEM and medical fields, such as electrical engineering, information technology, pharmacy, and medicine, students from all fields can find specialized examples and writing techniques relevant to their disciplines.
  1. Writing Commons
  • Organization https://writingcommons.org/section/organization/
  • This website, developed by Professor Joe Moxley from the Department of English at the University of South Florida, is designed to meet the writing needs of university students. It features a wide range of articles organized by topics including writing genres (e.g. academic, technical, and business English), writing style, and the writing process. The “Organization” section helps readers understand the structure of an entire text, as well as the organization of paragraphs, sentences, and words.
  1. NTUAWEC E-Paper
  • Issue No. 8: Critical Factors in English Academic Writing: Logical Organization and Coherence https://epaper.ntu.edu.tw/view.php?listid=245&id=22809
  • Issue No. 10: Common Organizational Structures in English Writing https://epaper.ntu.edu.tw/view.php?listid=245&id=23047
  • As part of the periodically released AWEC of NTU e-newsletter, Spotlight Column, is dedicated to offering a wide range of guided readings, expert commentaries, and the latest academic writing insights. Issue 8 discusses six common pitfalls related to writing logic and organizational structure. It specifically use the excerpt “The Workplace Stress” to demonstrate how to reorganize sentences and connect paragraphs according to the logical flow of the introduction, moving from general to specific, to effectively support the main argument. Issue 10 outlines five common essay organizations: classification essays, chronological order, cause-and-effect, comparison, and argumentative essays. While these structures are primarily suited for academic writing, and may not fully apply to creative or literary writing, becoming familiar with them can help writers better outline and organize their essays.
  1. The Elements of Style
  • II. Elementary Principles of Composition
  • This book encompasses a rich variety of topics, including: “7 English Grammar Rules”, “11 Writing Conventions”, “7 Formatting Style Guidelines”, “50 Commonly Misused Words and Expressions,” “65 Frequently Misspelled Words” and “25 Carefully Designed Practice Exercises”. The purpose is to help learners identify their common writing mistakes and develop the skills needed to write clear, concise sentences that effectively convey meaning. Chapter 2, “Elementary Principles of Composition” emphasizes how to write paragraphs and topic sentences, focusing on structure, voice, word choice, and sentence structure to enhance to enhance both logical reasoning and writing organization.

References:

Leibman, Jesse. How to Write Any High School Essay: The Essential Guide. Scotts Valley, California: CreateSpace, 2017.
Oshima, Alice and Hogue, Ann. Longman Academic Writing Series 4: Paragraphs to Essays, Fifth Edition. New York: Pearson Education, 2014.
Swales, John M. and Feak, Christine B. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills, Third Edition. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2012.