Organization

Essays and paragraphs may be organized according to one or a combination of the following strategies:

Chronological: Uses time sequence; may use flashback or flash-forward for effect

Spatial: As occur in space; flexible but systematic

Emphatic: Builds from least to most important points; emphasis on last, strongest element

Simple-to-Complex: Begins with easily understood concept then moves or builds to more difficult concepts

Patterns of Development used for essays may be used as organizational strategies as well.

Source

Nadell, Judith, Linda McMenimen, and John Lagan. The Longman Writer: Rhetoric and Reader. Brief ed. Boston:

Pearson, 2005. Print.

Also, see:

Friedlander, John. "Principles of Organization." Guide to Grammar and Writing. Capital Community College Foundation. n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2014. http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/organization.htm

Attachment: Topic sentence exercise from Topic Sentence page; outline of paragraphs with comments regarding organizational integrity.