Using a graphic organizer helps improve organization. Start with a web cluster. Place your topic in the center circle and then use the connected circles to brainstorm related ideas. Once you have brainstormed, you can use a more detailed organizer that starts with a thesis in a box at the top and has spaces underneath to help you narrow down the supporting details for the essay. By using an organizer, you can see if your thesis is too weak to support or if you need to expand your topic. Planning helps you gather your detail and present it in a logical fashion.
Transitions are phrases that help you move from one idea to another smoothly. Using transition helps organize the essay by illustrating the effect you wish to convey. Consult a list of transitions grouped by effect. For example, one group of transitions shows similarities; another grouping could illustrate contrasts. Simply inserting a transitional phrase can clarify ideas and improve coherence of concepts. Write the rough draft and then insert transitional words and phrases where needed.
Writing should be concise and clear. Excessive verbiage clouds the main idea of a writing piece and hampers its organization. Examine sentences to determine which ones are more of filler sentences than ones that clarify or expand on ideas. Cross out phrases and words not essential to the meaning of your piece.
The introduction and conclusion are essential elements of the organizational pattern of writing. Make sure that the introduction begins with the broad topic and then narrows to the focal point. The introduction should lead to the thesis statement, which shapes the entire organization of the essay. The conclusion paragraph should restate the main ideas of the essay. These two paragraphs act as bookends for the essay. It is important that both paragraphs are clear and help illustrate the main ideas.