Organizing

Ideas

&

Essays

Unity

“Unity is the Anchor of good writing. So, first get your unities straight. Unity not only keeps the reader from straggling off in all directions; it satisfies the reader’s subconcous need for order and reassures them that all is well at the helm.” - William Zinsser

Keys to Unity

Inviting introductionThoughful transitionsLogical sequencingPacingSatisfying conclusion

A model to live by…

Beginnings

Ask a thought provoking question to make the reader wonder

Give a little “sip” of the conclusionFunny story or anecdoteList of main pointsDramatic, sweeping, eye opening statementExpert quoteYour own angle/perspective - preferably one

that others have never seen before

Look at that body!

Organize by spaceOrganize by timeOrganize by contentOrganize by perspective

Body continued…

TransitionsLocationCompare/contrastShow timeConclude or summarizeAdd information

Still looking at that body…

SequencingMix it upPutting it in orderStep by step

Body, body, body…

PacingTen minutes only…Evidence…evidence…evidenceOutlining…

The end…

Profound thoughtA surpriseA quoteA tie upA question or open ended statementA challengeA summaryA literary deviceA laugh