Plain language: structure

How to organize your writing

1. Start with a mental or written overview of the key topics
2. Think about your audience - does your list of topics match the topics they will care about and will want to read?
3. Arrange the topics in order so it is easy to follow and understand
4. Put the most important information first
5. Remove redundant or unnecessary sections

Follow established standards

Think about the type of information you are sharing. Is there a template you can use? Here are some common structures for presenting information:

• Chronological (timeline)
• Sequential (step 1, 2, 3...)
• Geographical 
• Hierarchical

Exercise Four: A Structured Overview

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