8.2. Criterion B: Organizing

Use coherent structure, referencing, and conventions of the format.

Criterion B focuses on how well students organize their written texts. This means that when students write an essay or a report, they should present their ideas in a clear and logical order. They must also use proper references to give credit to sources and follow the specific format required for their writing, such as the structure of an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Think of organizing a written text like arranging a bookshelf. Just as books are placed in a certain order to make it easy for readers to find what they're looking for, organizing ideas in writing ensures that the reader can easily follow the author's thoughts and arguments.

A coherent structure means that your ideas flow logically from one to another. Each section or paragraph should connect to the overall theme and purpose of your text.

Having a coherent structure means putting your ideas together in a way that's easy for the reader to understand. Each part of your text should lead smoothly into the next. For example, when writing an essay, your introductory paragraph should outline what you're going to talk about, each body paragraph should discuss one idea that supports your main argument, and the conclusion should summarize your points and reflect on their significance.

Imagine you are telling a story to a friend. If you jump around from one event to another without explaining what happened in between, they might get confused. Instead, if you tell the story in the order it happened, your friend can easily follow along and understand what you're saying.

Referencing involves giving credit to the ideas and works of others that you used in your writing. Proper referencing not only gives credit but also helps avoid plagiarism.

When you use somebody else's ideas in your writing, it’s important to acknowledge where those ideas came from. This is done through referencing. For example, if you quote or paraphrase a source, you should mention where you got that information. This demonstrates academic honesty and allows readers to find the original works if they're interested. Different formats for referencing include APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.

Think of referencing like thanking someone who gave you a ride to school. If you don’t acknowledge them, it’s as if you’re taking credit for their help. By thanking them—and maybe even sharing their blog or website with others—you are giving them the recognition they deserve.

Understanding and following the conventions of the specific format you are using (like essays, reports, or presentations) is essential for effective communication.

Every type of writing has its own set of rules—this is what we call conventions. For instance, an essay typically has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion; a report might need headings and subheadings for sections. When you adhere to these conventions, it enhances the clarity of your work and demonstrates your understanding of how to communicate effectively within that format.

Consider how recipes are formatted. They often have specific sections for ingredients, instructions, and cooking times. If you don’t follow this format, you might be confused about the steps, leading to a dish that doesn't turn out well. Similarly, if you don’t follow the conventions in your writing, your message might get lost.

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