Organization is the second element of the 6+1 Traits model. It means putting ideas, thoughts, and information together in an orderly way, like organizing objects into piles or putting pieces of a puzzle together. When writing, papers need an introduction, transitions between ideas, events in a logical sequence, a pace that keeps readers engaged, and a conclusion. Introductions should hook readers and conclusions should answer any remaining questions. Transitions, sequencing, and pace are important to guide readers smoothly through the information without confusion or boredom. Proper organization structures written works in a coherent way.

1. Organization
The second element of
the 6 + 1 Traits

2. What does organization mean?
When you organize your desk you put things
in neat piles with each kind of book in a different
pile. Then you put your supply box where it
would fit best. So to organize means to put
things together in an orderly way.
When writing we have to put our thoughts
and ideas in their proper place. Everything fits
together just like a puzzle.

3. So how do I organize my paper?
 Introduction – Beginning of a paper
 Transitions – moving from one subject to
the next
 Sequence – one thought following another in
order
 Pacing – the speed of moving from one
thing to the next
 Conclusion – the last section of the paper

4. Introduction
 Create an exciting first beginning
– Give the reader a clue of what the piece
may be about
– Make it exciting so the reader will want to
find out what will happen next.
 Once upon a time an eagle lived in the country.
 I want to talk about eagles.
 An eagle soared over the green pasture keeping
a close eye on the fox below.

5. Transitions
 When moving from one
paragraph to the next
remember to do it like stairs.
Don’t skip steps. One at a
time!
 If your piece moves too fast
the reader will get confused.
 If you spend too much time
on one step the reader will
get bored.

6. Sequencing
When you get ready
each morning you don’t
put your shoes on
before you pants.
Things need to be
done in order! When
we write, events or
information need to be
told in order of how it
happened.

7. Pace Yourself
As these boys run the race
they can’t run too fast at first.
They will run out of energy
and not be able to finish. On
the other hand if they take it
too slow the crowd will lose
interest and stop watching.
We need to remember the
same things in writing. Don’t
move from one subject to the
next too quickly. Although,
don’t spend too much time on
one subject.

8. Conclusion
If the beginning of the story hooks
the reader, like a fisherman hooks
a fish. The conclusion needs to be
like the fisherman reeling in the
fish and finding out what kind of
fish is on the other end. The end of
the story needs to answer any
question and leave the reader
thinking. Just as the fisherman
thinks, “Where can I get another
big one like that.”

9. Organize Yourself
Unlike your desk or mine,
organize the pieces of
your writing.
• Introduction
• Transition
• Sequence
• Pace
• Conclusion

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