This document introduces the concepts of structured and unstructured writing, highlighting key differences and benefits of structured writing. It describes structured writing as creating independent information blocks for better accessibility, while unstructured writing typically involves paragraphs with topic sentences. The document also outlines principles of structured writing and types of information that can be organized using this method.

1. PRINCIPLES OF
COMPOSITION:
STRUCTURED VS.
UNSTRUCTURED WRITING
Presenter: Swapnali Saikia

2. About this session
This session gives a brief introduction about how to
develop modular technical content. After completing this
session, you should be able to:
Compare and contrast structured and unstructured
writing
List the benefits of structured writing
Explain the principles of composition of structured
writing

3. Structured vs. unstructured
writing

4. What is structured writing?
 “Structured writing is the process of creating
and systematically organizing independent
units of information so they are easily
accessible, manageable and reusable.”

5. Differences and similarities
Structured
Block is the unit of
composition.
A block should have only
one purpose or function.
Topic sentences are
absent or irrelevant.
Unstructured
Paragraph is the unit of
composition.
A paragraph should have
only one thought.
A paragraph has a topic
sentence that comes at or
near the beginning.

6. Differences and similarities (2)
Structured
There is no "transitional"
phrase in the information
block.
Each block is labeled.
A block contains 3-5
sentences – can have up
to 9 sentences.
Unstructured
Paragraphs often require
a transition phrase.
 Each paragraph is not
necessarily labeled.
A traditional paragraph
does not have a
recommended number of
sentences.

7. Differences and similarities (3)
Structured
A block may contain a
bullet list, diagram, or
table about a specific
topic.
7 + or - 2 relevant blocks
create a map.
Unstructured
A paragraphs does not
have such requirements.
No such
recommendation for
paragraphs.

8. Example (before)

9. Example (after)

10. Benefits of structured writing
 Users/learners can significantly reduce the
time required to find information or learn a skill
as specific information is easy to find.
 Content developers can save time in
developing the content. Also, they can easily
spot missing data during the development
phase.

11. Principles of structured writing
 The Chunking Principle
 The Relevance Principle
 The Labeling Principle
 The Consistency Principle
 The Integrated Graphics Principle

12. Six information types
 Procedure
 Process
 Principle
 Concept
 Structure
 Fact

13. References
 Principles of structured writing
http://www.informationmapping.com/demo/?page=did_u_know
 Before and after example
http://www.informationmapping.com/en/information-mapping/information-
mapping/examples
 Elementary principles of composition (Elements of
Style, William Strunk)
http://www.bartleby.com/141/strunk5.html