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Basic Organization of Form and Content in Effective Writing

Introduction

In their book, "Writing Effectively", Mary Lynn Kelsch and Thomas Kelsch both speak of a "controlling idea" that can help organize form and content in effective writing. For web content development, this "controlling idea" can be aptly expressed in a key phrase(s) that we develop as the thematic framework to our entire writing, leading the reader with content that directs them to the point of the article. If we focus well on our controlling idea (key phrase) in each paragraph of our writing, then we can create a well-organized web page that effectively communicates to readers what they want to know.

Organizing form of writing in terms of a list of topics

After we find or discover our controlling idea and embody it in a key phrase(s), then one way of organizing the form of our content is to list down the topics in three to five paragraphs - paragraphs with information related to our controlling idea. As an example, in the article 5 Good Techniques in Writing - Effective Writing Techniques, the controlling idea of this article is expressed in the key phrases "techniques in writing" and "effective writing techniques". With the number of techniques given (#5), five paragraphs were created to form the main body of the article. With an introduction in the beginning and a summary at the end, the form of the article is completed. Other forms of writing of the same type can be made with lists on tips, means and ways, and checklists.

Step by step instructions as a form of writing

Our controlling idea can also be organized through a logical flow of step by step instructions. In organizing this form of writing, it is how we detail the steps in simple and direct form that will effectively produce the desired result for our readers - making our step by step instructions work for them. An example of this form of organization in effective writing on the Web can be found in the article Basic Web Development - Web Site Development. For this form of writing, the use of the key phrases "basic web development" and "web site development" extended the controlling idea to produce a 7-paragraph step by step guide framed also with an introduction and a summary.

Content organization in effectively writing lists of topics

How we organize our content depends on the form we have decided to use in writing: whether in the form of a list of topics, or in the form of step by step instructions. If we decide to use the former, then an effective way of presenting content in the form of a list is to introduce the topics from least important first, then gradually move on to the more important topics. In this way, the reader reads the light content at first, and then he is gradually prepared to take on the heavier topics. Presenting our content lightly at first will not overwhelm our readers, but may even capture their interest to read more until the end. By the time they finish the article, they would have obtained substantial information to help them in relation to the controlling idea they wanted to know more about in the article.

Content organization in effectively writing instructions

In writing content through step by step instructions, we have to organize our controlling idea so that the reader may not be lost, but can follow easily the logical flow that would help them arrive at the expected result. So before writing the instructions, we have to first outline carefully in as much detail as we can all the necessary elements of each step that would lead the reader to achieve the results they want. We can organize our content to successfully help the reader if we follow a learn by example style used by many authors. This simple style uses concrete examples to help readers visualize the steps needed in following the instructions from start to completion. Julie C. Melonie, in her book "PHP Essentials: A Better Way to Learn PHP", uses this style in organizing her instructional content. This web site also uses this style in content development in its article, Learn By Example.

Enhancements to make more effective our writing on the Web

After we have employed the basic organizational tips and techniques given above for the form and content of writing effectively on the Web, we can then enhance the effectiveness of our writing by also embedding scripts and objects (third party applications) to illustrate our controlling idea. As an example, we can embed customized search tools from Rollyo.com, videos from YouTube.com, podcasts from Odeo.com, and reference lists from LibraryThing.com. Although these tools are not basic to writing form and content organization, it can nevertheless greatly enhance and intensify the effectiveness of the article if used with proper timing and placement.

Summary

In this article, we have learned about the "controlling idea" that we need to find and discover for our writing, and to concretely embody it in key words and key phrases. Once we have the "controlling idea" in specific key phrases, then we need to organize the form and content of our article in a way that makes our writing effective. Five techniques were mentioned above that can basically ensure effective writing and can also enhance it further with the embedding of third party applications. In truth, writing effectively comes with the actual practice of writing regularly. The more we write and learn to organize our writing well in form and content, the better we become effective writers on the Web. The more we practice writing, the more we can perfect writing effectively.

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Dennis Emmanuel Cabrera
Web Developer Methods for Catholics
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