DLC Writing Traits - Grade 6

In this unit of video lessons, students will learn several strategies for organizing ideas effectively. They will have a chance to:  

Organized Writing
organization.jpgOrganized Writing

Organized Writing


  • explore seven organizational designs
  • choose the right design to match the purpose
  • use transitional words to link ideas
  • write an organized, easy-to-follow paragraph

Organization - Introduction

Organization - Lesson 2.1 - "Name That Design" - Five Organizational Designs

Types of organizational design: 

  • chronological order - time (variation - flashbacks) 
  • visual or spatial order - a scene is created in the reader's mind (e.g. diagram and/or instructions) 
  • order of importance - most to least importance - e.g. persuasive essays, news stories, expository essays 
  • cause and effect/problem solving design -  analyzes problems and solution 
  • compare and contrast - compares a familiar object to something less familiar or contrast of different objects

Organization - Lesson 2.2 - "Writing by Design"

Two more organizational designs: 

  • step-by-step - describes steps in order
  • main idea and support - states main idea and has details to support it (e.g. persuasive essays, informational writing, book/film reviews)

Organization - Lesson 2.3 - "Building Bridges" - Word Bridges (Transitions)

Organization - Lesson 2.4 - "Putting It All Together"

Organization - Editing Level 1 - Conventions "TOC - Table of Contents"

Organization - Editing Level 2 - Presentation - "Preparing to Publish"

Organization - Sample 7 and 8

Organization - Final Writing Assignment 

As students prepare to complete a final writing assignment (an expository article) for this unit, this accompanying handout offers them:

    • a review of the steps of the writing process
    • a review of the "Organization" lessons in the unit
    • an expository writing organization sheet to use as a guide


Download: HO-27_Organization_-_Final_Writing_Assignment.pdf


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