© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.© 2010 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers.

Chapter 5Structuring Information for Your

Readers

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Strategies for Technical Communication in the Workplace

Laura J. GurakJohn M. Lannon

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Basic Shapeof a Formal Outline

I. IntroductionA. First pointB. Second point

II. Data section (body)A. First point

1. First sub point2. Second sub point

B. Second pointIII. Conclusion

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Basic Shape of an Alphanumeric Outline

2.0 Data section (body)

2.1 First point

2.1.1 First sub point

2.1.2 Second sub point

2.2 Second point

2.2.1 First sub point

2.2.2 Second sub point

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SequencingSpatial

Begins at one location ends at another.Chronological

Follows the actual sequence of events.Effect-to-cause

Identifies a problem and then traces its cause.Cause-to-effect

Follows an action to its results.Emphatic

Offers reasons in support of a specific viewpoint.Problem-causes-solution

Describes, diagnoses, and then solves the problem.Comparison-contrast

Evaluates two or more items in relation to one another.

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Paragraphing

The topic sentence: This usually appears early in the paragraph. It focuses on and forecasts the paragraph's main idea.

Paragraph unity: Each sentence expands on the topic sentence.

Paragraph coherence: A paragraph forms a connected line of thought.

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Support Paragraph

Typically found in the body of a document. Each sentence in a support paragraph relates to the paragraph's main idea, expressed in the topic sentence.

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Chunking

Each organizing technique discussed in this chapter is a way of chunking information. Chunking means to break down information into

discrete, digestible units. Chunking is also accomplished with visual design

techniques.

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Providing an Overview

After you have finalized your document, create a overview that addresses the following: What is the purpose of this document? Why should I read it? What information can I expect to find here?

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