2.2 The importance of structure

Good structure can make a document significantly more readable. Structure is all about making the different parts of the document work together to enable the document to achieve its goal. Each sentence in the document should be clearly constructed and the ways in which you connect your sentences should be clear. There should also be a clear overall structure to your document.

A clear structure is one that is easily understood by the reader. Of course, it is possible that a structure could be clear but not very logical. But most of the time a clear structure is clear because it is logical – it makes sense for your document to proceed the way it does.

The first draft of a document’s structure is figured out as part of the initial planning stage. But be aware that your structure may change during the writing and editing processes. That is okay! This does not mean that planning the structure at the beginning is pointless. The plan provides you with a starting point and an important guide for the writing process because it tells you where you are and where you are going at any point. It will help you with task management as well because you will be able to focus on one section at a time, and, if necessary, out of order without getting confused. If, after you have created a first draft, you decide to alter the original planned structure, that is usually a sign that you are improving the document.