successful organization essay

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Organization and Structure

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There is no single organizational pattern that works well for all writing across all disciplines; rather, organization depends on what you’re writing, who you’re writing it for, and where your writing will be read. In order to communicate your ideas, you’ll need to use a logical and consistent organizational structure in all of your writing. We can think about organization at the global level (your entire paper or project) as well as at the local level (a chapter, section, or paragraph). For an American academic situation, this means that at all times, the goal of revising for organization and structure is to consciously design your writing projects to make them easy for readers to understand. In this context, you as the writer are always responsible for the reader's ability to understand your work; in other words, American academic writing is writer-responsible. A good goal is to make your writing accessible and comprehensible to someone who just reads sections of your writing rather than the entire piece. This handout provides strategies for revising your writing to help meet this goal.

Note that this resource focuses on writing for an American academic setting, specifically for graduate students. American academic writing is of course not the only standard for academic writing, and researchers around the globe will have different expectations for organization and structure. The OWL has some more resources about writing for American and international audiences here .

Whole-Essay Structure

While organization varies across and within disciplines, usually based on the genre, publication venue, and other rhetorical considerations of the writing, a great deal of academic writing can be described by the acronym IMRAD (or IMRaD): Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. This structure is common across most of the sciences and is often used in the humanities for empirical research. This structure doesn't serve every purpose (for instance, it may be difficult to follow IMRAD in a proposal for a future study or in more exploratory writing in the humanities), and it is often tweaked or changed to fit a particular situation. Still, its wide use as a base for a great deal of scholarly writing makes it worthwhile to break down here.

• Introduction : What is the purpose of the study? What were the research questions? What necessary background information should the reader understand to help contextualize the study? (Some disciplines include their literature review section as part of the introduction; some give the literature review its own heading on the same level as the other sections, i.e., ILMRAD.) Some writers use the CARS model to help craft their introductions more effectively.
• Methods: What methods did the researchers use? How was the study conducted? If the study included participants, who were they, and how were they selected?
• Results : This section lists the data. What did the researchers find as a result of their experiments (or, if the research is not experimental, what did the researchers learn from the study)? How were the research questions answered?
• Discussion : This section places the data within the larger conversation of the field. What might the results mean? Do these results agree or disagree with other literature cited? What should researchers do in the future?

Depending on your discipline, this may be exactly the structure you should use in your writing; or, it may be a base that you can see under the surface of published pieces in your field, which then diverge from the IMRAD structure to meet the expectations of other scholars in the field. However, you should always check to see what's expected of you in a given situation; this might mean talking to the professor for your class, looking at a journal's submission guidelines, reading your field's style manual, examining published examples, or asking a trusted mentor. Every field is a little different.

Outlining & Reverse Outlining

One of the most effective ways to get your ideas organized is to write an outline. A traditional outline comes as the pre-writing or drafting stage of the writing process. As you make your outline, think about all of the concepts, topics, and ideas you will need to include in order to accomplish your goal for the piece of writing. This may also include important citations and key terms. Write down each of these, and then consider what information readers will need to know in order for each point to make sense. Try to arrange your ideas in a way that logically progresses, building from one key idea or point to the next.

Questions for Writing Outlines

• What are the main points I am trying to make in this piece of writing?
• What background information will my readers need to understand each point? What will novice readers vs. experienced readers need to know?
• In what order do I want to present my ideas? Most important to least important, or least important to most important? Chronologically? Most complex to least complex? According to categories? Another order?

Reverse outlining comes at the drafting or revision stage of the writing process. After you have a complete draft of your project (or a section of your project), work alone or with a partner to read your project with the goal of understanding the main points you have made and the relationship of these points to one another. The OWL has another resource about reverse outlining here.

Questions for Writing Reverse Outlines

• What topics are covered in this piece of writing?
• In what order are the ideas presented? Is this order logical for both novice and experienced readers?
• Is adequate background information provided for each point, making it easy to understand how one idea leads to the next?
• What other points might the author include to further develop the writing project?

Organizing at the sentence and paragraph level

Signposting.

Signposting is the practice of using language specifically designed to help orient readers of your text. We call it signposting because this practice is like leaving road signs for a driver — it tells your reader where to go and what to expect up ahead. Signposting includes the use of transitional words and phrasing, and they may be explicit or more subtle. For example, an explicit signpost might say:

This section will cover Topic A­­ and Topic B­­­­­.

A more subtle signpost might look like this:

It's important to consider the impact of Topic A­­ and Topic B­­­­­.

The style of signpost you use will depend on the genre of your paper, the discipline in which you are writing, and your or your readers’ personal preferences. Regardless of the style of signpost you select, it’s important to include signposts regularly. They occur most frequently at the beginnings and endings of sections of your paper. It is often helpful to include signposts at mid-points in your project in order to remind readers of where you are in your argument.

Questions for Identifying and Evaluating Signposts

• How and where does the author include a phrase, sentence, or short group of sentences that explains the purpose and contents of the paper?
• How does each section of the paper provide a brief summary of what was covered earlier in the paper?
• How does each section of the paper explain what will be covered in that section?
• How does the author use transitional words and phrases to guide readers through ideas (e.g. however, in addition, similarly, nevertheless, another, while, because, first, second, next, then etc.)?

WORKS CONSULTED

Clark, I. (2006). Writing the successful thesis and dissertation: Entering the conversation . Prentice Hall Press.

Davis, M., Davis, K. J., & Dunagan, M. (2012). Scientific papers and presentations . Academic press.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips

How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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Table of contents

The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

• Thesis statement
• Discussion of event/period
• Consequences
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement
• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
• Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
• Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
• High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
• Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
• Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
• Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
• Implications of the new technology for book production
• Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
• Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
• Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
• Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
• Summarize the history described
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

• Synthesis of arguments
• Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
• Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
• Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
• Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
• Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
• Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
• Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
• Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
• Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
• Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
• Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
• Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

• Point 1 (compare)
• Point 2 (compare)
• Point 3 (compare)
• Point 4 (compare)
• Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
• Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
• Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
• Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
• Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
• Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
• Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
• Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

• Introduce the problem
• Provide background
• Describe your approach to solving it
• Define the problem precisely
• Describe why it’s important
• Indicate previous approaches to the problem
• Present your new approach, and why it’s better
• Apply the new method or theory to the problem
• Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
• Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
• Describe the implications
• Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
• Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
• Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
• Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
• Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
• Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
• Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
• Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
• This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
• This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
• It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
• Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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9.3 Organizing Your Writing

Learning objectives.

• Understand how and why organizational techniques help writers and readers stay focused.
• Assess how and when to use chronological order to organize an essay.
• Recognize how and when to use order of importance to organize an essay.
• Determine how and when to use spatial order to organize an essay.

The method of organization you choose for your essay is just as important as its content. Without a clear organizational pattern, your reader could become confused and lose interest. The way you structure your essay helps your readers draw connections between the body and the thesis, and the structure also keeps you focused as you plan and write the essay. Choosing your organizational pattern before you outline ensures that each body paragraph works to support and develop your thesis.

This section covers three ways to organize body paragraphs:

• Chronological order
• Order of importance
• Spatial order

When you begin to draft your essay, your ideas may seem to flow from your mind in a seemingly random manner. Your readers, who bring to the table different backgrounds, viewpoints, and ideas, need you to clearly organize these ideas in order to help process and accept them.

A solid organizational pattern gives your ideas a path that you can follow as you develop your draft. Knowing how you will organize your paragraphs allows you to better express and analyze your thoughts. Planning the structure of your essay before you choose supporting evidence helps you conduct more effective and targeted research.

Chronological Order

In Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , you learned that chronological arrangement has the following purposes:

• To explain the history of an event or a topic
• To tell a story or relate an experience
• To explain how to do or to make something
• To explain the steps in a process

Chronological order is mostly used in expository writing , which is a form of writing that narrates, describes, informs, or explains a process. When using chronological order, arrange the events in the order that they actually happened, or will happen if you are giving instructions. This method requires you to use words such as first , second , then , after that , later , and finally . These transition words guide you and your reader through the paper as you expand your thesis.

For example, if you are writing an essay about the history of the airline industry, you would begin with its conception and detail the essential timeline events up until present day. You would follow the chain of events using words such as first , then , next , and so on.

Writing at Work

At some point in your career you may have to file a complaint with your human resources department. Using chronological order is a useful tool in describing the events that led up to your filing the grievance. You would logically lay out the events in the order that they occurred using the key transition words. The more logical your complaint, the more likely you will be well received and helped.

Choose an accomplishment you have achieved in your life. The important moment could be in sports, schooling, or extracurricular activities. On your own sheet of paper, list the steps you took to reach your goal. Try to be as specific as possible with the steps you took. Pay attention to using transition words to focus your writing.

Keep in mind that chronological order is most appropriate for the following purposes:

• Writing essays containing heavy research
• Writing essays with the aim of listing, explaining, or narrating
• Writing essays that analyze literary works such as poems, plays, or books

When using chronological order, your introduction should indicate the information you will cover and in what order, and the introduction should also establish the relevance of the information. Your body paragraphs should then provide clear divisions or steps in chronology. You can divide your paragraphs by time (such as decades, wars, or other historical events) or by the same structure of the work you are examining (such as a line-by-line explication of a poem).

On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph that describes a process you are familiar with and can do well. Assume that your reader is unfamiliar with the procedure. Remember to use the chronological key words, such as first , second , then , and finally .

Order of Importance

Recall from Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” that order of importance is best used for the following purposes:

• Persuading and convincing
• Ranking items by their importance, benefit, or significance
• Illustrating a situation, problem, or solution

Most essays move from the least to the most important point, and the paragraphs are arranged in an effort to build the essay’s strength. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to begin with your most important supporting point, such as in an essay that contains a thesis that is highly debatable. When writing a persuasive essay, it is best to begin with the most important point because it immediately captivates your readers and compels them to continue reading.

For example, if you were supporting your thesis that homework is detrimental to the education of high school students, you would want to present your most convincing argument first, and then move on to the less important points for your case.

Some key transitional words you should use with this method of organization are most importantly , almost as importantly , just as importantly , and finally .

During your career, you may be required to work on a team that devises a strategy for a specific goal of your company, such as increasing profits. When planning your strategy you should organize your steps in order of importance. This demonstrates the ability to prioritize and plan. Using the order of importance technique also shows that you can create a resolution with logical steps for accomplishing a common goal.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph that discusses a passion of yours. Your passion could be music, a particular sport, filmmaking, and so on. Your paragraph should be built upon the reasons why you feel so strongly. Briefly discuss your reasons in the order of least to greatest importance.

Spatial Order

As stated in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , spatial order is best used for the following purposes:

• Helping readers visualize something as you want them to see it
• Evoking a scene using the senses (sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound)
• Writing a descriptive essay

Spatial order means that you explain or describe objects as they are arranged around you in your space, for example in a bedroom. As the writer, you create a picture for your reader, and their perspective is the viewpoint from which you describe what is around you.

The view must move in an orderly, logical progression, giving the reader clear directional signals to follow from place to place. The key to using this method is to choose a specific starting point and then guide the reader to follow your eye as it moves in an orderly trajectory from your starting point.

Pay attention to the following student’s description of her bedroom and how she guides the reader through the viewing process, foot by foot.

Attached to my bedroom wall is a small wooden rack dangling with red and turquoise necklaces that shimmer as you enter. Just to the right of the rack is my window, framed by billowy white curtains. The peace of such an image is a stark contrast to my desk, which sits to the right of the window, layered in textbooks, crumpled papers, coffee cups, and an overflowing ashtray. Turning my head to the right, I see a set of two bare windows that frame the trees outside the glass like a 3D painting. Below the windows is an oak chest from which blankets and scarves are protruding. Against the wall opposite the billowy curtains is an antique dresser, on top of which sits a jewelry box and a few picture frames. A tall mirror attached to the dresser takes up most of the wall, which is the color of lavender.

The paragraph incorporates two objectives you have learned in this chapter: using an implied topic sentence and applying spatial order. Often in a descriptive essay, the two work together.

The following are possible transition words to include when using spatial order:

• Just to the left or just to the right
• On the left or on the right
• Across from
• A little further down
• To the south, to the east, and so on
• A few yards away
• Turning left or turning right

On a separate sheet of paper, write a paragraph using spatial order that describes your commute to work, school, or another location you visit often.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Key Takeaways

• The way you organize your body paragraphs ensures you and your readers stay focused on and draw connections to, your thesis statement.
• A strong organizational pattern allows you to articulate, analyze, and clarify your thoughts.
• Planning the organizational structure for your essay before you begin to search for supporting evidence helps you conduct more effective and directed research.
• Chronological order is most commonly used in expository writing. It is useful for explaining the history of your subject, for telling a story, or for explaining a process.
• Order of importance is most appropriate in a persuasion paper as well as for essays in which you rank things, people, or events by their significance.
• Spatial order describes things as they are arranged in space and is best for helping readers visualize something as you want them to see it; it creates a dominant impression.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Writing a Paper: Revising for Effective Organization

Revising for effective organization, whole-essay organization:.

These strategies will help you identify paragraphs with information or ideas that need to be rearranged or adjusted.

• Read each paragraph. On note paper, write the central idea for each paragraph, forming an outline of your paper.
• Does each central idea help you support the thesis of your paper? If not, then you have gone off-topic. Identify which paragraph does not relate to your assignment, and revise it.
• Do your ideas progress logically? If not, then you have presented them out of order. Identify which paragraphs to present earlier or later in your paper, and rearrange them.

Individual-Paragraph Organization:

These strategies will help you identify sentences that need to be added to your paragraphs. Additionally, click this link for more details about organization on the Writing Center website.

• Main point: The first sentence of each paragraph should present its main idea.
• Evidence: The next line should support for your topic with cited sources.
• Analysis: The next lines should explain the evidence and connect it to your topic.
• Lead out: The last line of each paragraph should help readers shift smoothly to the new idea in the next paragraph.
• If you find any paragraphs that do not follow the MEAL plan, identify which element is missing (main point, evidence, analysis, or lead out) and revise your paragraph to include this material.

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Problem Solving

What Defines a Successful Organization?

November 20, 2022

The characteristics that help an organization succeed have changed over the past century. While a highly structured, top-down management style used to be companies’ preferred approach to organization, the internet has made this structure (and the layers of hierarchy that developed over decades) irrelevant.

Organizations succeed over time only when they adapt to the speed and character of external change. Every aspect of an organization — from how it operates and is structured to how it is led — must match the current yet ever-shifting context in which it exists.

As the world changes at a faster pace than ever before, companies must change more rapidly as well. Yet the practices, structures, and behaviors at many large companies are not designed for such responsiveness. A century ago companies implemented such approaches because control, consistency, and predictability were top concerns; core competencies were cherished foundations to build on; and leaders viewed the world from inside the organization looking out.

To thrive today, however, companies must be able to detect external changes from the outside in and have a built-in fluidity so they can continually adapt. They need to focus on individual customers, make their core competencies dynamic, and rely on teams instead of a hierarchy — all by using the power of data and algorithms.

As we look back on a century of Harvard Business Review, we should also take time to look ahead — and recognize what the next iteration of a successful organization looks like.

Where the Organization Has Been

Since its founding, HBR has sought answers to fundamental questions such as these: What’s the best way to organize a business? What is the right structure, and how should day-to-day decisions be made?

About a century ago Henry Ford had a world-changing answer to these questions. He built a business around top-down management and assembly line mass production. By standardizing his automobiles and the steps taken to manufacture them, he lowered the cost per unit across the entire end-to-end value chain. That innovation, combined with his decision to raise workers’ pay to $5 per day, was adopted by other companies. This change drove industrial activity — making it possible for millions more people to own and enjoy everything from cars to Coca-Cola — and raised living standards around the world. Even as Ford’s company grew, though, its structure remained the same: a hierarchy in which business decisions were made in the C-suite and functions reported up to the president and chief executive.

What Makes a Successful Organization, According to HBR Readers

An organization that not only delivers on customers’ expectations today but also caters to their future, undiscovered demands. — Sahil, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia An organization is successful when people enjoy waking up in the morning to dedicate their skills and time to deliver the organization’s value.…Its purpose and outcomes are human- and planet-centric, desirable and responsible, and innovative and versatile. — Daniela, Lisbon, Portugal, and Berlin, Germany An organization that can satisfy a need in society and at the same time provides satisfaction to employees in terms of purpose, compensation, and challenge. — Ricardo, Tijuana, Mexico Understanding how people, process, and tech fit together, then enabling those for the benefit of the customer and society. — Jessica, New York, New York, USA A successful organization is one that considers all stakeholders in decision-making — employees, customers, the community, shareholders, and suppliers. The organization is not afraid to engage with stakeholders in two-way communications. — Kimberly, Brooklyn, New York, USA An organization works to help employees have the right balance between work and family time. — Andrés, Bogotá, Colombia Goal-driven, not trend-driven. — William, Tokyo, Japan An organization is successful when it can quickly adapt to give its workforce what it needs as society and the economy change.  — Ute, Holle, Germany

These are lightly edited responses to a survey that HBR editors shared with our LinkedIn group in July 2022.

Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., CEO of Ford’s major competitor, General Motors (GM), decided to pursue a new strategy by offering different makes and models of cars for every budget in a range of styles and colors. GM used consumer research to segment the market, but it always kept the focus on markets large enough to ensure the manufacturing would be cost-effective. To manage multiple products and brands, Sloan realized that GM needed a different organizational structure too — one with divisions that each had a top leader responsible for profit and loss (P&L).

After World War II, large companies became even larger as they extended their sales and production and built networks of suppliers (what we now call “ecosystems”) in countries and even on continents other than their own. Many multinational corporations adopted a P&L organization structure to maintain control of their sprawling businesses.

In the 1950s, as industrial manufacturer General Electric (GE) prepared to adopt a P&L structure, it consulted with leading management thinker Peter Drucker, who pointed out that executives would need training to make the new system work. That led GE to create a 16-week course on how to be a general manager, birthing its now-famous training center in Crotonville, New York. Soon after, Harvard Business School created an Advanced Management Program course (which I taught for 30 years), and consulting firms created product lines around leadership training.

Companies continued to expand in size, breadth, and hierarchical levels, yet they also needed to coordinate across their existing structures. A host of companies — including TRW, Bechtel, Citibank, and Texas Instruments — began to use a matrix arrangement in which reporting relationships and accountability were shared across product, functional, and geographic structures.

In the 1990s, of course, the internet changed everything. Marc Andreessen co-created a browser that made the web useful for commercial purposes, coders began developing software and then algorithms to make decisions more quickly than humans can, and computer processing capacity became increasingly cheaper and more powerful.

Jeff Bezos saw the internet growing at 2,300% per annum, left his job at investment firm DE Shaw, and founded an online bookstore called Amazon, which has since morphed into not just the “everything store” but also the leading provider of web services to a host of other companies.

Where the Organization Is Now

Bezos discovered early what every twenty-first-century leader should now know: We have entered an age of discontinuity in which breaks in the external world are deeper and more frequent, rendering prevailing organizational structures and practices ineffective, if not harmful. Successful organizations exploit those changes, as Amazon has since its inception, and take advantage of what’s new.

Current realities make it imperative that companies shift in several ways:

1. From mass market to markets of one.

Bezos recognized that an online retailer could offer far more choices than a local shop could, along with the convenience of delivery right to the customer’s home — all at a lower cost. This kind of affordable personalization and service was a new value proposition. What’s more, each transaction provided Amazon with data that its algorithmic engine could analyze to ensure that future offerings were better tailored to each consumer’s preferences, needs, and desires, or what I call “markets of one.”

Businesses that use technology to predict and personalize what a vast number of individuals want at low incremental cost can scale up and increase cash gross margins. Companies that don’t make this shift will find it hard to compete.

2. From building on core competencies to routinely replacing them.

The conventional wisdom has been that companies should use their core competencies to sustain a competitive advantage. But in an age of discontinuity, this approach doesn’t work for long.

Leaders of every company today must ask these questions: Given changing external realities, is this core competence becoming less important or irrelevant? Do we still need to expend resources to support it, or are there new competencies we need to build and shift resources toward?

Right now, for example, if you don’t have a core competence in using algorithms, you will need to acquire or develop this capacity. Amazon eclipsed many retailers that were too slow to adapt, but now we see brick-and-mortar competitors such as Walmart building their data analytics and e-commerce capabilities.

Recruiting the right people and deploying them in ways that allow them to apply their expertise and energy are core competencies themselves and critical in the age of discontinuity. In an escalating war for talent, businesses that are the most skilled in acquiring and developing these competencies will have a distinct competitive advantage.

3. From hierarchical layers to a team-based structure.

Nearly every company needs to reduce the hierarchical layers that have accumulated in their organizations over time and channel more work to teams.

The benefits of doing so are manifold. When teams include people who are on the front lines, the information flow is both faster and more accurate; with this increased speed comes greater flexibility to respond to customer and market changes. The improved flow of information also creates transparency that removes a lot of organizational politics and encourages collaboration.

Fidelity Investments, the financial services firm, recently restructured its personal investing group in a team format. Each team has a clear mission and much autonomy in how to accomplish it. The roughly 5,000-person organization now has just three layers below the president and operates at lower cost and with shorter cycle times for innovation. The control function that managerial layers used to perform is now done through software that generates detailed metrics. Reports are produced 24/7 and highlight any red flags in the data.

4. From inside-out to outside-in management.

To keep a company competitive over the long term, leaders must know what is happening far beyond their own industry, geography, and existing customers.

Societal issues around sustainability, racial justice, and geopolitics affect many aspects of business, from strategy to the ability to hire the best talent. Today, for example, it is impossible to ignore the tricky issues raised by China’s intermixing of business and the Chinese Communist Party, which has a presence in every major Chinese company.

Business leaders need a wide lens and a routine for detecting early-warning signals of external changes. Some leaders set aside 10 minutes in every team meeting to discuss any new dynamics people are observing, sometimes prompted by a newspaper article or an outside event. When leaders repeatedly ask, “What’s new?” — as Jack Welch used to do when he was CEO of GE — they can help the organization develop an awareness of subtle shifts that might indicate where things are heading. The goal of such vigilance is to get the organization ready for change so it’s poised to drop what won’t work in the near future and jump on new opportunities.

The Path Ahead

Amazon is not alone in its adaptation to the age of discontinuity, but it continues to lead the charge, always reinvesting in its future.

Others must choose: Adapt or die. Some may be getting a late start in developing technologically driven personalization, dynamic core competencies, flatter and team-based hierarchies, and an outside-in focus. In many industries and geographies, however, there is still ample opportunity to build the structures and processes that take advantage of the new external realities. As companies start on that task, they should recognize that the best way to organize and manage a business is always changing — and that the answers to fundamental questions may be very different 100 years from now than they are today.

Copyright 2022 Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate.

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Essays on Successful Organization

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External Measures of Success

One of the main external measures of success is profitability in the organization. Any successful organization is aimed towards maximizing profit. Thus, if the organization that I manage performs is dependent on the level of profitability. Additionally, success of an organization can be assessed by the level of its corporate social responsibility. Increase in corporate social activities and projects shows that the organization does not just make profits only, but is also concerned with improving the lives of other people.

Intrinsic Measures of Success

Multidimensional Approach To The Group Cohesion-group Performance Relationship Biography

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Organization > How To Run and Plan an Effective Client Meeting

How To Run and Plan an Effective Client Meeting

Whether you’re hosting a meeting for a product launch or to check in on work progress, leaving a good impression during a client meeting is crucial. These meetings can be high pressure and anxiety-inducing, especially as you aim to grow your working relationship. Learn how to effectively plan and run a client meeting to nurture a positive work relationship.

How to Prepare for a Client Meeting

To get the results you want, there are plenty of tools and strategies you can use to prepare for the meeting, and check in afterward:

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Set Clear Objectives and Goals

Before the meeting, take the time to define clear objectives and goals: why is this meeting important to the client? What results or project-focused aims do you hope to achieve? Having clear objectives and parameters helps to solidify the purpose of the meeting so everyone involved can find their role and utilize their skills appropriately.

Research Client Needs

It’s paramount to understand your client’s business, challenges, and goals . To effectively prepare for your client meeting, research industry trends, company pain points, and the goals of your clients’ business decisions. With a clear understanding of your client, you can tailor your approach during your meeting to effectively meet their needs.

Prepare a Client Meeting Agenda

A well-structured agenda is the roadmap for a successful meeting. Outline the topics to be discussed, allocate enough time for each item, and share the agenda with all participants in advance. This not only ensures that everyone is prepared but also sets expectations for the meeting’s flow and purpose.

How to Facilitate a Client Meeting

Now that it’s time to run the meeting, here are tips on how to maintain etiquette , convey your ideas with ease, and manage meeting time:

Maintain Appropriate Client Meeting Etiquette

During the meeting, always maintain professionalism and respect. Practice active listening, refrain from interrupting others, and address any conflicts or disagreements diplomatically. These small gestures go a long way in fostering trust and mutual respect.

Employ Effective Communication Strategies

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful client meetings. Use language that resonates with the client, encourage open dialogue, and ask probing questions to gain deeper insights. Offer thoughtful insights and solutions to keep the conversation productive and focused on achieving shared goals.

Manage Time Effectively

Respect everyone’s time by adhering to the agenda and allocating time for each agenda item. Keep the discussion focused and guide participants back on track if the conversation veers off topic. End the meeting promptly as scheduled to demonstrate professionalism and efficiency.

How to Follow-Up After a Client Meeting

After you host the meeting with your client, it’s important to follow up with them to show that you’re actively invested in their progress and that you’re both aligned in goals.

Summarize Key Points and Action Items

After the meeting, create an agenda that summarizes the key discussion points, decisions made, and action items assigned. This ensures clarity and accountability, keeping everyone on the same page and moving towards shared objectives.

Send Follow-Up Emails

Reinforce key takeaways and next steps in a follow-up email . Express gratitude for the client’s time and input, and provide any additional information or resources discussed during the meeting. This gesture demonstrates professionalism and commitment.

Schedule Any Necessary Follow-Up Meetings or Calls

If further discussions or follow-up actions are required, proactively schedule additional meetings or calls as needed. This demonstrates your dedication to addressing the client’s needs and ensures ongoing progress towards shared goals.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to navigate client meetings with confidence and ensure that they’re productive, impactful, and conducive to building strong and lasting relationships with your clients. For more help with effective meeting preparation, learn more organization tips .

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The Role of Management in Organizational Success Report

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Introduction

Leadership and organizational success, importance of team management and communication in the organization, contribution of social responsibility, contribution of ethical behavior, reference list.

Management is an important element in the success of an organization. Therefore, it is imperative for organizations to integrate optimal management strategies. This report outlines the contribution of management to IBM’s success. The study takes into account various management aspects.

The first section of the report outlines the significance of management in an organizations success. The second part outlines an analysis of various management concepts. Some of the elements evaluated include the managerial functions of planning, controlling, and organizing.

The contribution of leadership, ethical behavior, and social responsibility to organizational success are also evaluated. Moreover, the importance of effective team management and communication in the organization are analyzed.

Effective management is essential in a country’s economic growth as it contributes towards the establishment of synergy amongst the four factors of production, which include machines, materials, human capital, and money.

Poor management may lead to a low rate of economic growth despite a country being endowed with substantial factors of production (Tripathi & Reddy, 2008).

Moreover, the future success and performance of organizations is subject to the competence of the organizational leaders. Tripathi and Reddy (2008) assert, “Management is the dynamic and life-giving element in every organization” (p.1).

Therefore, it enables an organization to deal with issues that emerge in firms’ course of operation, for example employee conflict. Management also enables organizations to coordinate current business activities and plan for future occurrences.

Tripathi and Reddy (2008) further opine that management aids organizations in their pursuit to develop an effective working environment.

However, the degree to which an organization can be defined as successful with regard to management depends on how well it has adopted coupled with implementing various principles of management.

Some of these principles relate to planning, organizing controlling, team management, communication, social responsibility, ethical behavior, and leadership. IBM ranks amongst the global market leaders in the information technology industry.

Despite the high degree of volatility within the information technology industry, IBM has managed to sustain optimal financial performance over the past decades. The firm’s success is evidenced by the high rate at which it has ventured into different market segments.

This paper evaluates how IBM has integrated management. The analysis is conducted with reference to planning, organizing controlling, team management, communication, social responsibility, ethical behavior, and leadership.

Bose (2002) defines management as the process through which an organization projects what should be done in order to cope with future changes.

Planning entails different aspects, which include formulating business objectives, determining the action to be undertaken and methods to be used in order to attain the pre-determined objectives, deciding on who will undertake the tasks, and how the results will be evaluated.

The intensity of competition in the global information technology industry requires firms in the industry to be effective and efficient with regard to planning. IBM has formulated a number of policies that it follows in the process of executing its planning function.

First, IBM ensures that all managers at the top, middle, and lower levels of management undertake the process of planning for long-term and short-term objectives.

In a bid to improve the planning effectiveness, IBM requires the top, middle, and lower-level managers to identify and propose possible modifications in the firm’s plans. Therefore, the firm promotes planning at departmental stages.

The firm’s management has also provided employees with an opportunity to contribute to the planning process.

Employees recommend and share their opinion on diverse corporate procedures and policies, which has played a critical role in improving the firm’s effectiveness in aligning itself with market changes.

The firm’s effectiveness in planning has improved the potency with which it formulates operational policies, procedures, and financial and non-financial objectives. Furthermore, the firm prepares budgets, operational programs, and schedules effectively.

Planning also enhances IBM’s effectiveness in formulating alternative course of action. The futuristic characteristic of planning is critical in IBM’s effort to cope with changes that emanate from internal and external business environments.

Controlling

Succeeding in the business environment requires firms to ensure that their operations are in conformity with the set principles, procedures, and plans, which can only be achieved if optimal control procedures are implemented.

DuBrin (2009) argues that controlling is essential in a firm’s effort to achieve positive performance. IBM has adopted an effective control mechanism by establishing various standards of performance.

In an effort to remain competitive, IBM has formulated a policy whereby employees are required to achieve predetermined targets within a particular period by developing a balanced scorecard that comprises specific key indicators.

IBM evaluates the employees’ performance using the balanced scorecard at the end of the set duration. The evaluation is undertaken by comparing the set targets against the actual performance. Thus, the firm identifies possible deviations.

Through controlling, IBM determines whether the employees are focused at their jobs. Comparing the set targets against the actual employee performance gives IBM insight on the action to take in order to ensure that the employees meet the set standards.

Thus, control enables IBM to gauge the likelihood of attaining the set organizational goals. Tripathi and Reddy (2008) emphasize that lack of effective control limits a firm’s ability to determine whether the set objectives will be realized.

This element constitutes the next step after implementing the plan. Tripathi and Reddy (2008) assert that the workforce has to be organized in order to implement the plan successfully.

The organizing function enables a firm to bring together resources such as workforce and raw materials necessary to accomplish the predetermined goals.

Therefore, staffing constitutes a key element in a firm’s organization effort. Tripathi and Reddy (2008) define organization to include the process of selecting and training employees. Moreover, organizing also entails establishing a strong relationship amongst the workforce.

The relationship is developed by assigning responsibilities and instituting a form of authority. The employees get specific responsibilities from the corresponding authority to execute the task. IBM has a well-developed organizational structure that comprises a number of departments.

Every department is assigned a specific role. However, all the departments collaborate with each other in undertaking their duties, and thus the firm is in a position to achieve synergy.

Leadership is vital in the operation and performance of organizations. Tripathi and Reddy (2008) define leadership to include the process through which organizational managers determine how they will impress the subordinates.

The objective of leadership is to develop a high level of cooperation amongst employees hence increasing the likelihood of achieving the set goals.

Effective organizational leadership enables an organization to attract, develop, and retain a strong workforce.

Thus, the probability of an organization building a strong organizational brand increases. Below is an analysis of how effective leadership is essential in promoting organizational success.

Effective leadership contributes to organizational success by enhancing a firm’s ability to cope with changes. Currently, the IT industry is experiencing an increment in the rate at which new IT products are being developed.

Firms and individuals are investing in research and development in an effort to develop products that will address the existing market needs. In a bid to thrive in such an environment, it is critical for firms to implement the necessary changes.

The type of leadership adopted determines the employees’ perception regarding the desired change and hence their level of commitment. Poor leadership may lead to employee resistance towards change hence affecting the organization’s competitiveness negatively.

One of the elements that have enhanced IBM’s success relates to effective leadership. Since its inception, IBM has managed to develop and implement innovative leadership. Furthermore, the firm perceives challenging and complex situations as critical in its success.

Consequently, it is capable of identifying potential business opportunities from the complex business situations. In a bid to exploit such situations, IBM values employees who are creative, imaginative, and innovative.

Its choice of such employees hinges on the need to engage in continuous product development and improvement. However, this goal is only achievable if employees get an opportunity to exercise their ideas. Thus, IBM has adopted transformational leadership style.

The transformational leadership style adopted by IBM has enabled the firm to be effective in its new and continuous product development.

Organizational identification has considerable influence in the development of organizational behavior and hence the attainment organizational goals.

Harrington (2006) defines organizational identity to include the distinctive and unique characteristic of an organization as perceived by employees. Positive organization identification influences the employees’ decision to continue working in a particular organization.

The leadership style adopted increases the degree of congruence between employees and the professed organizational values. A high degree of fit between employees and the organizational values influences the level of employee satisfaction.

Moreover, effective leadership improves the degree of cohesion and collaboration between employees.

Thus, nurturing effective leadership enables organizations to build mutual trust, hence increasing cooperation and information sharing amongst employees, which culminates in improved organizational performance.

The organizational leadership adopted does not only influence the degree of organizational identification amongst employees, but also other external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, and the general public. Therefore, leadership influences an organization’s public image.

IBM has developed “360 degree of trust” that cuts across all its constituents which include the clients, business partners, and communities. Some of the values that the firm has nurtured include integrity, trusting in the employees’ capabilities, positive intent, and accountability.

According to Harrington (2006), communication is the most important element in human resource management. Through communication, an organization is able to improve the level of transparency and cooperation amongst employees.

Effective communication is essential in an organizations’ effort to achieve its goals and objectives. Thus, managers should nurture effective communication in order to perform their managerial functions, which include planning, leading, directing, controlling, and organizing more effectively.

Organizations can adopt diverse strategies in developing their organization strategy. Some of these strategies include one-way, two-way, and five-way communication strategies.

The five-way system is also known as the star communication system and is the most effective. The five-way system entails communication in five main directions, which include up, sideways, down, the customers, and suppliers. IBM has adopted the five-way communication system.

First, communication ensures that employees are well informed about their duties, responsibilities, and the operational standards to follow in the course of executing the assigned duties.

Moreover, communication enables organizational managers to inform the employees if their performance falls below expectations. Thus, it plays a critical in promoting motivation amongst employees.

Secondly, communication aids in the development of an environment that is conducive for working. Nurturing effective communication enables employees to socialize with their colleagues.

The likelihood of sharing new knowledge and information that is vital in the organization’s success increases. Therefore, organizations are in a position to formulate alternative course of action.

Communication also plays a fundamental role in altering the employees’ attitude regarding their job and the organization in general. Well-informed employees are more likely to have a positive attitude regarding their job compared to insufficiently informed employees.

In addition to the above elements, communication improves the effectiveness with which an organization implements the control function. For example, through communication, an organization ensures that the employees’ behaviors align with the set procedures and standards.

In addition to communication, teamwork is another important aspect in the operation of an organization. Currently, organizations are increasingly adopting teamwork in an effort to enhance their competitiveness. An organization can accrue a number of benefits through teamwork.

First, a firm can improve the scope of work undertaken by employees on a daily basis. Through teamwork, employees share their talents and skills with their team members hence increasing the likelihood of attaining high performance.

Secondly, teamwork contributes towards development of a strong workforce, as employees from different ethnicities and backgrounds can interact and work together. Such interaction improves the likelihood of an organization developing a strong organizational culture.

In pursuit for high competitive advantage, organizations are increasingly adopting the concept of projects. The projects are designed to achieve a specific goal. For example, IBM invests in projects aimed at developing new information communication technologies.

However, the success of such projects depends on the quality of teamwork implemented. Teamwork promotes organizational performance by providing organizations with an opportunity to develop a strong human capital.

Currently, organizations can hire employees from different regions irrespective of physical distance due to the high rate of technological development, which has led to the emergence of virtual teams.

Consequently, teamwork promotes organizational performance by increasing the likelihood of effective project management and coordination amongst project team members.

IBM is cognizant of the importance of achieving sustainable growth. One of the ways through which the firm intends to achieve this is by investing in corporate social responsibility.

Bose (2002) defines corporate social responsibility to include how organizations manage their operations in order to influence the society in which they operate. Corporate social responsibility is based on three main pillars, which include social, environmental, and economic actions. IBM has benefited in a number of ways by investing in corporate social responsibility.

First, the firm has developed a positive reputation in the global market. A large number of individuals desire to work in the firm. Therefore, the firm has developed a strong workforce.

Moreover, the employees’ level of productivity has improved significantly while the rate of labor turnover in the firm has reduced. Investing in corporate social responsibility has also played a critical role in minimizing regulatory influence from the government.

Thus, the firm operates smoothly. Social responsibility has also led to improvement in the firm’s level of sales and customer loyalty by ensuring that the products being developed are of high quality.

In summary, social responsibility has also contributed towards IBM becoming a “stakeholder balanced” organization hence achieving positive financial performance.

IBM is committed towards ensuring that all its operations are ethical by being employee and customer-focused.

First, the firm ensures that all its operations are focused towards customer satisfaction. In a bid to achieve this goal, the firm ensures that the products produced are of high quality.

Secondly, the firm has implemented an effective customer service policy. Thus, IBM has developed a high level of customer satisfaction. Consequently, IBM has managed to develop a strong customer base hence increasing its sales revenue and profit.

Similarly, the firm ensures that its employees are treated well. IBM has integrated a comprehensive employee reward system that comprises both financial and non-financial benefits. Secondly, the firm does not discriminate employees based on any demographic variable.

Consequently, employees have developed a high degree of organizational identification hence improving their desire to stay in the firm.

The firm operates in a manner that does not affect the society negatively. For example, the firm ensures that its operations do not contribute to environmental pollution. Consequently, its public image has improved significantly.

Effective management has played an essential role in IBM’s success. Despite this aspect, the firm cannot rule out the possibility of negative impacts emanating from the internal and external sources. However, firms can cope with such occurrences through effective management.

Continuous review of the management strategies is paramount in order to make the necessary adjustments. Moreover, the management strategies adopted should focus on both the internal and external stakeholders, which will improve the firm’s market position and its competitiveness.

Bose, D. (2002). Principles of management and administration . New Delhi, India: Prentice-Hall.

DuBrin, A. (2009). Essentials of management . Mason, OH: Thomson Business and Economics.

Harrington, H. (2006). Resource management excellence: the art of excelling in resource management. Chicago, CA: Paton Press.

Tripathi, P., & Reddy, N. (2008). Principles of management . New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw-Hill.

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Surgeon General: Why I’m Calling for a Warning Label on Social Media Platforms

By Vivek H. Murthy

Dr. Murthy is the surgeon general.

One of the most important lessons I learned in medical school was that in an emergency, you don’t have the luxury to wait for perfect information. You assess the available facts, you use your best judgment, and you act quickly.

The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor. Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the average daily use in this age group, as of the summer of 2023, was 4.8 hours . Additionally, nearly half of adolescents say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies.

It is time to require a surgeon general’s warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. A surgeon general’s warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe. Evidence from tobacco studies show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior. When asked if a warning from the surgeon general would prompt them to limit or monitor their children’s social media use, 76 percent of people in one recent survey of Latino parents said yes.

To be clear, a warning label would not, on its own, make social media safe for young people. The advisory I issued a year ago about social media and young people’s mental health included specific recommendations for policymakers, platforms and the public to make social media safer for kids. Such measures, which already have strong bipartisan support, remain the priority.

Legislation from Congress should shield young people from online harassment, abuse and exploitation and from exposure to extreme violence and sexual content that too often appears in algorithm-driven feeds. The measures should prevent platforms from collecting sensitive data from children and should restrict the use of features like push notifications, autoplay and infinite scroll, which prey on developing brains and contribute to excessive use.

Additionally, companies must be required to share all of their data on health effects with independent scientists and the public — currently they do not — and allow independent safety audits. While the platforms claim they are making their products safer, Americans need more than words. We need proof.

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AI Success Depends on Tackling “Process Debt”

• Paul Leinwand,
• Sundar Subramanian,
• Mohib Yousufani

It’s time to clean up the antiquated, functionally isolated, and customer-disconnected ways of doing work.

Typically, organizations in the midst of transformation efforts spend significant time and resources trying to correct massive amounts of “technical debt” — the price of years of short-term decisions and prioritizations that result in an overly complex technological infrastructure. But equally challenging is managing organizations’ often undiscussed “process debt” — the build-up of often antiquated, functionally isolated, and customer-disconnected ways of doing work. Without tackling process debt, companies won’t be able to realize the massive potential of technologies like AI. Remapping and reprioritizing how your organization does work can lead to startling results and focus your organization on the activities it’s better equipped to deliver.

Much like the many digitization efforts that have come before, AI brings tremendous potential to help transform how work is done, and even access work that we didn’t think was possible. Consider that ER doctors hit an average of 4,000 keystrokes in a 10-hour shift — imagine all the good that could be accomplished from repurposing that effort, time, and mental energy by not just replacing some of this work, but also augmenting intelligence to help improve effectiveness and speed.

• Paul Leinwand is a principal at PwC U.S., a global managing director at Strategy&, and an adjunct professor at Northwestern’s Kellogg School. He is a coauthor, with Mahadeva Matt Mani, of Beyond Digital: How Great Leaders Transform Their Organizations and Shape the Future (HBR Press, 2022).
• Sundar Subramanian is a principal at PwC U.S., and leads Strategy&, PwC’s strategy consulting business. He also heads its enterprise strategy, value, and digital transformation practice.
• Mohib Yousufani is a principal at PwC U.S. He is a senior global leader in digital transformation, and advises institutions across industries on achieving superior growth and performance.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

How to write an engaging and informative interview essay that captivates readers.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of words and emotions? Do you yearn to bring real-life stories to life on paper? If so, then the art of conducting an interview essay might just be the path for you. Through a delicate amalgamation of acute observation, introspection, and empathetic listening, you can unravel the intricacies of a person’s life and translate their experiences into a captivating piece of writing. Discover the key steps and techniques that will help you become a master of the interview essay genre.

Imagine yourself as a literary detective, armed with a notepad and pen, delving into the depths of someone’s thoughts and experiences. Your duty is to uncover the hidden layers of a person’s soul and translate them into a narrative that captivates the reader from the very first word. The interview essay offers a unique opportunity to break through the boundaries of traditional storytelling and delve into the realm of intimate conversations. Using skillful questioning and active listening, you can extract stories that will resonate with readers and give them a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Crafting a successful interview essay requires the delicate balance of objective reporting and subjective interpretation. It is a dance between the facts and the emotions, the words spoken and the unspoken truths. As an interviewer, your role extends beyond mere transcription; you are an interpreter, a curator of stories, and a storyteller. By carefully selecting the most powerful quotes, weaving them into a coherent narrative, and providing insightful context, you can create a compelling tapestry of human experiences that will inspire and enlighten your readers.

Overview of Interview Essays

In this section, we will explore the fundamental aspects of conducting and presenting an interview essay. By delving into the art of conversation and storytelling, interview essays provide a unique opportunity to capture the essence of an individual’s experiences and perspectives. These essays allow readers to gain insight into a person’s life journey, accomplishments, and insights on various topics, offering a glimpse into their world.

Interview essays go beyond the realm of traditional journalistic interviews, offering a more personal and in-depth exploration of the interviewee’s thoughts and emotions. Unlike a standard news article or report, interview essays focus on the individual and their unique perspective, providing a platform for their voice to be heard.

Throughout the essay, the interviewer must skillfully navigate the conversation, asking thoughtful and probing questions to elicit meaningful responses. It is crucially important to establish a comfortable and trusting environment, allowing the interviewee to open up and express themselves authentically. The interview process requires active listening and keen observation, ensuring that the essence of the interviewee is accurately portrayed.

The structure of the interview essay typically begins with an engaging introduction that introduces the interviewee and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Following the introduction, a series of questions and answers, presented in a logical and coherent manner, form the body of the essay. This section should highlight the most compelling and enlightening aspects of the interview, showcasing the interviewee’s unique insights and experiences.

As the interview draws to a close, a well-crafted conclusion synthesizes the main points discussed during the interview, providing a final reflection on the interviewee’s thoughts and perspectives. This section should leave the reader with a lasting impression of the interviewee and their story.

In summary, interview essays offer a captivating and rich exploration of an individual’s life and experiences. Through thoughtful questioning and careful listening, these essays provide a platform for the interviewee’s voice to be heard, shedding light on their unique perspective and contributions to the world.

Choosing an Interviewee

When embarking on the task of conducting an interview essay, one of the most crucial decisions to make is choosing the right interviewee. This individual will be the subject of your essay and plays a significant role in shaping the overall narrative and content. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider several factors when selecting an interviewee.

First and foremost, it is essential to choose an interviewee who possesses expertise or experience in the subject matter you wish to explore. The interviewee should have valuable insights and a deep understanding of the topic, ensuring that the interview will provide meaningful and informative content. Consider professionals, experts, or individuals who have unique perspectives that align with your essay’s theme.

In addition to expertise, it is crucial to select an interviewee who is willing and enthusiastic about participating in the interview. Look for individuals who are open to sharing their thoughts and experiences, and who express genuine interest in engaging in a conversation about the chosen topic. This will ensure that the interview is engaging and that the interviewee is willing to provide detailed and insightful responses.

Another factor to consider when choosing an interviewee is their accessibility. It is important to select someone who is readily available and willing to commit the necessary time for the interview. Consider individuals who have a flexible schedule or who are willing to accommodate your interview request. This will help ensure that you can conduct the interview within your desired timeframe.

Lastly, consider the diversity and representation that the interviewee can bring to your essay. Aim for inclusivity and diversity by selecting individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives. This will enrich your essay and provide a broader range of insights and experiences to draw from.

In conclusion, choosing the right interviewee is a critical step in writing a successful interview essay. It requires careful consideration of factors such as expertise, willingness to participate, accessibility, and diversity. By selecting the most suitable interviewee, you can ensure that your essay will be engaging, informative, and provide a unique perspective on the chosen topic.

Tips for selecting the right individual to interview for your article

Choosing the right person to interview for your essay is a crucial step in ensuring that your piece is insightful and engaging. The individual you select should have firsthand knowledge or experience related to your topic, offering unique insights and perspectives. Taking the time to carefully select the right person will not only enhance the quality of your interview essay but also lend credibility to your work.

Firstly, consider the expertise and background of the person you are considering interviewing. Look for individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field you are focusing on. This could be a subject matter expert, a professional in the industry, or someone who has had personal experiences relevant to your topic. These individuals can provide valuable insights and opinions, allowing your essay to delve deeper into the subject matter.

In addition to expertise, it is essential to choose someone who is articulate and can effectively convey their thoughts and experiences. Good communication skills are a vital aspect of a successful interview. Look for individuals who can express themselves clearly and concisely, ensuring that the information they provide is easy to understand and engaging for your readers.

Another important factor to consider when selecting an interviewee is their availability and willingness to participate. Ensure that the person you choose is willing and able to commit the necessary time and effort to the interview process. This could include conducting in-person interviews, phone interviews, or even email correspondence. Being flexible and accommodating to the individual’s schedule is key to obtaining the information you need for a compelling interview essay.

Finally, aim for diversity when selecting an interviewee. Consider individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This will not only provide a well-rounded view of your topic but also make your essay more relatable and interesting to a wider audience. Including diverse voices and opinions will enrich your work and make it more impactful.

By following these tips and selecting the right person to interview, you can ensure that your essay is informative, engaging, and offers a unique perspective on your chosen topic.

Preparing for the Interview

Getting ready for an interview is a crucial step towards a successful conversation that will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Adequate preparation is important as it helps you feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and qualifications. In this section, we will discuss the key steps to take before an interview to ensure you are well-prepared and can present yourself in the best possible light.

• Research the company: Before attending an interview, it is essential to research the company you are interviewing with. This includes understanding their mission, values, products or services they offer, and any recent news or projects. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your interest in the company but also allow you to ask relevant questions during the interview.
• Analyze the job description: Take the time to thoroughly analyze the job description for the position you are applying for. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the description. This will help you tailor your answers during the interview and showcase how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role.
• Prepare your answers: It is a good idea to anticipate some of the questions that may be asked during the interview. Practice your answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This preparation will help you showcase your skills and qualifications confidently and concisely.
• Prepare questions to ask: In addition to answering questions, you should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the role and allows you to gather more information about the company and the position. Consider asking about company culture, team dynamics, or opportunities for growth.
• Dress appropriately: First impressions matter, so it is important to dress professionally for the interview. Research the company’s dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than what is expected. Ensure that your attire is clean, ironed, and appropriate for the industry.
• Practice good body language: During the interview, your body language can speak volumes. Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and use confident and friendly gestures. This will help you appear engaged and interested in the conversation.
• Gather necessary documents: Before the interview, gather all necessary documents, such as copies of your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references. Organize these documents neatly in a folder or portfolio, so they are easily accessible during the interview.
• Plan your route and arrive early: Before the day of the interview, plan your route and ensure you know how to get to the location. Consider traffic or public transport delays, and aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This will give you time to relax, collect your thoughts, and make a good first impression.

By following these preparation steps, you will increase your chances of success during the interview. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and let your qualifications and enthusiasm shine!

Steps to take before conducting the interview to ensure its success

Prior to conducting an interview, there are several key steps one should take to ensure its success. By carefully preparing and organizing beforehand, you can maximize the outcome of the interview and gather the most valuable insights and information from your subject.

• Research your subject: Take the time to thoroughly research your subject before the interview. Familiarize yourself with their background, achievements, and any relevant work they may have done. This will not only help you ask informed and insightful questions but also demonstrate your interest and preparedness during the interview.
• Define your goals: Determine what specific information or insights you hope to gain from the interview. Clarify your objectives and the overall purpose of conducting the interview. This will help you structure your questions and guide the conversation in a focused and meaningful direction.
• Prepare a list of questions: Create a list of questions that will prompt your subject to share their experiences, opinions, and expertise. Mix open-ended questions with more specific ones to encourage thoughtful and detailed responses. Consider the flow and order of your questions to ensure a smooth and logical conversation.
• Consider the logistics: Plan and organize the logistics of the interview in advance. Determine the best format for the interview, whether it is in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Confirm the date, time, and location if applicable. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready, such as recording devices or notepads.
• Establish rapport: Building a rapport with your subject is crucial for a successful interview. Prior to the interview, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview. Create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere during the actual interview to allow your subject to feel at ease and open up more naturally.
• Anticipate challenges: Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles that may arise during the interview. Prepare alternative strategies or questions to handle any unexpected circumstances. By being flexible and adaptable, you can ensure the smooth progression of the interview.
• Respect confidentiality: If your interview involves sensitive or confidential information, assure your subject of confidentiality and obtain their consent to share certain details. This will help establish trust and encourage them to share more freely and openly.

By following these steps before conducting an interview, you can set the stage for a successful and valuable exchange of information. Proper preparation and organization will ensure that you extract the most meaningful insights and present a well-rounded and informative interview.

Conducting the Interview

During this phase, you will have the opportunity to engage in a face-to-face conversation with your interviewee. This is a crucial step in gathering valuable information for your interview essay. The interview allows you to unravel the unique perspectives, experiences, and insights of your subject, bringing depth and authenticity to your writing.

Before the interview, it’s important to research your interviewee and become familiar with their background and work. This preparation will enable you to ask informed questions and show respect for their expertise. Showing genuine interest in their work will make them more willing to open up and share their insights during the interview.

When conducting the interview, create a comfortable and relaxed environment for your interviewee. Establishing a friendly rapport will help them feel at ease and encourage thoughtful responses. Begin by asking a few general questions to ease into the conversation and then gradually move into more specific topics of interest. Active listening is key during the interview; pay attention to not only the words spoken but also the tone, body language, and emotions conveyed.

As you progress through the interview, probe deeper into the interviewee’s thoughts and experiences. Ask open-ended questions that invite detailed and reflective responses. Be prepared to adapt your questions based on their responses to keep the conversation flowing naturally. It’s important to strike a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing your interviewee to express themselves freely.

Remember to be respectful and considerate throughout the interview process. Avoid interrupting and allow your interviewee to fully express their thoughts. Take notes during the interview to capture important details and to ensure accuracy in your essay. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional information if needed.

By conducting a successful interview, you will gather rich material to create a compelling and engaging interview essay. The insights and personal anecdotes shared by your interviewee will add depth and authenticity to your writing, making it a truly captivating piece.

Techniques and strategies for effectively interviewing your subject

When conducting an interview, it is important to have a set of techniques and strategies to ensure a successful and insightful conversation with your subject. By employing these techniques, you can gather valuable information, establish rapport, and make the most out of your interview.

• Prepare: Before the interview, do thorough research on your subject to familiarize yourself with their background, expertise, and accomplishments. This will enable you to ask informed and relevant questions during the interview.
• Establish rapport: Building a connection with your subject is crucial to create a comfortable and open atmosphere during the interview. Begin by introducing yourself, showing genuine interest, and actively listening to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” focus on open-ended questions that encourage your subject to provide detailed and insightful responses. These questions often start with “how,” “why,” or “tell me about.”
• Active listening: During the interview, give your full attention to your subject and demonstrate active listening. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing verbal cues to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. Avoid interrupting and allow your subject to complete their thoughts.
• Probing and follow-up questions: To dig deeper into a topic or clarify any ambiguous answers, ask probing questions. These questions can help you extract more specific details and provide a more comprehensive understanding of your subject’s perspective.
• Keep it conversational: While it’s important to maintain a professional approach, aim to make the interview feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. Use a friendly tone, ask follow-up questions, and be empathetic to create an environment where your subject feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.
• Record or take notes: To fully capture the interview, consider recording the conversation with your subject’s permission. Alternatively, take detailed notes during the interview to ensure accuracy when transcribing and referring back to the interview later.
• Thank your subject: Once the interview is complete, remember to express gratitude to your subject for their time and insights. Sending a follow-up message or a handwritten note as a token of appreciation can leave a positive impression and may result in future interview opportunities.

By utilizing these techniques and strategies during your interview, you can obtain valuable information, establish meaningful connections, and create a successful and insightful interview essay.

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College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Structuring Essay for Success: Organizational Tips for Clear and Coherent Writing

Introduction.

When it comes to writing essays, a well-structured piece not only captivates the reader but also conveys your ideas more effectively. The proper organization lays the foundation for clear and coherent writing. In this article, we’ll delve into essential tips to help you structure your essays for success.

Understanding the Essay Structure

The basics of essay structure.

In order to write an essay that reads smoothly from beginning to end, you need to have a fundamental understanding of the structure that essays typically take. The typical composition of an essay includes an introduction, many paragraphs that make up the body, and a conclusion.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

The introduction acts as a port of entry into the body of your essay. A compelling introduction should not only provide a concise outline of the subject matter, but also capture the interest of the reader. In addition to that, it must to provide your thesis statement, which is an outline of the primary argument that you will present in your essay.

Organizing Your Ideas

Developing a strong thesis statement.

Crafting a well-defined thesis statement is crucial. It acts as the backbone of your essay, guiding the reader through your arguments and insights. To delve deeper into this concept, consider looking at essay samples by gradesfixer , which will further enhance your understanding. These samples offer valuable insights into how to formulate a compelling thesis statement that effectively sets the tone for your essay.

Analyzing these examples can provide you with a clearer picture of how to align your own thesis statement with the overall direction of your essay. By studying such samples, you’ll gain a deeper grasp of how to craft a thesis that encapsulates the essence of your arguments and ensures a coherent essay structure.

Mapping Out the Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point of the paragraph. Make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your arguments while maintaining a logical flow between paragraphs.

Using the PEEL Method for Paragraphs

The PEEL method (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) is an effective approach to structuring body paragraphs. It helps maintain clarity and coherence by providing a systematic flow of information.

Enhancing Coherence and Flow

Transition words and phrases.

Transition words and phrases are vital for creating a smooth transition between sentences and paragraphs. They enhance the overall coherence and readability of your essay.

Logical Progression of Ideas

Ensure that your essay follows a logical progression of ideas. Jumping abruptly from one point to another can confuse the reader. Instead, use clear transitions to guide them through your thought process.

The Power of Conclusion

Summarizing key points.

The conclusion is your chance to leave a lasting impression. Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new ideas; instead, focus on reinforcing your argument.

Ending with Impact

End your essay with impact. Pose a thought-provoking question, provide a relevant quote, or offer a call to action. This leaves your reader thinking long after they’ve finished reading.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: what is the ideal length for an essay introduction.

A1: While there’s no fixed word count, an introduction should be concise, ideally spanning 10-15% of your total essay length.

Q2: Can I use first-person pronouns in my essay?

A2: Yes, using first-person pronouns can make your writing more relatable and engaging, but use them judiciously.

Q3: How can I ensure my body paragraphs are coherent?

A3: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence, and use transition words to connect ideas and maintain coherence.

Q4: Should I restate my thesis verbatim in the conclusion?

A4: Restate your thesis in a fresh way, emphasizing its significance in the context of your essay’s arguments.

Q5: Is it appropriate to end an essay with a question?

A5: Ending with a thought-provoking question can be effective, but make sure it’s relevant to your essay’s theme.

In the world of essay writing, organization is key. By mastering the art of structuring your essays, you can elevate your writing to a new level. Remember, a well-organized essay not only ensures clarity and coherence but also captures the reader’s attention and leaves a lasting impact. So, go ahead and apply these tips to your writing, and watch your essays shine.

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