How can you produce a good structure?

Make sure the structure is complete. It must cover all the facts and ideas. Dustbins like General or Other Notes usually show that the design is the wrong one. Your headings must be helpful and clear - they must tell the readers about the information in each section. One-word headings are often vague and misleading. Don't be afraid of using headings that are eight or nine words long - they will help you to be more certain of what to put in each section, and will help your readers to find the details they need. Your sections should be watertight. Each point should fit logically into only one section. This is not always possible - you may need to remind your readers of something you said earlier - but don't give up easily. Over-repetition may indicate a bad design. Do not have too much material in each section - or too many headings in a string. Your readers will only be able to cope with a maximum of about six points, if they are going to remember the points you are making.

introduction | planning | defining your aim | collecting & selecting your ideas | structuring the document how can you produce a good structure? | presenting a report professionally | presentation | editing

Introduction | The Communication Cycle | Gathering Information | Essay Writing | Report Writing Oral Presentations | Communicating Electronically