How can I organize my ideas?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! To organize your ideas in your writing, the Writing Center suggests a few strategies:

Outline

• First, take a look at the Writing Center's resources on creating an outline. Determine your thesis and main points, and write them down.

Categorize

• Look at the information that you have. Categorize the information according to your main points. If you don’t have any main points, group related ideas together to create main points.
• Use a mindmap to help categorize your ideas visually. See Anne's blog post "Mapping Your Mind With Bubbl.us" for mindmapping tips. 

Order

• Consider the order of your ideas:
  • Do they relate to one another?
  • Are they relevant to your main topic?
  • Does one cause another?

Remember, related ideas should be next to one another.

• Discuss all related topics before moving on to the next.
• Use transitions to connect your ideas.
  • For tips on connecting your ideas, see information on the transitions page.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about organizing your research on the Writing Center's organization webpage.
• Watch the "Prewriting Techniques: Taking the First Steps" webinar to learn more about prewriting strategies.

Further Questions?

Would you like a current or future assignment to be reviewed by the Writing Center?  If so please visit the Writing Center's Paper Review Website and make an appointment with us! 

Do you have other general writing questions? Ask OASIS! 

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the Form & Style review? E-mail the Dissertation Editors at [email protected].

Want to peruse other writing resources? Go to the Writing Center’s homepage.