Question

What are the 4 main methods to organize a paper? Which method would you use to structure a report on how a company has grown over the years (company growth) and why?

Answer 1

I’ve assembled 4 of the most common organizational structures that you’ll likely need, at work, school, or elsewhere. Determine which organizational structure makes the most sense for the type of information you’re trying to convey, then just follow the steps.

The 5-Paragraph Essay - Probably the most common organizational structures for writing essays. While this isn’t the most interesting way to write an essay, it is structured and it will do the job. Use this organizational method if you’re in a hurry or if you’re just completely stuck on where to begin.

The Toulmin Method A more sophisticated argumentative essay style than the 5-paragraph essay, the Toulmin method is useful for making claims when you know that people will resist your ideas. This method requires you to think about counterarguments that others might make against what you have to say, making you thoroughly investigate your topic and prepare rebuttals. While the structure itself is loose, you need to carefully build your case using grounds, qualifiers, claims, warrants, rebuttals, and backing.

The Rogerian Method Another argumentative essay structure, the Rogerian method is designed to help you come to common grounds with another person or group. While the Toulmin method (above) is meant to argue your case and change people’s opinions, the Rogerian method is meant to simply show others that your way of thinking is rational. While you aren’t necessarily trying to convince others that you are right, you are establishing that you understand their way of thinking and that your way of thinking is equally sound.

The Inverted Pyramid The inverted pyramid is meant for relaying information (not persuading) and is a common organizational structure found in news writing. It’s also commonly referred to as the “direct method.” The idea behind the inverted pyramid is that you want to give people the most important details first, then work backwards. It’s not a real interesting way of writing, but it’s very effective for informative and time-sensitive pieces.

The inverted pyramid use to structure a report. Because it is a common organizational structure found in news writing.