Why “Organisation” Matters
When assessing a piece of writing, Cambridge examiners evaluate how well ideas are structured, linked, and logically developed.
The Organisation criterion looks at the internal structure of the text — how effectively the student arranges and connects ideas so that the writing flows naturally and is easy to follow.
It answers the question:
Is the text well-organised and coherent, with clear progression and logical links between ideas?
Organisation is what turns a list of sentences into a coherent piece of writing. Even excellent grammar and vocabulary cannot compensate for poor structure.
What “Good Organisation” Looks Like
A well-organised piece of writing:
Has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Groups ideas into paragraphs that each focus on one main point.
Uses linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas logically.
Maintains a logical order so the reader can easily follow the argument or narrative.
Uses appropriate cohesive devices such as reference words (this, these, it) or substitution to avoid repetition.
Good organisation ensures the writing reads smoothly, with each part supporting the overall message.
Examples by Level
B1 Level
At this stage, examiners expect simple but clear organisation.
Students should divide the text into logical sections (for example, opening, main idea, conclusion) and use basic connectors such as and, but, because, then, and finally.
Good example:
First, we went to the zoo. Then we had lunch in the park. Finally, we took the train home.
Weak example:
We went to the zoo. We had lunch. We took the train home. It was a nice day.
The ideas are the same, but the second example feels flat and disconnected.
B2 Level
B2 candidates should use a wider range of cohesive devices and paragraphing effectively.
For example, an essay should have a clear introduction, supporting paragraphs with linking expressions (on the one hand, however, in conclusion), and a logical conclusion.
C1 Level
C1 students are expected to show flexibility and control in how they organise ideas.
Transitions should feel natural, and linking words should vary according to purpose (contrast, cause, result, or emphasis).
C1 writers also use referencing and substitution to make writing concise and coherent.
C2 Level
At C2, writing demonstrates seamless flow and subtle cohesion.
The reader should not notice the structure — it should feel effortless.
Transitions are smooth, paragraphs are well balanced, and ideas follow one another naturally to create a polished, professional text.
Common Mistakes That Affect the Score
Writing without paragraphs or using them inconsistently.
Presenting ideas in a random order with no logical flow.
Overusing basic linkers (and, but, because) or repeating the same ones.
Using too many linking phrases unnaturally (“Firstly, secondly, thirdly” in every sentence).
Starting or ending abruptly without a clear introduction or conclusion.
Helping Students Improve Their Organisation
Teach text structure. Analyse model answers and identify introductions, supporting paragraphs, and conclusions.
Practise paragraph planning. Use outlines to plan the sequence of ideas before writing.
Build linker vocabulary. Group linking phrases by function (addition, contrast, result, conclusion).
Encourage logical flow. Use sequencing activities or rearrange jumbled paragraphs as exercises.
Promote editing and reflection. Ask students to check whether each paragraph connects smoothly to the next.
How Penmate Assesses “Organisation”
When analysing a student’s text, Penmate evaluates whether:
The text has a clear and logical structure.
Ideas progress naturally from one paragraph to the next.
Linking words and cohesive devices are used appropriately and effectively.
The writing reads smoothly without unnecessary repetition or confusion.
Feedback highlights areas where transitions could be improved, paragraphs could be better balanced, or ideas need clearer sequencing.
Final Thoughts
Organisation is the backbone of effective writing. It guides the reader through the message, ensuring that ideas are clear, connected, and easy to follow.
By helping students plan their work, use paragraphs effectively, and link ideas logically, teachers can significantly raise their students’ scores — and help them write with greater confidence and clarity.
About Penmate
Penmate is an AI-powered writing assessment tool designed to support teachers, not replace them.
Our mission is to make writing evaluation faster, fairer, and more transparent—while keeping human judgment at the centre of learning.