Introduction: Giving Your Ideas a Skeleton

Imagine you have built a fantastic LEGO castle, but you didn’t follow any instructions, and the pieces are just piled in a heap. Even though you have all the right parts, people can’t tell it’s a castle! In Individuals and Societies (I&S), your ideas are the LEGO bricks, and structure is the instruction manual that turns those ideas into a clear, professional response.

In this chapter, we will focus on Criterion C (ii): structuring information and ideas in a way that is appropriate to the specified format. Whether you are writing a formal essay, a speech, or a report, knowing how to organize your thoughts is the key to moving from a "limited" score to an "excellent" one.

Note: For help on who you are writing for, see the chapter "Writing for audience and purpose."

What Does "Specified Format" Mean?

In your MYP eAssessments and class tasks, you won't always be asked to write a standard essay. The format is the "shape" your writing takes. Different formats have different rules for how they should look on the page.

Common Formats in I&S

  • The Essay: A formal piece of writing with an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It focuses on a clear argument.
  • The Report: Often uses headings and bullet points to make information easy to find. It is usually more factual and direct.
  • The Speech or Presentation: Needs a "hook" at the start to grab the audience's attention and a clear call to action at the end.
  • The Letter or Email: Requires specific structural elements like a date, a greeting ("Dear..."), and a sign-off ("Sincerely...").
  • The Blog Post or Article: Needs a catchy headline and shorter, more engaging paragraphs.

Quick Tip: Always read the prompt carefully! If the task asks for a "letter" and you write a "report," you might lose marks in Criterion C, even if your information is perfect.

The "Golden Rule" of Structure: Beginning, Middle, and End

Regardless of the format, almost every strong response in I&S follows a three-part structure. Don't worry if this seems simple; the best writers use this foundation every time!

1. The Introduction (The Map)

This tells the reader what you are going to talk about. It should include your main argument or the "thesis" of your investigation. Think of it as a map for a journey—you wouldn't start a trip without knowing the destination!

2. The Body (The Evidence)

This is where you put your research and analysis. In I&S, we often use the PEEL method to structure these paragraphs:

  • P - Point: What is the main idea of this paragraph?
  • E - Evidence: Use data, facts, or quotes from your sources.
  • E - Explanation: Why does this evidence support your point?
  • L - Link: Connect this paragraph back to the original question or the next point.

3. The Conclusion (The Destination)

Summarize your main points. Never introduce new information here. Instead, remind the reader of your final answer to the research question based on everything you’ve discussed.

Key Takeaway: Structure isn't about being fancy; it's about being organized. A well-structured response leads the reader by the hand from the beginning to the end.

Structuring for the MYP eAssessment

In the MYP 5 on-screen examination, you will encounter two tasks that specifically grade your ability to structure:

Task 2: Communicating

This task asks you to engage creatively with a topic. You might be asked to write a blog post for a specific group or a speech for a summit.
Example: If the topic is "Urban Morphology," you might be asked to write a letter to a city council. Your structure should include formal greetings and clear headings for different urban issues.

Task 3: Thinking Critically

This is the "Extended Piece of Writing." It usually requires a more formal essay structure. You will need to synthesize (mix together) information from different sources to make a solid argument.
Checklist for Task 3:
1. Clear introduction with a focus.
2. Logically sequenced paragraphs (use PEEL!).
3. Smooth transitions between ideas (using words like "Furthermore," "In contrast," or "Consequently").
4. A conclusion that reflects on the perspectives shared.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't worry if you find structuring hard at first! Many students make these common mistakes:

  • The "Wall of Text": Writing one massive paragraph. This is very hard to read! Use line breaks to separate your ideas.
  • Forgetting the Format: Writing a speech that reads like a textbook. Remember to use "I" and "You" if the format is a speech or letter!
  • Wandering Off-Topic: Including great information that doesn't actually answer the question. If it doesn't fit your structure, leave it out.
  • Circular Arguments: Repeating the same point three times in different ways. Each paragraph should provide a new piece of the puzzle.

Memory Aid: The "Burger" Mnemonic

If you're stuck, think of your response as a Burger:

  • Top Bun: Introduction (Holds everything together).
  • The Fillings: Body Paragraphs (The "meat" or substance of your answer).
  • Bottom Bun: Conclusion (Provides a solid base and finishes the meal).

Without the buns, you just have a mess on your hands!

Quick Review: Formatting Checklist

Before you submit your work, ask yourself:

  1. Did I follow the specific format (Letter, Essay, Report, etc.)?
  2. Do I have a clear introduction and conclusion?
  3. Is each paragraph focused on one main idea?
  4. Did I use headings or bullet points if the format (like a report) requires them?
  5. Are my ideas in a logical order that is easy to follow?

Key Takeaway: High marks in Criterion C (ii) come from consistency. If you start a report, finish it as a report. Keep your "skeleton" strong, and your ideas will shine!