Structure and Flow.

While each type of public health writing has a slightly different structure, there are several universal components to ensuring your writing flows logically.

Structure

In some capacity, your writing will include the following:

• Introduction. Introduce your topic, briefly frame the background research, and provide a thesis statement that identifies your key points. The thesis will provide an outline and a framework for the rest of your writing. Use the introduction to engage the reader and present why your topic is important without being overly dramatic or catastrophic. Furthermore, do not start with a definition of a term or topic.
• Body. Using your thesis statement as a guide, the body of your assignment should present your arguments in a logical order. This section is the most variable, as each type of public health writing is slightly different. Visit the Specific Types of Public Health Writing section for more information on how to construct this section for individual assignments.
• Conclusion. The conclusion should serve as a recap of the points you made in the body section. The arguments in the body should build up to a culmination in the conclusion, so you should not introduce new topics or arguments in this section. Many forms of public health writing require that the conclusion includes a call to action or the final recommendation.

Flow

The flow of your writing should be logical and build upon itself throughout your writing. Below are some examples of ways to enhance the flow of your writing.

• Build a foundation in your early paragraphs and then build your arguments successively.
• Subheadings can be helpful to both guide your reader and provide a roadmap for your writing. After each subheading, you should ensure that each successive paragraph addresses the subheading theme.
• Include only one major point or idea per paragraph. Make sure that each argument is well-supported by research, data, or other explanation.
• Arrange related arguments/topics together. For example, if you wish to address the socioecological determinants of health, you should address all individual constructs together, followed by the interpersonal determinants, and so on. It can be confusing for the reader to jump back and forth between different construct levels, so it is best to group your arguments accordingly.
• Provide transitions between paragraphs and sections of your writing. Never leave your audience wondering where you have gone, or why you have taken them there. Check out these Transition Phrases that may be useful in your writing.
• Ensure that each paragraph or argument relates back to your thesis or desired goal. You may have many arguments, but they should all lead to and support your conclusions/recommendations. If you cannot justify that an argument significantly contributes to your conclusion (or if it is only included to increase your word count or paper length), you should remove it.

While there is not a “correct” way for your writing to flow, arranging arguments in a logical manner can improve both your ability to make substantive claims and the reader’s ability to understand your conclusions. For assistance on the structure and flow of your writing, consider consulting a peer coach with the Public Health Writing Program.