| name | structuring-long-form-content |
| description | Organizes complex content into readable, navigable structures. Use when writing articles over 2000 words, comprehensive guides, multi-section reports, or content requiring hierarchical organization. |
Structuring Long-Form Content
Quick start
Collect or infer:
- Total content scope and key topics
- Target audience reading behavior (skim vs. deep read)
- Primary purpose (reference, narrative, instructional, persuasive)
- Platform constraints (web, PDF, print)
- Expected use pattern (read once, reference repeatedly)
Then produce output using TEMPLATES.md. Validate with RUBRIC.md.
Workflow
- Identify the content's primary purpose and how readers will use it.
- List all topics that must be covered — create a content inventory.
- Group topics into logical sections based on reader mental model.
- Sequence sections based on purpose: narrative (chronological), instructional (task order), reference (importance/frequency), persuasive (argument flow).
- Establish heading hierarchy — no more than 3 levels for web, 4 for documents.
- Add navigation aids: TOC, cross-references, summary sections.
- Place scannable elements: callouts, pull quotes, key takeaways.
- Verify each section can stand alone for readers who jump in.
- Run the rubric check. Revise until it passes.
Degrees of freedom
- Low freedom: Logical topic grouping, heading consistency, navigation presence
- Medium freedom: Section sequence, level of summary/introduction text
- High freedom: Visual/structural elements, reading path design
Default: Optimize for scanning first, deep reading second. Most long-form content is not read linearly.
References
