Since many fast-food sandwich shops have the same basic layout, it’s usually easy to figure out how to order.

Most fast food sandwich shops have the same set-up.  You’ll generally walk in to see the long counter with sandwich items behind a glass case.  You might not know whether to start on the left or on the right until you find the sign, but you know the drill once you get to the correct starting point — choose your bread, your meat and cheese, toasted or not, toppings, sauces, add a cookie, pay at the end.  This makes the process much easier for you since it’s generally the same every time and you know what to expect.

Although many believe that writing is subjective and that anything goes, there is a structure to academic writing that makes it easier for readers to follow your work.  When readers can find the beginning and then know what to expect from there, it’s easier for them to engage with your ideas and join the conversation.