While the external structure provides a framework of chapters and subchapters, the internal structure refers to the organization within each chapter. The focus here is on the so-called "red thread".

On the one hand, this means that the logical sequence must be clearly communicated to the reader (e.g., through paragraphs or reader guides). On the other hand, it is important that the components of the text are meaningfully connected. According to Brink (2007, p. 143), meaningful connections include, for example, relationships of superordination, coordination, and subordination; contrast relationships; cause-effect relationships; end-means relationships; part-whole relationships; or before-after relationships. For example, one might meaningfully structure a research review on the concept of "customer satisfaction" by first addressing the causes of customer satisfaction and then discussing the effects of customer satisfaction.