When it comes to writing survey items that use Likert scales as response sets, use 5-point Likert scales with increasing order. The 5-point scale is preferable to a 4-point, 3-point, or dichotomous scales because there is more chance for variance with a 5-point scale and there is a "neutral" rating.

Variance in the responses is needed in order to properly assess the diversity that may exist in a population. Increased variance is also important for the underlying mathematics associated with reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, validity analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis.

The use of 5-point Likert scales also works well in an aesthetic fashion for structuring a survey. Space and time can be saved in survey administration when items from similar content areas use the same 5-point Likert response set. These questions can be formatted into a matrix.

Finally, increasing order should be used when using a Likert scale, going from left to right.  

For example:

Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neither Agree Nor Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree
Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always
Very Poor, Poor, Moderate, Good, Very Good