(1) (a)Unity:
Unity means “oneness”. All paragraphs should have
unity, that is they should only discuss one idea. If you have
more than one idea, start a new paragraph. Unity refers to the extent to which
all of the ideas contained within a given paragraph "hang together"
in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. Paragraph unity is the most
important characteristic of a good paragraph. By unity, we mean that all
sentences in a paragraph should speak about one single idea or one main
subject. That is to say the topic sentence, the supporting details, and the
concluding sentence should focus on only one idea. In other words, unity in a
paragraph means that the entire paragraph should focus on one single idea. The
supporting details should explain the main idea. The concluding sentence should
end the paragraph with the same idea. Thus, a unified paragraph presents a
thought, supports it with adequate details and completes it with a conclusion.
Unity in a paragraph means that the
entire paragraph should focus on one single idea. The supporting details should
explain the main idea. The concluding sentence should end the paragraph with
the same idea. Thus, a unified paragraph presents a thought, supports it with
adequate details and completes it with a conclusion. If your paragraph contains
a sentence or some sentences that are NOT related to the main topic, then we
say that the paragraph "lacks unity," or that the sentence is
"off-topic."
Unity in a paragraph begins with the
topic sentence. Every paragraph has one single, controlling idea that is
expressed in its topic sentence, which is typically the first sentence of the
paragraph. A paragraph is unified around this main idea, with the supporting
sentences providing detail and discussion. In order to write a good topic
sentence, think about your theme and all the points you want to make. Decide
which point drives the rest, and then write it as your topic sentence.
(b)The importance of
unity in writing a paragraph:
Unity is important because it aids
the reader in following along with the writer's ideas. The reader can expect
that a given paragraph will deal only with one main topic. Then we can say
that, a unified paragraph must follow the idea mentioned in the topic
sentence and must not deviate from it. A paragraph is unified when all of its
sentences relate directly to its topic sentence.
2-(a) Coherence:
Coherence refers to the extent to which the
flow of ideas in a paragraph is easily understood by the reader. For this
reason, coherence is closely related to unity. Coherence means establishing a
relationship between the ideas presented in a paragraph. It brings about a
rationale in the arrangement of the ideas which are introduced either in the
chronological order or in the order of importance. When a writer changes main
ideas or topics within a paragraph, confusion often results. To achieve
coherence, then, a writer should show how all of the ideas contained in a
paragraph are relevant to the main topic.
Coherence is product of many different factors,
which combine to make every paragraph, every sentence, and every phrase
contribute to the meaning of the whole piece. Coherence refers to a
certain characteristic or aspect of writing. The word coherence comes from the (verb) cohere which means to “stick together” . Sentences in a paragraph should flow smoothly and logically. Coherence in writing means that all the ideas
in a paragraph flow smoothly from one sentence to the next sentence. With coherence,
the reader has an easy time understanding the ideas that you wish to express.
Coherence is the quality that makes your writing
understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and
work together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve coherency is to use
transition words. These words create bridges from one sentence to the next. You
can use transition words that show order (first, second, third); spatial
relationships (above, below) or logic (furthermore, in addition, in fact).
Also, in writing a paragraph, using a consistent verb tense and point of view
are important ingredients for coherency.
A
paragraph is coherent when all of its sentences are written clearly, logically,
and in a manner that is easy to follow. A coherent paragraph has sentences
that all logically follow each other; they are not isolated thoughts. Coherence
can be achieved in several ways. First, using transitions helps connect ideas
from one sentence to the next. Second, ordering thoughts in numerical sequence
helps to direct the reader from one point to the next. Third, structuring each
paragraph according to one of the following patterns helps to organize
sentences: general to particular; particular to general; whole to parts;
question to answer; or effect to cause.
An effective paragraph might look
like this:
It is
commonly recognized that dogs have an extreme antagonism toward cats. This enmity
between these two species can be traced back to the time of the early Egyptian
dynasties. Archaeologists in recent years have discovered Egyptian texts in
which there are detailed accounts of canines brutally mauling felines. Today
this type of cruelty between these two domestic pets can be witnessed in
regions as close as your own neighborhood. For example, when dogs are walked by
their masters (and they happen to catch sight of a stray cat), they will pull
with all their strength on their leash until the master is forced to yield; the
typical result is that a feline is chased up a tree. The hatred between dogs
and cats has lasted for many centuries, so it is unlikely that this conflict
will ever end.
This paragraph is effective for the
following reasons:
1.
The paragraph shows unity. All the sentences effectively
relate back to the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.
2.
The paragraph shows coherence. There is a flow of thoughts
and ideas among the sentences in this paragraph. There are good transitions
employed in the paragraph. The writer also presents her sub-topics in an
orderly fashion that the reader can follow easily.
3.
The paragraph is developed. The writer gives herself enough
space to develop the topic. She gives us at least two reasons to accept her
argument and incorporates some examples in order to give those reasons more
validity.
(b) What are the methods of incorporating coherence in writing a
paragraph?
Below are some ways
you can make a paragraph become coherent:
1.Arrange ideas in
a logical order.
2.Use linking words
3-Use transitional words or phrases. Many words can be used to
help readers from one sentence to the next without being jarring. Think about
the relationships between your sentences and insert words or phrases to help
them move along.
4-Repeat key
terms or phrases or nouns regularly.
If you
are trying to convince your readers of something, the power of repetition can
be a great tool. You don’t want to over do it, but repeating certain key terms
or phrases in the right places can greatly assist an essay’s coherence. The
parts to repeat can be in reference to the subject of the essay, or in
reference to the main point of the essay too.
Example:
Television is drowning most of our society’s ability
to think creatively. Its too easy to go home after work or school and let the
TV wash over us like some digital pacifier. Our thoughts are no longer
creative, they are just passive. We don’t have to think about which housewife
to hate since we’re pretty much told it by the television show’s writers.
note: to avoid sounding repetitive, try using synonyms as
well. Synonyms are different words that mean the same thing. Using synonyms can
help in repeating ideas without sounding annoying.
Example:
Movies have gotten out of control. The whole cinema
industry seems to be spiral-ling downwards. Films cost far too much to make and
too much to see. As a student, I don’t even the last time I could afford a
night at the silver screen without sacrificing dinner out.
5- Use nouns and
pronouns appropriately
Using
words like that, this, those, these, he, she, and it is a very easy way to help readers along in
an essay. Pronouns refer back to something previously mentioned, so they add to
an essays coherence. Just make sure that people know what you are referring
back to.
Example:
Is
advertising a legitimate, harmless vehicle that stimulates commerce, or has it
become a force out of control, inundating our lives and culture with ill
intended messages?
Does
the problem possibly lie somewhere in between: Is it a legitimate tool that is
some-times taken advantage of? These are all questions we should be asking
ourselves about the ads we see every day.
3- (a) Development:
A paragraph is well-developed when the writer has given sufficient
information to make the reader feel the topic sentence has been sufficiently
discussed. Don't ever assume that the reader can read your mind: be specific
enough to develop your ideas thoroughly, but avoid repetition. Remember that a
paragraph should have enough sentences so that the main idea of the topic
sentence is completely developed. Generalizations should be supported with
examples or illustrations. Also, details and descriptions help the reader to
understand what you mean.
b- what
are the methods of incorporating development in writing a paragraph?
note: make sure that all methods directly support the
subject and main point of your essay.
1-examples/illustrations:• develop an idea with
specific and concrete examples.
2-narration:•
tell a relevant story or anecdote
3-description:•
paint a picture for your reader using specific and concrete details.
4-process:•
describe how something works.
5-compare and contrast:•
point out similarities /differences.
6-analogy:• compare
a difficult idea/concept with something the reader will more easily under-stand
7-cause and effect:• show the result of an action, or an action
that leads to a result.
8-classification/division: • distinguish between types or classes
9-definition:•
explain a difficult term or concept in your own words
note: An important part of developing argumentative
essays comes from your own back-ground, ideology, life, etc.
10-personal
insight/ analysis:• in your own words, show the relevance and/or
rationale for information included, or even for your argument itself. If you
include support, data, and/or examples
from
outside sources, explain why they are relevant to your claim. Don’t assume that
your readers can see their relevance, explain it to them. Everyone has
different ideas for why things are -- it is your job as the writer to show your
readers your ideas.
Two examples of paragraphs to show unity and coherence:
1-THE HUMAN BODY
(1) The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature
has created. (2) It is not beautiful like the body of a butterfly or
peacock but it is shaped practically. (3) It can do many types of
work which other animals cannot. (4) It is not strong like the body of
a tiger. (5) But in place of physical strength it has a big and sharp
brain. (6) By using this brain the human physique has been able to
overcome many of its limitations. (7) By sitting in an aeroplane it
flies faster than a kite, by riding a motorcycle it travels faster than a
leopard, and by firing a machine gun it fights much better than a
tiger. (8)In spite of all this, the human body suffers from many diseases
because it has a weakness for habits such as smoking, drinking and overeating. (9) When
it is healthy the body can give great pleasure but when it is sick it can cause
great pain. (10) The wise man would always keep his body fit because
a healthy mind can work only in a healthy body.
The
first sentence states the main idea of the paragraph and claims the superiority
of the human body over the rest of the creation. It enables the reader to
expect the following ideas in the paragraph that explain and illustrate the
qualities and attributes of the human body.
The
second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh sentences compare, contrast,
elucidate and justify the main idea or topic sentence. They establish the main
theme with logical explanations and transitions. They create a graphic picture
in the minds of the reader with suitable and appropriate language expressions.
In brief, they develop the main idea of the paragraph.
The eighth and the ninth sentences
interpret and analyze the limitations of the human body and prove the strength
of the topic sentence. They, further, lead the main idea into a concluding
thought.
Finally, the tenth sentence concludes with
the idea that the human body should be well preserved for a proper functioning
of the system and that a healthy mind can work only in a healthy body.
Thus the paragraph, The Human Body,
is a unified and coherent paragraph.
2-What to do to get good grades:
To get good grades in classes, I need to
plan to do three things. First of all, listening
carefully to the teacher in class makes me understand the lesson. If I listen
carefully to what the teacher says, I can ask questions about things that I
don’t understand. I can also do the right homework that the teacher assigned. Second, doing my
homework every day makes me review the
lesson from class. The homework helps me to practice many things from class. I
can also find questions in the homework to ask the teacher that will make my
English better. Third, making an effort to study
gives me the will to learn. If I don’t make an
effort, I will be lazy. The will to learn makes me try to finish the homework first,
and then I will let myself go out with my friends. Finally,
I try to make a plan to get a good grade in class,
and I will abide by it.
Notice:
The Red topic sentence is
echoed (but not repeated) in the red concluding sentence.
The three green sentences introduce an
idea (listening) and then gives more information about that idea.
The three blue sentences introduce a
second idea (homework) and then gives more information about that idea.
The
three pink sentences introduce a third idea
(making the effort to study) and then gives more information about that idea.
Notice
the use of the transitions “first of all”,
“second,” “third”, and “Finally.”
This paragraph is a good example because it responds
to the prompt in first person, the details are thoughtful and personal, and it
follows the structure I’ve taught you very well. I slightly changed the topic
sentence to make it connect better to the supporting sentence. I have also made
some grammatical/vocab corrections so that you can focus on content and
structure when you read.
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