Unity refers to whether or not the text is on topic. Having unity is important at both the paragraph level and the essay level. A paragraph is unified when all of its sentences work towards the same end. Each phrase and sentence should illustrate, clarify, explain, support and/or address the idea that the topic sentence puts forward. An essay is unified when all of the paragraphs illustrate, clarify, explain, support and/or address the idea expressed in the essay's thesis statement.
There may, of course, be more than one idea in a paragraph or an essay, but all are focused on one overall theme.
Example of a Unified Paragraph:
"An attempt to address this issue by encouraging captive breeding programs has also met with difficulties. Firstly, despite modern technology and research, many species are still reluctant to breed in artificial surroundings. In the rare breeds, this creates a vicious downward spiral as wild birds are caught to start breeding programs, but viable populations cannot be maintained. Secondly, captive populations are finite units, and careful management of breeding stock is necessary to prevent weakening the genetic base. This level of dedication and expertise, however, requires a great deal of money--something most of us cannot access and relevant institutions are reduced to begging for."
Marina Smith, student
[In the paragraph above, each sentence supports the idea set out in the topic sentence.]
Example of a Disunified Paragraph:
"Horror films have made an impressive comeback with young movie goers in the 1990s. Sequels to new films like the Scream and I know What You Did Last Summer have already hit the screens with much success, headlined with youthful stars from popular television shows. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and Jennifer Love Hewitt have all parlayed their TV celebrity into Scream Queen status. Hollywood is taking advantage of resurgence of interest by remaking several old horror films as well. In 1998, a remake of Psycho introduced a new generation to the amazing film capabilities of Alfred Hitchcock. Another sequel causing excitement is George Lucas' "prequel" to the Star Wars saga."
[In the paragraph above, the unity is undermined by the last sentence, which goes off on to a tangent having little to do with the topic sentence]
A paragraph is coherent when it flows smoothly in a clear direction and when all the sentences are logically arranged.
There are several ways to undermine paragraph coherence:
Example of Incoherent Paragraph:
“Canadian software companies face several tough challenges in the new millennium because of "brain drain," the weak Canadian dollar, and the monopoly held by their American counterparts. However, the Canadian dollar continues its downward spiral even today. "Brain drain" is a bad thing. Our greatest resources are leaving. Microsoft is squeezing out its competitors. In comparison, if the "brain drain" continues, Canadian companies will find it difficult to produce innovative software. The weak dollar will hurt us. It will help the Americans.”
[The paragraph above is incoherent because it uses choppy sentences ineffectively, it arranges the ideas illogically, and it uses transition words in improper contexts.]
Example of a Coherent Paragraph:
“Canadian software companies face several tough challenges in the new millenium because of "brain drain," the weak Canadian dollar, and the monopoly held by American corporations. "Brain drain" is a catchy new term for the practice of American companies enticing brilliant Canadian doctors, scientists, researchers, programmers, and business people to cross over the border into the United States. The U.S. firms lure the Canadian talent with the strong American dollar and the competitive research and business edge that many such companies have as a result of industry monopolies. Simply put, Canadian companies are being soundly beaten because they find themselves on a playing field that is no longer level.”
[Notice how each sentence flows logically into one another. The paragraph stays consistent with both the content and the organization of the topic sentence.]
Below is a list of some common transition words and the proper contexts to use them in:
