Paragraph Unity
Before we go any further we need to talk.
Ever notice how some paragraphs are impossible to read – like eating soup with a fork. The thing is sloppy and doesn’t stick together, and it’s no fun!
Know why?
Well, it’s usually because some of the sentences in the paragraph really don’t belong there. They should be tossed out.
Example:
A motorcycle is a good investment, especially if you live in a city. For one thing, a motorcycle takes up less space on a crowded street. You can park anywhere and maneuver it through traffic easily. Also, motorcycles are cheap to run. Many of them get one hundred miles per gallon. And they cost much less than a car. The repairs on a motorcycle will break your bank account. It is obvious that anyone with enough courage would be smart to buy a motorcycle.
HOLD IT!!
What is the sentence, “The repairs on a motorcycle will break your bank account,” doing in a paragraph about the good points of owning a motorcycle?
We should throw out that sentence!
Ever watch baby ducks follow Big Mama around? Big Mama turns right, the duckies turn right. Big Mama turns left, the duckies turn left.
The duckies follow right in line with the leader like they’re supposed to.
Sentences should do the same thing. They should follow their leader (the topic sentence) and stay in line.
Don’t stick an “ugly duckling” into your paragraphs. Make sure all your sentences support the topic sentence.
Don’t combine negative with positive statements about something. You’ll shock the reader.