Paragraph Unity
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 Disunified Paragraph: Can you fix this?
"Horror films have made an impressive comeback with young movie goers in the 1990s. Sequels to new films like 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. Their success on television has clearly helped them crossover into film. Hollywood is also taking advantage of the 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."
The Paragraph Unified
"Horror films have made an impressive comeback with young movie goers in the 1990s. Sequels to new films like 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 the 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.
Paragraph Coherence
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:
1. Using too many short, choppy sentences.
2. Organizing your sentences in an illogical sequence.
3. Using weak transitions that fail to suit your purposes, or not using transitions at all.
Example of Incoherent Paragraph: Can you fix this?
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 Made Coherent
Canadian software companies face several tough challenges in the new millennium 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.]
Materials found at: The UBC Writing Center’s Writers’ Workshop (University of British Columbia)
<http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/workshop/tools/unity.htm>