UNITY AND COHERENCE Unity A paragraph has unity

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UNITY AND COHERENCE

UNITY AND COHERENCE

Unity A paragraph has unity when all the sentences support a single idea. The

Unity A paragraph has unity when all the sentences support a single idea. The paragraph must have one controlling idea in the topic sentence. Otherwise the paragraph loses focus. The supporting sentences must support or explain the controlling idea with examples, details, steps, or definitions. Otherwise, the paragraph will not be about one single idea. The concluding sentence should restate the idea in the topic sentence. Otherwise the main idea might will not be clear.

Coherence Every good paragraph in a composition must have coherence. Ø One way to

Coherence Every good paragraph in a composition must have coherence. Ø One way to achieve coherence is through the use of transition signals. Transition signals are words and phrases that connect the idea in one sentence with the idea in another sentence. They make the movement between sentences in a paragraph smooth, so the reader does not have problems understanding the writer’s ideas.

 Here are some examples of transition signals: To list ideas in time order

Here are some examples of transition signals: To list ideas in time order or order of importance: first, first of all, then, next, finally… To add another idea: and To add an opposite idea: but, although, even though… To give an example: for example, for instance. To give a reason: for, because, since, as… To give an effect: so To add a conclusion: in brief, all in all, indeed, in other words, in short, in the end…

How are coordinators and subordinators used to combine sentences? Coordinators (coordinating conjunctions) make compound

How are coordinators and subordinators used to combine sentences? Coordinators (coordinating conjunctions) make compound sentences from two independent clauses: and or Independent clause, but + independent clause for so yet nor E. g. I like to swim, but I don’t like to jog. Swimming is good exercise, so I swim everyday.

 Subordinators (subordinating conjunctions) are the first words in dependent clauses. A dependent clause

Subordinators (subordinating conjunctions) are the first words in dependent clauses. A dependent clause must be added to an independent clause to make a complex sentence. Remember that clauses can be in either order. If the dependent clause is first, put a comma after it. Pattern 1: although Independent Clause + when dependent clause because E. g. I exercise every day although I hate it. Walking is good for you because it exercises the heart.

Pattern 2: Although When dependent clause, + independent clause Because E. g. Because I

Pattern 2: Although When dependent clause, + independent clause Because E. g. Because I have gained ten pounds, the doctor ordered me to get into an exercise program.

First, First of all, Second, Third, + sentence Then Next, Finally, E. g. First,

First, First of all, Second, Third, + sentence Then Next, Finally, E. g. First, bend at the waist, touch the floor, and count to five. Second, raise your body slowly. Then raise your hands above your heads and count to five. Finally, drop your arms to your sides. Repeat the above exercise six times.

Ø Another way to achieve coherence in writing is through the writer’s consistent choice

Ø Another way to achieve coherence in writing is through the writer’s consistent choice of such elements as person (I, he, she, it, they, you, one), voice (active or passive), and register (formal or informal). Remember: Be consistent! If you use the pronoun I at the beginning of your paragraph, keep it throughout. If you begin with a singular noun such as a student or singular pronoun such as he, she, or, it, don’t change to plural the students or they.