Body Paragraphs Unity & Coherence Paragraph Unity [sentences are unified to the topic] All sentences in paragraph relate to the topic sentence All paragraphs relate to the Thesis Statement Don’t end paragraphs with a new idea Mary’s little sister Amy has always been shy and reclusive. First of all, she never raises her hand in class. She even drops her head to the table if the teacher looks at her. Also, Amy loves ice cream. Additionally, she won’t come out to the playground at recess. She stays by the door of the class and waits for everyone to return. It’s a shame Amy’s not so well spoken as her older sister Mary.

Coherence [sentences flow together and make a clear, logical point about the topic] A natural, easily recognizable order ◦Time [narrative, process analysis] ◦Space [description] ◦Importance [comparison/contrast, classification, argumentation] ◦Deductive [general to specific – cause/effect, argumentation] ◦Inductive [specific to general – cause/effect, argumentation]

Transition words and phrases help coherence ◦Examples [for example, for instance, specifically, in particular, namely, another] ◦Comparison [similarly, not only, but also, in comparison, likewise] ◦Contrast [although, but, while, in contrast, however, though, on the other hand] ◦Sequence [first, second, next, then, before, after, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, finally] ◦Results [therefore, thus, consequently, as a result]

You can also write transitional topic sentences by taking a backward glance at the paragraph that comes before it: Thesis: The cafeteria at our Bonita Vista High has many drawbacks, such as high prices, poor staffing, and tasteless food items. Topic sentence one: One problem with the cafeteria is its expensive menu. Topic sentence two: Not only is the food expensive, but the service is also poor. Topic sentence three: When a student finally does get served, the meal is usually cold and has little flavor.

Coherence between paragraphs Just as coherence within a paragraph is important, coherence between paragraphs must also be maintained ◦Consider the sequence of paragraphs [Have you chosen a clear order?] ◦Consider transitions between paragraphs [Have you connected your new idea to the idea that came before?]

Body Paragraphs Unity and coherence within and among paragraphs