Transcript Lecture fifteen

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
Each Body Paragraph
must contain the following:
Transition from
previous paragraph
Topic Sentence
Transition
Major Point
support
Transition
Major Point
support
Transition
Major Point
support
{{possible concluding point}}
Unity and coherence within and among paragraphs