Understanding Unity in Essay Writing

Unity

Unity is ONENESS in writing: when an essay remains on one topic or idea throughout the essay.

Unified Essay

If an essay is unified, all parts of the writing help to achieve the same goal: proving the thesis.

Coherence

Coherence is the physical connecting of sentences and phrases, considered separately from unity.

Paragraph Focus

Just as the content of a paragraph should focus on a topic sentence (1 topic), the content of an essay must focus on the thesis.

Essay Structure

The introduction paragraph introduces thesis, body paragraphs each have a proof point (topic sentence) with content that proves the thesis, and the concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis.

Distracting Extra Information

Extra information in any part of the essay which is not related directly to the thesis is distracting and takes away from the strength of proving the thesis.

Sample Essay Thesis

This essay includes a paragraph that does not support the thesis 'Many people are changing their diets to be healthier.'

Closing By Return

When a reference in the concluding paragraph connects back to the content of the introduction; for example, when a restatement of the thought, opinion, or sentiment found in the thesis statement is sometimes used in the clinching sentence.

Repetition

The use of keywords, phrases, or clauses more than once in a short passage—to reinforce a specific point, message, or argument.

Thesis/Topic Sentence Restatement

The concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis.

Assessing Unity

When assessing unity in an essay, the approach that is most often used in English includes evaluating the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Introduction Assessment

Introduction: Introductory techniques and thesis statement.

Body Paragraph 1 Assessment

Body paragraph 1: the development of first reason, example...and its relationship to thesis.

Body Paragraph 2 Assessment

Body paragraph 2: the development of the second reason...tie in to the thesis.

Body Paragraph 3 Assessment

Body paragraph 3: the development of third reason...return to thesis.

Conclusion Assessment

Conclusion: a summation, a restatement of thesis, closing by return...whatever seems to be the most effective way of concluding this specific answer.

Unity Question Requirement

When answering a UNITY question, you are required to use 4 quotes, not the usual 2!

Quote Requirement

Each example will require two quotes to show the repetition, closing by return (intro and conclusion) and thesis & topic sentences.