Answer to Question #191504 in English for Emmanuella

Question

Question 1. Write short notes on the three principles of paragraph development:

• Unity

• completeness

• coherence.         

Question 2. What is the difference between the thesis statement and the topic sentence? Give 2 examples each to highlight the difference.  

Answer 1

Question 1

What is unity in paragraph development?

Unity refers to the extent to which all the ideas contained within a given paragraph "hang together" in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. In a scenario where a writer changes to a new idea that is not consistent with the topic sentence of the paragraph , a new paragraph will take course. Unity aids the reader in following along with the writer's ideas. The reader can expect that a given paragraph will deal only with one main top but when a new paragraph begins, it will signal that the writer is moving on to a new topic.

What is completeness in paragraph development?

Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed. If all sentences clearly and sufficiently support the main idea, then the paragraph is complete. An incomplete paragraph means there are not enough sentences or enough information to prove your thesis. For a paragraph to be complete, there needs to be three supporting sentences, a topic sentence and a concluding sentence The concluding sentence or last sentence of the paragraph should summarize the main idea by reinforcing the topic sentence.

What is Coherence in paragraph development?

Coherence is the quality that makes ones writing understandable. Sentences within a paragraph need to connect to each other and work together as a whole. One of the best ways to achieve coherence is to use transition words. These words create bridges from one sentence to the next.

Question 2

Difference between the thesis statement and the topic sentence? Give 2 examples each to highlight the difference.

a) The thesis statement belongs in the introductory paragraph, while topic sentences belong at the beginning of body paragraphs. An essay will have just one thesis statement, but the number of topic sentences depends on the number of body paragraphs.

b) A thesis statement provides an overview of your entire essay. It contains your claim and your reasons.

Thesis statement = claim + "because" + reasons

Example: Capital punishment should be outlawed because it is immoral and does not deter crime.

claim: Capital punishment should be outlawed

reason #1: it is immoral

reason #2: it does not deter crime

c) A topic sentence tells your reader what the paragraph is about. Each reason in your thesis should correspond to a body paragraph.

Example: Capital punishment is immoral.

From reading this topic sentence that the paragraph will discuss how capital punishment is immoral.