文档介绍：Unit 3
Unity and Coherence
A writing Course for Postgraduate Students
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1. What is unity?
Unity in a paragraph means that the entire paragraph should focus on one single idea. The supporting details should explain the main idea. The concluding sentence should end the paragraph with the same idea. Thus, a unified paragraph presents a thought, supports it with adequate details and completes it with a conclusion.
If you mix your ideas in writing, jumping from one idea to the next and back again, the reader will have a hard time following you. Inevitably, the reader will not understand your point and will eventually lose interest.
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2. What is coherence?
Coherence means establishing a relationship between the ideas presented in a paragraph. It brings about a rationale (合理的根据) in the arrangement of the ideas which are introduced either in the chronological order or in the order of importance. Besides, transitions that compare, contrast, illustrate, add or show cause and effect build logical bridges. The ideas, thus expressed in the paragraph, flow smoothly from one to the other in a logical sequence. This helps the reader to understand the paragraph.
If ideas are out of order in writing, then the reader will have a very difficult time trying to understand your point. As a result the reader will lose interest and you will not be able to convey your point.
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A model paragraph for unity and coherence
THE HUMAN BODY
(1) The human body is a wonderful piece of work that nature has created. (2) It is not beautiful like the body of a butterfly or peacock but it is shaped practically. (3) It can do many types of work which other animals cannot. (4) It is not strong like the body of a tiger. (5) But in place of physical strength it has a big and sharp brain. (6) By using this brain the human physique has been able to overcome many of its limitations. (7) By sitting in an aeroplane it flies faster than a kite, by riding a motorcycle it travels