Paragraph Unity: Relevant & Irrelevant Sentences
A paragraph has unity when every sentence supports the topic sentence. A sentence that wanders off the main idea is irrelevant and should be removed.
Example (with an irrelevant sentence):
Different people spend their weekends in different ways. Some enjoy going to the mountains to hike or ski. Water skiing is much more difficult than snow skiing. Others prefer the beach. Still others relax at home with a good book.
The italicised sentence about water skiing vs. snow skiing is irrelevant — the paragraph is about how people spend weekends, not about skiing difficulty.
Example (relevant — Bingston University): There are two main reasons I chose Bingston University. First, the tuition is reasonable… Second, the education in agriculture is excellent… — every sentence supports the two-reasons topic sentence, so the paragraph has unity.
Tip: Test each sentence: "Does this directly support the topic sentence?" If not, cut it — even if it is interesting or true.
Common mistake: Keeping a true but off-topic sentence because it sounds good. Unity matters more than extra facts.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. A paragraph where every sentence supports the topic sentence has ___ .
2. A sentence that wanders off the topic is ___ .
3. The fix for an irrelevant sentence is to ___ it.
4. The test is: does it support the ___ sentence?
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — One who lacks courage
“I couldn’t get this job if I were spineless.”
Meaning — eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success,
“Niyaz is an ambitious student of my class.”
Meaning — To express in words or actions
“Language externalizes our thoughts.”
Meaning — With consent
“She voluntarily accepted my proposal.”
Meaning — The protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee.
“Homeless students find asylum in schools.”