What is a unified and coherent paragraph?

"A paragraph is unified when every sentence develops the point made in the topic sentence. It must have a single focus and it must contain no irrelevant facts. Every sentence must contribute to the paragraph by explaining, exemplifying, or expanding the topic sentence. In order to determine whether a paragraph is well developed or not, ask yourself: 'What main point am I trying to convey here?' (topic sentence) and then 'Does every sentence clearly relate to this idea?'" ¹

Step 1: Rough Draft

Write a rough draft of a unified, coherent paragraph that summarizes the argument in "The Geography of Wealth and Poverty." ²

Analyze and revise your summary paragraph according to the following criteria:

• My paragraph contains one main idea
• The logical order of the sentences takes the reader through the process of understanding my idea.
• There are no irrelevant sentences or concepts.
• The idea is fully developed with details.

Step 2: Evidence

Using one of the sources listed below, locate several pieces of evidence that support the argument in your paragraph.

• Infonation (UN)
• 2001 World Population Data Sheet (PRB)
• IBD Summary Demographic Data (US Census)
• Afghanistan - World Factbook (CIA)

Step 3: Include the Evidence

Include this evidence in your paragraph, revising to make your reasoning clear. In your paragraph, state which source you used.

¹ Turner, Dorothy. Developing Unified and Coherent Paragraphs. HyperGrammar University of Ottawa. 23 Sept. 2001 <http://www.uottawa.ca/academic/arts/writcent/hypergrammar/parunif.html>.

²Jeremy D. Sachs, Andrew D. Mellinger and John L. Gallup. "The Geography of Poverty and Wealth." Scientific American. 284, no. 3 (March 2001): 70-74.