English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 81 PDF page 87 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Paragraph unity

A paragraph unity means the entire paragraph focuses or throws light to a single idea/point.

The details of the point are made by supporting the point with detail claims. What you have

to learn here is that the sentences in a paragraph must be in unity (oneness) or agreement

with the point of the paragraph. No single sentence should be different in explaining the

point. They must agree to explain the point of the paragraph be in length or breadth. The

next feature is paragraph coherency. Let us start.

Paragraph unity in action

The effect of drug abuse

Drug abuse has far-reaching effects that impact individuals and society in multiple ways.

Physically, it can lead to severe health problems such as heart disease, liver damage, and

weakened immune systems. Mentally, drug abuse often causes issues like depression,

anxiety, and cognitive impairments, which can severely diminish quality of life. Socially, it

disrupts relationships, leading to isolation and conflicts with family and friends.

Economically, the consequences are significant, with individuals often losing their jobs or

being unable to maintain steady employment, which places a burden on social services and

healthcare systems. In summary, the effects of drug abuse are profound and multifaceted,

affecting health, mental well-being, social relationships, and economic stability.

 • Let us check how paragraph unity was used in the passage above.

The unity in the paragraph on the effects of drug abuse is achieved by consistently focusing

on the central theme/topic/point: the numerous impacts of drug abuse. Every sentence in

the paragraph supports this main idea by discussing a specific aspect of the effects of drug

abuse: