1. Revising for Unity and Organization
Common Places: Integrated Reading and Writing
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2. Paragraphs have unity when the sentences within them are related to the paragraph’s topic sentence.
You can think of a paragraph like a group of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Some of the pieces may not belong in the puzzle at all. The pieces that do belong fit together in an orderly fashion.
Consider the sentences that follow. Organize the paragraph by identifying the topic sentence first, and then put the sentences in a logical order. Throw out any sentences that are not really relevant to the main idea of the paragraph.

3. One such program is the establishing of a system of nature reserves to protect the species’ forested mountain habitat. ①
China implements various conservation programs to protect populations in the wild. ② ③
The Chinese government also operates breeding programs in zoos.
The first two pandas to come to the U.S. were named Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing and came during President Nixon’s time in office. ④ ⑤
Doing so ensures a stable population of giant pandas in captivity.
The low reproductive rate of giant pandas makes them especially vulnerable to extinction. ⑥
Giant pandas are beloved around the world for their striking black and white coats and charming behavior. ⑦

5. The low reproductive rate of giant pandas makes them especially vulnerable to extinction China implements various conservation programs to protect populations in the wild One such program is the establishing of a system of nature reserves to protect the species’ forested mountain habitat The Chinese government also operates breeding programs in zoos Doing so ensures a stable population of giant pandas in captivity. ⑥ ② ① ③ ⑤ ④
The first two pandas to come to the U.S. were named Ling-Ling
and Hsing-Hsing and came during President Nixon’s time in office. ⑦
Giant pandas are beloved around the world for their striking black and white coats and charming behavior.

6. Note that this same process is applicable to entire essays as well as to paragraphs. Essays have unity when the paragraphs within them are related to the essay’s thesis statement.
You can think of a essay like a group of jigsaw puzzle pieces. Some of the pieces may not belong in the puzzle at all. The pieces that do belong fit together in an orderly fashion.
When you are preparing to write an essay, organize the essay by identifying the thesis statement first, and then put the paragraphs in a logical order. Throw out any ideas (paragraphs) that are not really relevant to the main idea of the essay.

7. The End