unity in essay

Pasco-Hernando State College

• Unity and Coherence in Essays
• The Writing Process
• Paragraphs and Essays
• Proving the Thesis/Critical Thinking
• Appropriate Language

Test Yourself

• Essay Organization Quiz
• Sample Essay - Fairies
• Sample Essay - Modern Technology

Related Pages

• Proving the Thesis

Unity is the idea that all parts of the writing work to achieve the same goal: proving the thesis. Just as the content of a paragraph should focus on a topic sentence, the content of an essay must focus on the thesis.  The introduction paragraph introduces the thesis, the body paragraphs each have a proof point (topic sentence) with content that proves the thesis, and the concluding paragraph sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Extraneous information in any part of the essay which is not related to the thesis is distracting and takes away from the strength of proving the thesis.

An essay must have coherence. The sentences must flow smoothly and logically from one to the next as they support the purpose of  each paragraph in proving the thesis. .

Just as the last sentence in a paragraph must connect back to the topic sentence of the paragraph, the last paragraph of the essay should connect back to the thesis by reviewing the proof and restating the thesis.

Example of Essay with Problems of Unity and Coherence

Here is an example of a brief essay that includes a paragraph that  does not  support the thesis “Many people are changing their diets to be healthier.”

     People are concerned about pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics in the food they eat.  Many now shop for organic foods since they don’t have the pesticides used in conventionally grown food.  Meat from chicken and cows that are not given steroids or antibiotics are gaining in popularity even though they are much more expensive. More and more, people are eliminating pesticides, steroids, and antibiotics from their diets.

    Eating healthier also is beneficial to the environment since there are less pesticides poisoning the earth. Pesticides getting into the waterways is creating a problem with drinking water.  Historically, safe drinking water has been a problem. It is believed the Ancient Egyptians drank beer since the water was not safe to drink.  Brewing beer killed the harmful organisms and bacteria in the water from the Nile.

     There is a growing concern about eating genetically modified foods, and people are opting for non-GMO diets.  Some people say there are more allergic reactions and other health problems resulting from these foods.  Others are concerned because there are no long-term studies which clearly show no adverse health effects such as cancers or other illnesses. Avoiding GMO food is another way people are eating healthier food.

See how just one paragraph  can take away from the effectiveness of the essay in showing how people are changing to healthier food since the unity and coherence are affected.  There is no longer unity among all the paragraphs.  The thought pattern is disjointed and the essay loses its coherence.

Transitions and Logical Flow of Ideas

Transitions are words, groups of words, or sentences that connect one sentence to another or one paragraph to another.

They promote a logical flow from one idea to the next and overall unity and coherence.

While transitions are not needed in every sentence or at the end of every paragraph, they are missed when they are omitted since the flow of thoughts becomes disjointed or even confusing.

There are different types of transitions:

Time – before, after, during, in the meantime, nowadays

Space – over, around, under

Examples – for instance, one example is

Comparison – on the other hand, the opposing view

Consequence – as a result, subsequently

These are just a few examples.  The idea is to paint a clear, logical connection between sentences and between paragraphs.

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11 Unity & Coherence

Preserving unity.

Academic essays need unity, which means that all of the ideas in an essay need to relate to the thesis, and all of the ideas in a paragraph need to relate to the paragraph’s topic. It can be easy to get “off track” and start writing about an idea that is somewhat related to your main idea, but does not directly connect to your main point.

All of the sentences in a paragraph should stay “on track;” that is, they should connect to the topic. One way to preserve unity in a paragraph is to start with a topic sentence that shows the main idea of the paragraph. Then, make sure each sentence in the paragraph relates to that main idea.

If you find a sentence that goes off track, perhaps you need to start a separate paragraph to write more about that different idea. Each paragraph should generally have only one main idea.

As you pre-write and draft an essay, try to pause occasionally. Go back to the assignment prompt and re-read it to make sure you are staying on topic. Use the prompt to guide your essay; make sure you are addressing all of the questions. Do not just re-state the words in the prompt. Instead, respond to the questions with your own ideas, in your own words, and make sure everything connects to the prompt and your thesis.

Activity A ~ Finding Breaks in Unity

Consider the following paragraphs. Is there a topic sentence? If so, do all of the other sentences relate to the topic sentence? Can you find any sentences that don’t relate?

     The planned community of Columbia, Maryland, was designed as a city open to all, regardless of race, level of income, or religion. When Columbia began in 1967, many cities in the U.S. did not allow people of certain races to rent or buy homes. Its developer, James W. Rouse, wanted to build a new city that had fair and open housing options for everyone. HCC has a building named for James W. Rouse. Today, the city’s nearly 100,000 remain diverse, as shown by recent census data. *****

    College can be expensive and difficult. Critical thinking is a very important skill for college students to develop so that they can be successful in their careers. Employers look for graduates who can understand information, analyze data, and solve problems. They also want employees who can think creatively and communicate their ideas clearly. College students need to practice these skills in all of their classes so that they can demonstrate their abilities to potential employers. ***** Bananas are one of Americans’ favorite types of fruit. The Cavendish variety, grown in Central and South America, is the most commonly sold here in the U.S. Recent problems with a fungus called Panama disease (or TR4), however, have led to a shortage of Cavendish bananas. Similar problems occurred a few years ago in parts of Asia and the Middle East. Because the fungus kills the crop and contaminates the soil, scientists are concerned that the popular Cavendish banana could be completely eradicated. Bananas contain many nutrients, including potassium and Vitamin B6. *****

Whether you choose to include a topic sentence or not, all of the sentences in your paragraph need to relate to the one main idea of the paragraph.

Another way to think about unity in a paragraph is to imagine your family tree. Draw a quick sketch of your family tree in your notebook. If you were writing an essay about your family, you might write a paragraph about close family members first. Next, you might branch out into another paragraph to write about more distant relatives. You might even include a paragraph about very close family friends, or pets. Each paragraph would have just one main idea (immediate family, more distant relatives, close family friends), and every sentence in each paragraph would relate to that main idea.

Activity B ~ Preserving Unity in Your Own Writing

Examine a composition that you have written for this class. Do all of your paragraphs have unity? Can you find any sentences that don’t relate to the topic of each paragraph? Exchange papers with a partner to peer review.

Ensuring Coherence

There are several ways to create connections between ideas in your essay. Here are some suggestions:

1. Repeat key words and phrases. This can be a powerful way to make a point. Consider this excerpt from Rev. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in which he uses parallel structure :

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

2. Use synonyms , as in this example, where King uses both repetition (“Let freedom ring”) and synonyms (for “mountains”):

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

3. Use pronouns to refer to antecedents , as King does here; this can be more elegant than just repeating the key words and phrases:

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

4. Use demonstratives ( this, that, these, those ) as adjectives or pronouns, as King does here:

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”…. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.  

Questions to Ponder

Pause for a moment here to think about the examples above. Think about audience, purpose, and context of an academic essay. Would you use the techniques for coherence in the same way that Dr. King did in his speech, or would you use the techniques in a different way? Discuss with a small group.

5. Use transitions. Transition words and phrases will help you to make sure your essay has coherence. Also called signal words/phrases or signposts, these help to guide your readers.

Transitions connect your related ideas; they can also show your reader that you are starting a new topic, giving an example, adding information, explaining causes and effects, and so on. Using the correct transition word or phrase in a sentence can make your writing much clearer. Try the activity below to think of possible transitions.

Activity C ~ Transition Words & Phrases

With your partner, brainstorm a list of transition words and phrases for each of the categories below.

Can you think of other transition words and phrases? What other categories do they belong to?

After you have completed these activities with your partner, consult  Transition Words & Phrases ~ Useful Lists for more on compare/contrast, addition, cause/effect, and other transitions to try.

Activity D ~ Ensuring Coherence in Your Own Writing

Examine a composition that you have written for this class for coherence. Find and mark examples of places where you used repetition, synonyms, pronouns or demonstratives to build connections between ideas.

Underline your transition words and phrases. Did you use the strongest signal words? Can you find examples where you need to add a transition? Or, did you use too many transitions? Exchange papers with a partner to peer review.

Consult our chapter on Transitions for more inspiration on achieving coherence and cohesion in your writing. Challenge yourself to use some new transitions in your next composition.

Is this chapter:

…about right, but you would like more examples? –> Read “ Cohesion and Coherence ” from George Mason University’s Writing Center.

…too easy, or you would like more examples? –> Read “ ESL: Coherence and Cohesion ” from the Writing & Communication Center at the University of Washington/Bothell

Note: links open in new tabs.

King, Martin Luther, Jr. “I Have a Dream.” March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 28 August 1963. Washington, D.C. Speech.

to start to do something different

short piece or sample, for example a direct quote in writing or a few measures of a musical composition

to think about

ENGLISH 087: Academic Advanced Writing Copyright © 2020 by Nancy Hutchison is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Paragraph Unity, Coherence, and Development

In each paragraph of an essay, one particular idea or topic is developed and explained. In order to successfully do so, however, it is essential that the paragraph be written in a unified and coherent manner. 

A unified paragraph must follow the idea mentioned in the topic sentence and must not deviate from it. For a further explanation on topic sentences, see the Write Right on Topic Sentences .

A coherent paragraph has sentences that all logically follow each other; they are not isolated thoughts. Coherence can be achieved in several ways. First, using transitions helps connect ideas from one sentence to the next. For more on transitions, see the Write Right on Transitions . Second, ordering thoughts in numerical sequence helps to direct the reader from one point to the next. Third, structuring each paragraph according to one of the following patterns helps to organize sentences: general to particular; particular to general; whole to parts; question to answer; or effect to cause. 

Remember that a paragraph should have enough sentences so that the main idea of the topic sentence is completely developed. Generalizations should be supported with examples or illustrations. Also, details and descriptions help the reader to understand what you mean. Don't ever assume that the reader can read your mind: be specific enough to develop your ideas thoroughly, but avoid repetition

An effective paragraph might look like this:

It is commonly recognized that dogs have an extreme antagonism toward cats. This enmity between these two species can be traced back to the time of the early Egyptian dynasties. Archaeologists in recent years have discovered Egyptian texts in which there are detailed accounts of canines brutally mauling felines. Today this type of cruelty between these two domestic pets can be witnessed in regions as close as your own neighborhood. For example, when dogs are walked by their masters (and they happen to catch sight of a stray cat), they will pull with all their strength on their leash until the master is forced to yield; the typical result is that a feline is chased up a tree. The hatred between dogs and cats has lasted for many centuries, so it is unlikely that this conflict will ever end.

This paragraph is effective for the following reasons:

• The paragraph shows unity. All the sentences effectively relate back to the topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. 
• The paragraph shows coherence. There is a flow of thoughts and ideas among the sentences in this paragraph. There are good transitions employed in the paragraph. The writer also presents her sub-topics in an orderly fashion that the reader can follow easily.
• The paragraph is developed. The writer gives herself enough space to develop the topic. She gives us at least two reasons to accept her argument and incorporates some examples in order to give those reasons more validity.

Reference: Strunk, Wiliam Jr., and E. B. White. The Elements of Style . 4th ed., Allyn and Bacon, 2000.

Copyright © 2009 Wheaton College Writing Center

Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process.

Unity refers to a writer's effort to make sure every bit of discourse -- every word , phrase , clause , sentence , and paragraph -- directly contribute to the main narrative or thesis . Mastery of unity is crucial for writers, as it enhances clarity and impact, significantly improving overall communication . This article defines unity , distinguishes it from coherence , and provides strategies you can use to create unified texts.

What is Unity (in Writing)?

Unity refers to

• the state of being whole or undivided
• the degree to which the elements of a text work together to deliver a consistent message, theme, idea, narrative, tone, voice, and purpose
• No likely counterarguments have been overlooked. No unnecessary information or evidence has been provided

Related Concepts: Felt Sense ; Gestalt ; Organization; Thesis .

What’s the difference between unity and coherence ?

Unity refers to a writer’s effort to make sure every bit of discourse — every word , phrase , clause , sentence , and paragraph — directly contributes to the main narrative or thesis . For instance, in a detective story, each clue logically builds toward the final revelation. Thus, unity is closely tied to coherence –the act of organizing information in a logical, rhetorical manner. However, unity goes a step further. While coherence could mean a logically ordered set of ideas or events, unity is achieved when these coherent parts also directly feed into the larger narrative or thesis. For example, a coherent piece might detail a day’s events chronologically, but a unified piece ensures each event also reveals something crucial about the character’s personality. Achieving unity is vital for writers because it enhances clarity and reinforces the impact of their work, improving overall communication

How do teachers, editors, and critics use the concept of unity to critique texts?

Critiquing texts on the basis of unity is a valuable approach as it allows the evaluator to determine if all parts of the text work together to form a cohesive whole. A text that has unity is like a well-oiled machine with all its components working in unison to achieve a single goal.

Here are some ways unity can be used in critique:

• Theme Consistency: A story should ideally have a unifying theme that resonates through its entirety. If different parts of a text seem to convey conflicting themes, or if a theme is introduced but then discarded, the text may lack unity.
• Character Development: In fiction, characters should be consistently developed throughout a story. Characters that act against their established traits without proper justification can disrupt the unity of a story.
• Tone and Style: The tone and style of a text should be consistent throughout, unless there is a deliberate reason for a change. Inconsistencies can disrupt the reader’s experience and sense of unity.
• Structure and Flow: The sequence of thoughts and events in a text contributes to its unity. A well-structured text leads the reader smoothly from one idea or event to the next.
• Argument Unity: In persuasive or expository writing, all parts of the argument should support the thesis. Irrelevant or contradictory points can weaken the unity and overall effectiveness of the text.

What is unity at the global level?

Unity at the global level refers to how well a writer maintains a consistent focus on the writer’s purpose, thesis, or research question. Global unity may also refer to a consistent voice, tone, or persona.

What is unity at the local level?

Unity at the local level refers to how well a writer keeps a consistent focus at the paragraph and sentence level.

Unity @ the Paragraph Level

Paragraphs need to stay focused on one topic. A good way to make sure you are staying focused is to have a solid topic sentence—a sentence that explains what the paragraph will discuss—and be sure to add only those details or examples that relate directly to that topic.

In the same paragraph below the topic sentence is “”The film industry releases more sequels than original movies these days.” Notice how this sentence explicitly tells the reader what the paragraph is about. Also notice how the subsequent two sentences expound on that topic sentence. Yet, then notice how the two sentences about Star Wars and science fiction prequels do not fit the main idea of the paragraph. Although they contain interesting information, these sentences disrupt the paragraph’s unity. The writer should move them to another point in a new paragraph (about prequels or maybe science fiction movies, depending on the focus of the paper) or even get rid of them entirely.

“The film industry releases more sequels than original movies these days. From the Marvel comic book adaptations to the seventh installment of the latest horror series, Hollywood seems determined to run a franchise into the ground rather than take a chance on something new. Instead of meeting new characters, moviegoers learned more about Captain America in The Winter Soldier , and they followed the ongoing story of Thor and Loki in Thor: The Dark World . Even the horror industry seems to be losing creativity—apparently the four Paranormal Activity movies need yet another sequel. Remember the hype around the Star Wars prequels a few years ago? Science fiction movies often have prequels that fans love to see. Moviegoers are ready for something new in theaters; hopefully, the producers in Hollywood will realize that the age of the sequel is coming to an end.”

Unity @ the Sentence Level

Readers expect writers to organize sentences in a logical order. There are three major ways to organize sentences: deductive order, inductive order, or coordinate order. Francis Christensen, in Notes Toward a New Rhetoric (NY: Harper & Row, 1967), has suggested that we number sentences according to their level of generality.

According to Christensen, we would assign a 1 to the most general sentence and then a 2 to the second most general sentence, and so on. Christensen considers the following paragraph, which he excerpted from Jacob Bronowski’s The Common Sense of Science , to be an example of a subordinate pattern because the sentences become increasingly more specific as the reader progresses through the paragraph:

• Perhaps this is what gives them both their air of happiness and freedom in these activities.

Christensen is quick to point out that not all paragraphs have a subordinate structure. The following one, which he took from Bergen Evans’s Comfortable Words, is an example of what Christensen considers a coordinate sequence:

• He [the native speaker] may, of course, speak a form of English that marks him as coming from a rural or an unread group.
• But if he doesn’t mind being so marked, there’s no reason why he should change.
• Samuel Johnson kept a Staffordshire burr in his speech all his life.
• In Burns’ mouth the despised lowland Scots dialect served just as well as the “correct” English spoken by ten million of his southern contemporaries.
• Lincoln’s vocabulary and his way of pronouncing certain words were sneered at by many better educated people at the time, but he seemed to be able to use the English language as effectively as his critics.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

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Paragraph Unity: Guidelines, Examples, and Exercises

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• Writing Essays
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“Consider the postage stamp," advised humorist Josh Billings. "Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.”

The same might be said about an effective paragraph. Unity is the quality of sticking to one idea from start to finish when writing.

In a unified paragraph , a​  topic sentence contains the main idea and all supporting sentences serve to illustrate, clarify, and/or explain the main idea. The central purpose of a unified piece of writing is communicated effectively.

Why Paragraph Unity Is Important

The best way to demonstrate the importance of unity is to show how the intrusion of irrelevant information can disrupt our understanding of a paragraph. The original version of the following passage, taken from The Names: A Memoir by N. Scott Momaday, vividly illustrates how people in the Pueblo of Jemez in New Mexico prepare for the Feast of San Diego.

The unity of Momaday's paragraph has been upset by the addition of one sentence that's not directly connected to his main idea. See if you can spot that sentence.

The activity in the pueblo reached a peak on the day before the Feast of San Diego, November twelfth. It was on that day, an especially brilliant day in which the winter held off and the sun shone like a flare, that Jemez became one of the fabulous cities of the world. In the preceding days the women had plastered the houses, many of them, and they were clean and beautiful like bone in the high light; the strings of chilies at the vigas had darkened a little and taken on a deeper, softer sheen; ears of colored corn were strung at the doors, and fresh cedar boughs were laid about, setting a whole, wild fragrance on the air. The women were baking bread in the outdoor ovens. Here and there men and women were at the woodpiles, chopping, taking up loads of firewood for their kitchens, for the coming feast. Year-round, the artisans of Jemez, known internationally for their crafts, would create beautiful basketry, embroidery, woven cloths, exquisite stone sculpture, moccasins, and jewelry. Even the children were at work: the little boys looked after the stock, and the little girls carried babies about. There were gleaming antlers on the rooftops, and smoke arose from all the chimneys, (Momaday 1976).

The third-to-last sentence ("Year-round, the artisans of Jemez ... ") is the distracting addition to Momaday's passage. The added sentence upsets the unity of the paragraph by offering information that isn't directly relevant to the main idea (as stated in the first sentence) or to any of the other sentences in the paragraph. Whereas Momaday focuses specifically on activities taking place the day before the Feast of San Diego," the intrusive sentence refers to work performed year-round."

By moving irrelevant information to a new paragraph—or by omitting off-topic information altogether—one can improve paragraph unity.

Practice Exercise in Paragraph Unity

The following paragraph, also adapted from The Names: A Memoir , describes the end of the busy day before the Feast of San Diego. Again, a sentence has been added that's not directly connected to the author's main idea. See if you can identify the sentence that upsets the unity of the paragraph, then check your answer.

Later in the dusky streets I walked among the Navajo camps, past the doorways of the town, from which came the good smells of cooking, the festive sounds of music, laughter, and talk. The campfires rippled in the crisp wind that arose with evening and set a soft yellow glow on the ground, low on the adobe walls. A natural building material used for several thousand years, adobe is composed of sand and straw, which is shaped into bricks on wooden frames and dried in the sun. Mutton sizzled and smoked above the fires; fat dripped into the flames; there were great black pots of strong coffee and buckets full of fried bread; dogs crouched on the rim of the light, the many circles of light; and old men sat hunched in their blankets on the ground, in the cold shadows, smoking. ... Long into the night the fires cast a glare over the town, and I could hear the singing, until it seemed that one by one the voices fell away, and one remained, and then there was none. On the very edge of sleep I heard coyotes in the hills, (Momaday 1976).

The third sentence in the paragraph ("A natural building material used for several thousand years, adobe...) is the odd one out. The information about adobe bricks is not directly relevant to the night scene described in the rest of the passage. To restore the unity of Momaday's paragraph, delete this sentence.

Momaday, N. Scott. The Names: A Memoir . HarperCollins, 1976.

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The following paragraph is unified because all of the information it contains relates directly to the topic sentence (central idea), which is highlighted:

(1)"Run-on," a common way to waste energy and water in America, is the habit of leaving machines and appliances running when they don't have to be. (2) Many people in this country routinely forget to turn off lights, televisions, and radios when they leave a room. (3) Some take half-hour showers day after day, when they know that a five-minute scrubbing will get them just as clean. (4) And too many of us leave the car running as we wait outside a store for a friend to finish shopping. (Michael Pulsinelle)

LEARN HOW UNITY WORKS

Here's how unity works in the paragraph entitled "Run-On":

• The idea of wasting energy from sentence 1 appears in sentence 2 when the writer mentions that people forget "to turn off lights, televisions, and radios."
• Sentence 4 also makes reference to wasting energy. There the writer says "too many of us leave the car running as we wait outside a store."
• Wasting water pops up in sentence 3, where we learn about people who "take half- hour showers."
• The idea that run-on is a habit (sentence 1) is developed by "routinely" (sentence 2), "day after day" (sentence 3), and "too many of us" (sentence 4).

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LEARN TWO WAYS TO IMPROVE UNITY

There are two ways you can correct problems with unity:

• By removing irrelevant information, which that has nothing to do with your central idea.
• By broadening your central idea. Think of a topic sentence or thesis statement as an umbrella. The bigger the umbrella, the more you can get under it.

REMOVING IRRELEVANT INFORMATION

The paragraph below lacks unity. As you read it, look for irrelevant information--—information that does not relate to the topic sentence (central idea), which is highlighted:

(1) International students at our college are having problems adjusting to the United States. (2) They can't find part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (3) Finding part-time jobs isn't a problem for American students. (4) Many international students have left families behind and have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) All find English composition a challenging course. (6) None likes the food in the college cafeteria. (7) Native-born students feel the same way about the cafeteria.

In the paragraph you just read, sentences 2, 4, 5, and 6 are about international students, as called for in the topic sentence. But sentences 3 and 7 are about American students. To unify the paragraph, you can remove sentences 3 and 7:

(1) International students at our college are having problems adjusting to the United States. (2) They can't find part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (4) Many have left their families behind and have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) All find English composition a challenging course. (6) None likes the food in the college cafeteria.

BROADENING THE CENTRAL IDEA

Another way to correct problems of unity is to broaden your central idea. This approach works well if you have included information that suits your purpose but does not relate to the topic sentence. Let's take another look at the paragraph about international students:

The paragraph you just read lacks unity because it contains information about American students, but its topic sentence mentions only international students. So, to correct the problem, you can rewrite the topic sentence to include American students as well:

(1) Many problems facing international students at our college are different from those of American students, but many are the same. (2) For example, international students can't take part-time jobs to support themselves while they attend college because their visas do not permit them to work. (3) On the other hand, finding part-time jobs isn't a problem for American students. (4) In addition, many foreign students have left their families behind and, unlike native-born classmates, have no emotional support system to rely on. (5) However, both groups find English composition a challenging course. (6) And neither likes the food in the college cafeteria.

The purpose of this version is different from that of the earlier one. It discusses problems of both groups, not just of international students.

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8.6.1: Checking for Unity and Clarity

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Creating Unity and Coherence

Following your outline closely offers you a reasonable guarantee that your writing will stay on purpose and not drift away from the controlling idea. However, when writers are rushed, are tired, or cannot find the right words, their writing may become less than they want it to be. Their writing may no longer be clear and concise, and they may be adding information that is not needed to develop the main idea. When you reread your writing to find revisions to make, look for each type of problem in a separate sweep. Read it straight through once to locate any problems with unity. Read it straight through a second time to find problems with coherence. You may follow this same practice during many stages of the writing process. Reading your writing aloud will often help you find problems. Listen for the clarity and flow of your ideas. Identify places where you find yourself confused, and write a note to yourself about possible fixes.

When a piece of writing has unity, all the ideas in each paragraph and in the entire essay clearly belong and are arranged in an order that makes logical sense. The wording clearly indicates how one idea leads to another within a paragraph and from paragraph to paragraph. Sometimes writers get caught up in the moment and cannot resist a good digression. Even though you might enjoy such detours when you chat with friends, unplanned digressions usually harm a piece of writing.

When the writing has coherence, the ideas flow smoothly. Careful writers use transitions to clarify how the ideas in their sentences and paragraphs are related. These words and phrases help the writing flow smoothly. Adding transitions is not the only way to improve coherence, but they are often useful and give a mature feel to your essays. The following table groups many common transitions according to their purpose.

Writing Clearly and Concisely

Some writers are very methodical and painstaking when they write a first draft. Other writers unleash a lot of words in order to get out all that they feel they need to say. Do either of these composing styles match your style? Or is your composing style somewhere in between? No matter which description best fits you, the first draft of almost every piece of writing, no matter its author, can be made clearer and more concise.

If you have a tendency to write too much, you will need to look for unnecessary words. If you have a tendency to be vague or imprecise in your wording, you will need to find specific words to replace any overly general language.

Identifying Wordiness

Sometimes writers use too many words when fewer words will appeal more to their audience and better fit their purpose. Here are some common examples of wordiness to look for in your draft. Eliminating wordiness helps all readers, because it makes your ideas clear, direct, and straightforward.

• Sentences that begin with There is or There are.

Example: Wordy: There are two major experiments that the Biology Department sponsors. Revised: The Biology Department sponsors two major experiments.

• Sentences with unnecessary modifiers.

Example: Wordy: Two extremely famous and well-known consumer advocates spoke eloquently in favor of the proposed important legislation. Revised: Two well-known consumer advocates spoke in favor of the proposed legislation.

• Sentences with deadwood phrases that add little to the meaning such as in terms of , with a mind to , on the subject of , as to whether or not , more or less , as far as…is concerned , and similar expressions. You can usually find a more straightforward way to state your point.

Example: Wordy: As a world leader in the field of green technology, the company plans to focus its efforts in the area of geothermal energy. A report as to whether or not to use geysers as an energy source is in the process of preparation. Revised: As a world leader in green technology, the company plans to focus on geothermal energy. A report about using geysers as an energy source is in preparation.

• Sentences in the passive voice or with forms of the verb to be . Sentences with passive-voice verbs often create confusion, because the subject of the sentence does not perform an action. Sentences are clearer when the subject of the sentence performs the action and is followed by a strong verb. Use strong active-voice verbs in place of forms of to be , which can lead to wordiness. Avoid passive voice when you can.

Example: Wordy: It might perhaps be said that using a GPS device is something that is a benefit to drivers who have a poor sense of direction. Revised: Using a GPS device benefits drivers who have a poor sense of direction.

• Sentences with constructions that can be shortened.

Example: Wordy: The e-book reader, which is a recent invention, may become as commonplace as the cell phone. My over-sixty uncle bought an e-book reader, and his wife bought an e-book reader, too. Revised: The e-book reader, a recent invention, may become as commonplace as the cell phone. My over-sixty uncle and his wife both bought e-book readers.

Choosing Specific, Appropriate Words

College essays should be written in formal English suitable for an academic situation. Avoid slang terms, such as "guys" instead of "people," or clichés such as "better late than never." Avoid general words such as "thing," "nice," or "interesting" when more specific terms apply.

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The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

This content is from Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)'s, "On Paragraphs" .

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On Paragraphs

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What is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic. Learning to write good paragraphs will help you as a writer stay on track during your drafting and revision stages. Good paragraphing also greatly assists your readers in following a piece of writing. You can have fantastic ideas, but if those ideas aren't presented in an organized fashion, you will lose your readers (and fail to achieve your goals in writing).

The Basic Rule: Keep one idea to one paragraph

The basic rule of thumb with paragraphing is to keep one idea to one paragraph. If you begin to transition into a new idea, it belongs in a new paragraph. There are some simple ways to tell if you are on the same topic or a new one. You can have one idea and several bits of supporting evidence within a single paragraph. You can also have several points in a single paragraph as long as they relate to the overall topic of the paragraph. If the single points start to get long, then perhaps elaborating on each of them and placing them in their own paragraphs is the route to go.

Elements of a paragraph

To be as effective as possible, a paragraph should contain each of the following: Unity, Coherence, A Topic Sentence, and Adequate Development. As you will see, all of these traits overlap. Using and adapting them to your individual purposes will help you construct effective paragraphs.

The entire paragraph should concern itself with a single focus. If it begins with one focus or major point of discussion, it should not end with another or wander within different ideas.

Coherence is the trait that makes the paragraph easily understandable to a reader. You can help create coherence in your paragraphs by creating logical bridges and verbal bridges.

Logical bridges

• The same idea of a topic is carried over from sentence to sentence
• Successive sentences can be constructed in parallel form

Verbal bridges

• Key words can be repeated in several sentences
• Synonymous words can be repeated in several sentences
• Pronouns can refer to nouns in previous sentences
• Transition words can be used to link ideas from different sentences

A topic sentence

A topic sentence is a sentence that indicates in a general way what idea or thesis the paragraph is going to deal with. Although not all paragraphs have clear-cut topic sentences, and despite the fact that topic sentences can occur anywhere in the paragraph (as the first sentence, the last sentence, or somewhere in the middle), an easy way to make sure your reader understands the topic of the paragraph is to put your topic sentence near the beginning of the paragraph. (This is a good general rule for less experienced writers, although it is not the only way to do it). Regardless of whether you include an explicit topic sentence or not, you should be able to easily summarize what the paragraph is about.

Adequate development

The topic (which is introduced by the topic sentence) should be discussed fully and adequately. Again, this varies from paragraph to paragraph, depending on the author's purpose, but writers should be wary of paragraphs that only have two or three sentences. It's a pretty good bet that the paragraph is not fully developed if it is that short.

Some methods to make sure your paragraph is well-developed:

• Use examples and illustrations
• Cite data (facts, statistics, evidence, details, and others)
• Examine testimony (what other people say such as quotes and paraphrases)
• Use an anecdote or story
• Define terms in the paragraph
• Compare and contrast
• Evaluate causes and reasons
• Examine effects and consequences
• Analyze the topic
• Describe the topic
• Offer a chronology of an event (time segments)

How do I know when to start a new paragraph?

You should start a new paragraph when:

• When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph.
• To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference.
• When your readers need a pause. Breaks between paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing be more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex.
• When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Transitions and signposts

Two very important elements of paragraphing are signposts and transitions. Signposts are internal aids to assist readers; they usually consist of several sentences or a paragraph outlining what the article has covered and where the article will be going.

Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next.

What is unity in writing?

Sometimes an instructor or proofreader will tell a student to check for unity in a piece of writing.  Unity means that each paragraph has only one main idea (expressed in the topic sentences) and that all other sentences and details in that paragraph revolve around that main idea.  If a sentence or detail does not adhere closely to the central idea expressed in the topic sentence, it does not belong in that paragraph.  If a new main idea comes up, a new paragraph is needed.

TIP:  Remember that while a story or example maybe be interesting to you, it should not be included if it does not support the thesis statement or if it does not clearly illustrate the main point.

TIP:  Use topic sentences.  If you find that you're writing about a second main idea, determine the best place to start a new paragraph, and begin that new paragraph with a topic sentence.

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• Unity In Diversity Essay

Unity in Diversity Essay

500+ words essay on unity in diversity.

The term “Unity in Diversity” refers to the state of togetherness or oneness in spite of the presence of huge diversity. “Unity in Diversity” is based on the concept where the individual or social differences in physical attributes, skin colour, caste, creed, cultural and religious practices, etc., are not looked upon as a conflict. Instead, these differences are looked upon as varieties that enrich society and the nation as a whole. Unity in diversity is a very important principle because we all live in a diverse world. It is crucial to respect each other and support each other no matter what our culture, background, gender, orientation, or other differences may be. With the help of this ‘Unity in Diversity’ Essay, we will help students understand how we all stand together even though there exist many differences among us. Students can also practise essays on other topics to improve their writing skills.

Unity in Diversity in Indian Society

India is a land of unity in diversity. It is a vast country with numerous variations in races, cultures, languages and even geographical features. In many countries of the world, major geographical features divide international borders, e.g. Nepal and China are separated by the Himalayas. However, in India, we have learned to live in diversity, and our geographical features further solidify this bond. The Punjab region is known for being one of the most potent agricultural lands on earth. The Northern Mountainous region has come across different people and different languages. In the Rajasthan desert, we come across Rajasthani languages and culture, all part of India, yet distinct in their culture and language. To the further south come the people of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, all distinctive languages and cuisines.

India is a plural society. Its unity and diversity characterize it. Despite several foreign invasions, Mughal rule and British rule, the nation’s unity and integrity have been maintained. It is this synthesis that has made India a unique mosaic of cultures. India fought against the British Raj as one unified entity. The existence of diverse languages, religions and cultures, foreign visitors and immigration from other parts of the world have made India’s culture tolerant. The sources of diversity in India may be traced in a variety of ways.

Post-Independent India is a nation united against several odds and obstacles. The idea of the unity of India is inherent in all historical and socio-cultural facts as well as in cultural heritage. India is a secular state, and it has a constitution providing guarantees for people belonging to diverse regions, religions, cultures and languages. It covers people belonging to all socioeconomic strata. The Five Year Plans and several other developmental schemes are geared to uplift the poor and weaker sections of society.

India has been able to project itself as a single territorial unit in the face of physical, political, social and economic contrasts. The Great Plains, which is between the Himalayan ranges on the one hand and Peninsular India on the other has a unifying role. Climatically, the monsoonal rhythm of seasons provides a strong element of uniformity. The concentration of monsoonal rainfall to a few months in a year and the associated agricultural activities occur in India. Many cultural traditions are strongly tied to the monsoons. Saints have spread the message of universal brotherhood, which has helped a great deal in uniting different sections of society in India and making the country a unified nation.

India’s vast diversity is matched by its geographical features and shows the strength of the country. The extraordinary characteristic of India is that in spite of all diversity in different fields-physical, social, linguistic, cultural and religious; there is a fundamental thread of unity.

In India, there are followers of different religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity. All religions have their sects and sub-divisions. So, there is diversity not only in regard to religious, racial compositions and linguistic distinction but also in patterns of living, occupational pursuits, land tenure systems, lifestyles, inheritance and succession law. Even the practices and rites related to birth, death, marriage and various functions are performed differently by each religion.

In the book “The Discovery of India”, Jawaharlal Nehru says that Indian unity is not something imposed from the outside but rather, “It was something deeper and within its fold, the widest tolerance of belief and custom was practised and every variety acknowledged and even encouraged.” It was Nehru who coined the phrase “Unity in Diversity” to describe India.

We hope this essay on Unity in Diversity must have helped students in improving their writing section. For more study material and the latest updates on CBSE/ICSE/State Board/Competitive exams, keep visiting BYJU’S. Also, download the BYJU’S App for interactive study videos.

Frequently asked Questions on Unity in diversity Essay

Why should students be aware of this ‘unity in diversity’ concept.

It is not only enough for students and children to be aware of unity in diversity but should also practise the same. This is one of the base concepts in our preamble.

Can essay writing preparation be done at the last minute?

Essay writing requires a detailed understanding of the topic concerned and wide knowledge of current affairs. Having a good vocabulary will be an added advantage. It also requires regular practise in structuring paragraphs and arranging ideas logically.

Why is it necessary to practise essay writing questions before the Board exam?

Essay writing requires proper structuring and framing of paragraphs. Also, the continuity of information should be sequential. Therefore, adequate and prior practice in essay writing is essential.

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Unity In Diversity In India Essay - 100, 200, 500 Words

India is known for its unique ability to unite its people through diversity . India is a secular nation that offers equal support to all major religions. People from these various states have various cultures and a variety of languages. Despite their language, region, culture, and religious differences, they all share the same nationality. India serves as an illustration of diversity and unity.

100 Words Essay on Unity in Diversity in India

200 words essay on unity in diversity in india, 500 words essay on unity in diversity in india.

In its diverse society, India is a nation that is united. Even though our country's population is diverse in terms of religions, languages, and clothing, they are all united. Being a nation with a rich cultural heritage, every state and every region within each state is home to various cultural treasures and traditional practices.

Everything is different from one state to the next, including dances, plays, music, writing, and languages. However, if we carefully observe Indians, we will notice that they respect and adhere to the traditions and cultures of India as a whole. The most admirable quality of our nation is its strength right now: "Unity in Diversity." .

Harmony and unity among various disparate people are called "Unity in Diversity.". These differences might result from cultural norms, political views, religious perspectives, or political beliefs. The idea is known by several other names, including "diversity without fragmentation" and "unity without uniformity" .

According to historical records, this concept was first used by the indigenous people of North America around 400–500 BC. The phrase may also be much older, evolving with societies and civilizations. Additionally, it is a constant fact that people are highly diverse by nature. Conflicts consequently easily develop as a result of these differences.

The phrase "unity in diversity" is rather intriguing from a grammatical standpoint. This is due to the statement's oxymoron construction, which combines the words "unity" and "diversity" . Interestingly, the phrase significantly impacts politics; pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ernesto Teodoro Moneta first used it.

An American equivalent of this phrase is E Pluribus Unum, Latin for " One out of many" or "Out of many, one." . It typically appears as a motto above the Great Seal, a seal used by a head of state to authenticate important and legal documents.

Therefore, the phrase "Unity in Diversity" has broad and profound implications. Its primary purposes are to prevent wars and advance international peace.

"Unity in diversity" suggests that humans are one despite variances in food, clothes, language, traditions, faiths, customs, beliefs, values, and habits . India has a rich cultural and historical past, where people have deep ties and remain united despite cultural diversity. India is the origin of great legends who have taught the world about brotherhood, tolerance, and nonviolence. India boasts one of the world's oldest cultures.

Indian Cultural Diversity

India is a country that is proud of its rich culture and traditions. Food, dress, religion, language, music, dance, food, beliefs, rituals, customs, art, and architecture are all part of Indian culture. Indian culture is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.

Indian Religion

Religion plays an essential role in shaping culture and customs in India. Hinduism is the world's oldest religion, having evolved from the Vedas. Thus, all Hindu scriptures are written in Sanskrit. Following Lord Buddha's preaching,

Buddhism arose as a separate religion that primarily taught about nirvana, ahimsa, and the eightfold path. Jainism of Vardhamana Mahavira traces its existence to the Indus valley Civilisation. The British and French introduced Christianity during colonial authority. Islam appeared in India when the Arabs conquered Sindh. Sikhism began in India towards the end of the 15th century.

Indian Custom

According to Indian custom, you should extend your greetings by folding your hands and uttering "namaste." Children touch the feet of elders to ask for blessings. They favour nuclear families and adhere to the idea of prearranged marriage. Indian traditions instil in people a respect for the elderly and a duty to aid the destitute and needy.

Indian Music, Architecture, and Art

Indian music consists of both classical and traditional styles. Qawwali, thumri, kirtan, Gurbani, and bhajan are common genres. The classical dances Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and others are performed in various ways. Bihu, Chhau, bhangra, and thirayattam are examples of folk dances.

Indian Literature

The epic genres of Indian literature are the Vedic and Sanskrit texts. Other well-known works of Indian literature include the Mahabharata, Vedas, Ramayana, Arthasahtra, Shakuntala, Meghduta etc. Reading their biographies, we can learn about the reigns and accomplishments of various kings.

Indian Food

There are regional variations in Indian eating habits. It includes both traditional and regional cuisines. Indian cuisine relies heavily on millet, rice, whole wheat, and various lentils as its main ingredients. Spices are utilised as flavourings, and vegetable oil is used for cooking the food.

Indian Festivals

Festivals bring Indians together. They have a significant role in tradition and culture. Diwali, Shiv Ratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Navratri, Janmashtami, Chhath puja, Onam, Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and others are some of the well-known Indian holidays observed by Hindus. Christians observe Christmas, Sikhs observe Gurupurab, and Muslims observe Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakr-id, and Moharram.

My Experiences With Unity in Diversity

My house is in a gated community where people with different religions, castes, creeds and languages live together. But at every festival, all the people of the apartment gather to celebrate the festival, whether it be Diwali, Christmas, Pongal, Onam or Ramzan, which gives me a feeling of unity in our diversity.

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Day to remember

Choose bravely, Ressa tells Harvard grads

A joyful noise

‘be that voice for compassion, learning, understanding, and unity’.

Nicholas Burns.

Photo by Kayana Szymczak

Alvin Powell

Harvard Staff Writer

Burns and others deliver call to action – and empathy – at Class Day ceremonies

Part of the commencement 2024 series.

A collection of stories covering Harvard University’s 373rd Commencement.

Students and families connected at Class Day ceremonies while speakers, including leaders in business and government, offered graduates perspective, inspiration, and the wisdom born of experience. Here’s a selection from Wednesday’s remarks:

Harvard Kennedy School

Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China, former HKS Roy and Barbara Goodman Family Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations

“It’s not, ‘What will I gain?’ It’s not, ‘What will I profit from?’ It’s not, ‘What’s in it for me?’ It’s, ‘Ask what you can do to make this a better world.’ The Kennedy School asks that you not just be involved in the world but be great in the world. As you graduate, consider how you, in small and big ways, can be a force for civil discussion, civil debate in a democracy. Can you be a force for unity in a world that sometimes it appears just wants to divide and even disintegrate? Be that voice for compassion, learning, understanding, and unity.”

Harvard College

William Fitzsimmons, Harvard Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

“I think the Class of 2024 is truly one of the greatest classes in Harvard history, but it’s not all their doing. What’s interesting is that many of them actually wrote essays about their parents, or their aunts and uncles or their grandparents or other significant people, but it usually came back to family and how family shaped them. … As amazing as the Class of 2024 is, we have to remember that Michael Sandel and my mother were right. My mother always told us we were born on third base, given the great family we had. And Michael Sandel always reminds us to be humble, which is great advice. … I think we have to understand exactly what our achievements are and what they aren’t. I think it’s also good for us to be reminded that there’s an enormous amount of talent outside of 02138.”

Harvard Medical School/Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Melissa Gilliam, M.D. ’93, incoming president, Boston University

“You have discovered abilities that you did not know you had. You speak new language — words like ‘bezoar,’ ‘satiety,’ and ‘caries,’ they roll off your tongue. To push yourself when you are very tired, you will tell yourself that you are strong, you do not need sleep, you do not need food, you do not need to sit, you do not need to rest. But one thing is for certain: you do need other people. Without the support and comfort of your relationships, it’s just not a long-term strategy for achieving your goals. So, my second message to you is, love your family and friends. And, really, that is not enough. It is easy — mostly — to love your family and friends. But I would challenge you to seek to love people who are not known to you and, even more so, who are different than you. If we are going to care for people, make scientific discoveries for people, then you must see people and hold their humanity in the highest regard.”

Harvard Law School

Deb Haaland, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“Seize your newfound power, your influence, your hearts, and your expertise and put it to good use. Good use that will outlive each of us. Good use that will ensure future generations can live the prosperous lives they deserve. Good use that will make you proud to be a lawyer, because we can’t build the world we deserve without each of you. Be grateful for the gifts in the universe that have been prepared just for you so that you can regift. And remember that you are part of a community, today and every day, that is rooting for your success.” 

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Melissa Hoffer, Climate Chief, State of Massachusetts

“The worldview that conceives of humans as somehow exempt from the laws of chemistry and biology and physics — it is that idea that is now destabilizing the climate and threatening the ecosystems that support all life. That mindset allows many of us, especially the most privileged among us, to continue to live as if in a trance.”

Harvard Business School

Desiree Rogers, M.B.A. ’85, CEO of Black Opal

“I kept my mouth shut and did not speak in that first marketing class, but sitting through a few more classes and getting to know my classmates, I realized that what felt like a weakness was actually a strength. It was important that my voice was heard — and I did learn to comment in class — but it was also key that I listen. I already knew what I thought about a case, so hearing what others thought broadened my base of understanding. And that included opinions that I did not agree with. And as it worked out, that impulse to listen would not only make me a better leader, but help to make me a better friend and parent.”

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Opinion How to create a coherent American community

The past told us how the United States tried to keep people out. But how can we bring new arrivals in?

Regarding Eduardo Porter’s May 23 Thursday Opinion essay, “ How America tried and failed to stay White ”:

Mr. Porter nicely summarized a century of immigration laws, recalled Donald Trump’s statements opposing immigration and concluded that a “deep-seated fear that immigrants will reshape [America’s] ethnic makeup, its identity and the balance of political power” besets White people in the United States.

I would contend that Mr. Porter spends too much time in this analysis looking back at what transpired and devotes too little ink to how we go forward as a nation. The White population of the United States has hardly changed in half a century: 178 million Americans identified as White in the 1970 Census, compared with 204 million in 2020 , a change of 26 million. Over the same years, the country’s total population rose by about 128 million people.

White folks in my circle do not fear some new identity; everyone knows the complexion of the country has changed. What I hear White friends speak of isn’t fear. It is something else: puzzlement. Where do we go from here?

Mr. Porter winds up his analysis saying the proper way forward “focuses on constructing a new shared American identity that fits everyone.” Well that’s the thing, isn’t it? Explain this shared identity and what it means and how we get to it.

Our country’s intellectual leaders, and I would include Mr. Porter here, are not really defining how we might unify as a cohesive society, even though a good number of scholars insist this unity matters. Harvard University political scientist Robert Putnam pointed out Americans’ social bonds began to decline in the 1970s, triggering the drop in voter-participation rates. Columbia University historian Mark Lilla argued the propensity for identity politics led the Democrats into a cul-de-sac from which it is impossible to govern. Notre Dame political scientist Patrick Deneen contended that people ought to ask what is good for our society as opposed to asking what is good for the individual.

All three men make profound points. I would be curious to learn more about how Mr. Porter believes we should weigh the merits of these points rather than simply concluding that White rubes fear the future. Mr. Trump does not speak for the nation. He speaks for himself and a narrow slice of people. My friends might vote for him. But I doubt they will do so out of fear. What they talk of is how long the country can prosper if it has no common idea about what it means to be an American. What they are talking about is citizenship.

Ted Evanoff , Hernando, Miss.

Repeated renewal by immigration is what makes the United States the exceptional nation. The ones who come are self-selected for gumption, nerve and willingness to leave the familiar behind to strike out in a new land. Rather than staying home and making do, these are the people with the audacity to risk migrating, often in the knowledge that there is no going back and that they are forever leaving behind their friends and families and everything they know.

Thus, the best immigrants are not the ones with high skills who can step into success here and know it. Our reinvigoration comes from those with nothing but their courage and their confidence that they can build a new life here. These are the brave ones, the ones who will proudly call themselves “American.”

The United States has remade itself again and again with our O’Malleys, Alberghinis, Huangs, Gottschalks, Cohens, Kowalskis, Singhs, Garcias and all the others who came here in desperate waves, bringing only their initiative and boldness. All these suffered a generation or more of being seen as too different, too dirty and too foreign by the original English settlers, who themselves embodied the same spirit when they left England in their own day. It is from this varied stock that we have built an exceptional nation, and those now coming across our southern border are just the latest version.

We cannot welcome everyone, but the daring to travel far through many dangers is a recommendation in itself. It speaks to the essence of what made the United States and what is our unique national characteristic. Our new arrivals should be celebrated.

William S. Kessler , Seattle

Eduardo Porter’s recent column does a good job of confronting the consistently racist approach to immigration in the United States. But that narrow focus on immigration as the way Americans attempted to consolidate and defend a White identity ignores the fact that there have always been millions of non-Whites in the country. Native Americans were systematically slaughtered and penned up on tiny reservations. Black people outnumbered Whites in some areas of the South (and still do). Spaniards and Mexicans suddenly found themselves to be residents of a new country after the United States seized half of Mexico. These new Americans couldn’t be kept outside the borders, but they could be oppressed and denied education, housing, jobs and opportunity. These efforts sadly continue in many parts of our country. Honesty and decency require us to right all of these wrongs.

Tim Goncharoff , Fairfield, Calif.

Fixing DEI statements

Regarding the May 20 editorial, “ What universities can learn from MIT’s DEI experiment ”:

There is widespread agreement that the first step in solving a problem is recognizing that there is one. The recent Post editorial about MIT’s decision to stop requiring diversity, equity and inclusion statements from job candidates took the first step in that direction. It then proceeded to address an ancillary issue, thus evading the real problem altogether.

A simpler — and more accurate — headline for the editorial might have been “The problem with diversity statements is: diversity statements.” The Post paints a chilling picture of just how much these statements narrow the pool of candidates for teaching positions at elite universities.

At its most basic level, the purpose of a university is to instill in its students knowledge and critical thinking; the primary vehicle for this is faculty instruction. Anything that detracts from this broad, primary goal is a grave threat to it. Failing to select faculty applicants who are the most competent and reliable at raising students to their potential in knowledge, reasoning ability and contribution to their fields is a shameful disservice.

When, as their first priority, university hiring systems focus on group categories and on adherence to shallow philosophical statements, intellectual depth is abandoned. By definition, DEI is largely a collection of social and emotional concepts. Professional merit, however, is primarily a function of knowledge and intellectual performance. These two concepts do not coexist well.

Rid the educational system of DEI and channel efforts instead into the myriad problems that impact students’ educational and intellectual attainment. When this is accomplished, the diversity statement problem will have solved itself.

Carl Thomason , Fredericksburg

An alternative way for universities such as MIT to change the course of arguments about diversity, equity and inclusion and actually to have a dramatic impact on higher education might be for them to share $1 billion of their endowments with a historically Black college or university.

Harvard has an endowment worth $50.7 billion, Yale has $40.7 billion , and Princeton has $34.1 billion socked away. In fiscal 2023, MIT’s endowment stood at $23.5 billion. By contrast, Morehouse College’s endowment stood at just $275 million at the start of the school’s most recent capital campaign, despite its 157 years of excellence. Howard University has the largest endowment of all the HBCUs with $865.3 million , followed by Spelman College, which reported an endowment of $570.8 million in 2021, and earlier this year received a $100 million donation , the largest gift ever to an HBCU.

A number of these historically Black schools are in the middle of fundraising efforts aimed at growing their endowments to $1 billion. If the Ivy League schools want to level the playing field, perhaps they could start by sharing their wealth to help these colleges and universities not simply reach that goal but surpass it.

Carolyn Wilson , Chevy Chase

Louis Armstrong reportedly said about jazz, “If you have to define it, you’ll never understand it.” If leaders of elite universities have to require teaching candidates to submit statements advancing the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, they’ll never understand what those principles really mean.

Elite universities sit atop a pyramidal structure; not everyone gets access to the pinnacle. These schools exist to advance the levels of preparation and achievement for the students who are determined to be the best and the brightest society has to offer. But waiting to use DEI principles until students reach those elite institutions is a mistake that risks undermining one of the foundational reasons for the existence of these schools: to identify and reward merit.

Applying DEI principles to the schools that serve as feeder systems for elite universities will ensure that more talented students have access to those schools in the first place. Add in transparent admissions policies at elite universities, and the result will be a sustainable system that marries fairness with achievement.

William R. Ayers , Bethesda

About letters to the editor

The Post welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, especially those that expand upon the ideas raised by published pieces and those that raise valuable questions about The Post’s practices and choices. Letters should run no more than 400 words, be submitted only to the Post and must be published under your real name. Submit a letter .

Unity is Strength Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on unity is strength.

In today’s time where there is cut-throat competition everywhere and every individual is trying to apply his or her method to reach on top, very few recognize the importance of proverb ‘Unity is strength’. Also, this proverb has now become confined to inspirational books and motivational lectures. So, very few people actually understand the importance and thus it’s application in their lives. But these people that are actually more satisfied as well as content in their lives that actually applies it. So, unity is strength essay is an insight into the increasing importance of unity in lives in the present world.

This proverb also applies when it comes to relationships. People nowadays are so blinded by the success and the power that they want to be ahead of their colleagues, relatives, and friends.

Thus, they get into professional as well as personal rivalries with each other most of the times so, they do not understand that they cannot move ahead as well as enhance their skills, knowledge, and help each other. Thus, when we go against our team-mates and start to compete with them in an office setting, then people from another team will benefit from the situation. 

Read 500+ Words Essay on Unity here

Also, another reason here people grow apart because of mistrust. This becomes true especially when it comes to the husband-wife relationship. Also, here we often see couples doubting each other always. So, they start to question small things and doubt them of lying or cheating.

So, outsiders take advantage of these type of situations. Also, they fuel the doubt and thereby create conflict between the two in order to fulfill their own motives. Also, this will not only have a negative impact on the two but also on the kids. So, if the wife and husband stay united and defend each other than no one can create the rift between the two. 

To Societies and Nations

The proverb also holds true when it comes to society and the nation as a whole. The societies and localities where people stay united are loved by everyone.

Thus, people living here meets as well as greets their neighbors with a smile, guard their neighbor’s house, help out each other in crisis, etc. Also, they celebrate each and every function together and conducts other social gatherings every now and then. In the current world, many people are suffering from loneliness as well as depression, these types of neighborhood can be a boon. 

Similarly, nations around the globe are very busy fighting each other in order to prove that they are better than one another. So, every nation has nuclear weapons and many terrorist organizations have been formed. So, if we stop all these kinds of malpractices than the world will become a much better place to live. 

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In Talks With Putin, Xi Hails ‘Powerful Driving Force’ of Cooperation

At a summit with China’s leader, in Beijing, the Russian president called for stronger economic ties between the countries, as he intensifies his war effort.

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By David Pierson and Paul Sonne

With his army making advances in Ukraine and his political grip tightened at home after securing an unprecedented fifth term as president, Vladimir V. Putin of Russia arrived in Beijing on Thursday in search of another win: more support from his “dear friend,” Xi Jinping.

Mr. Putin, whose economy is isolated from the West because of sanctions over his invasion of Ukraine, relies on Mr. Xi, China’s leader, for diplomatic cover and a financial lifeline, including huge purchases of Russian oil.

But Mr. Putin will need more help to sustain his war machine, especially now as his military makes a push near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, before billions of dollars’ worth of arms arrives from the United States to shore up Ukraine’s depleted forces.

In Beijing, Mr. Putin sought to show that Moscow was deepening its ties as a bulwark against Western attempts to contain the two countries. “We are working in solidarity on the formulation of a more just and democratic multipolar world order,” he said.

He trumpeted China’s role as Russia’s number one trade partner, highlighted the use of the Russian ruble and the Chinese renminbi currency in the countries’ transactions, and said the sides would strengthen contacts between credit institutions and banks. He also said the leaders discussed working more closely in energy and nuclear power research, though made no mention of a proposed natural gas pipeline to China that Moscow would like to see built.

Mr. Xi is committed to his partnership with Mr. Putin, regarding Russia as a critical counterweight to their common rival, the United States. The two leaders share a vision of an alternative world order where autocratic countries like China and Russia can operate free of interference from Washington and its allies.

The pomp and pageantry that greeted Mr. Putin in Beijing made clear the importance of that relationship and the leaders’ “no limits” strategic alignment. Mr. Xi welcomed Mr. Putin at the Great Hall of the People with a tightly choreographed ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute, a marching band, an honor guard and children jumping and waving in sync.

Mr. Xi hailed ties between their two countries as “a model for a new type of international relations and relations between neighboring major powers.” Key to the relationship, he said, was that the countries “always firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.”

The nations released a lengthy joint statement late Thursday that vowed deeper cooperation in a range of critical areas, including the space, military and energy sectors. The document also took particular aim at the United States, demonstrating how the world’s two most powerful autocratic powers are consolidating their alignment against a community of democracies dominated by Washington.

The joint statement implicitly accused the United States and its allies of “pursuing confrontational policies and interfering in the internal affairs of other states, undermining the existing security architecture, creating new dividing lines between countries, provoking regional tension and promoting bloc confrontation.”

The document also called on the United States not to arm its allies in Asia and Europe with intermediate range missile launchers, a move made possible after Washington withdrew from a treaty regulating the weapons in 2019 , citing violations by Moscow.

“The parties strongly condemn these extremely destabilizing steps, which pose a direct threat to the security of Russia and China, and intend to increase interaction and tighten coordination in order to counter Washington’s destructive and hostile move toward the so-called ‘dual containment’ of our countries,” the statement said.

“The signal is, ‘we are strong together,’” said Nadège Rolland, a scholar at the National Bureau of Asian Research. “Western sanctions may bite, but as long as China stands by Russia, the power of the West is limited, precisely because of their own interdependence.”

Russia publicly reaffirmed its support for China over Taiwan, saying Moscow opposed “independence of Taiwan in any form.” China supported Russia’s efforts to ensure its “sovereignty and territorial integrity” and said it opposed “outside interference in Russia’s internal affairs” but stopped short of endorsing its actions in Ukraine.

The two leaders were due to discuss the crisis in Ukraine over dinner late Thursday.

Mr. Xi is under growing diplomatic and economic pressure from the West to curtail any support that aids Mr. Putin’s war on Ukraine.

The United States has accused Beijing of aiding the Kremlin’s war efforts by providing satellite intelligence, fighter jet parts, microchips and other dual-use equipment. Senior American officials have warned of sanctions against Chinese banks and “significant consequences” for Chinese companies that assisted Russia’s war effort.

The warnings appear to be having some effect. Russian media reported earlier this year that Chinese banks have scaled back transactions with Russian firms over concerns about secondary sanctions. The change is believed to have contributed to a fall in trade between Russia and China in March from the same period a year ago, the first such decline since January 2021, according to Chinese customs data.

Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing, said finding a way to restore bank transactions and trade volume may be the summit’s “number one topic of discussion.”

Mr. Putin traveled with a sizable delegation that reflected the deepening economic and military cooperation he hoped to cement with Mr. Xi in the face of such pressure from the West. Included were Andrei R. Belousov, an economist who was named the new defense minister this week; Maksim Reshetnikov, the economy minister; and Sergey V. Lavrov, the foreign minister.

Mr. Belousov has experience with China, having previously co-chaired a group formed in 2014 to promote more trade between the two countries.

Others accompanying Mr. Putin included the heads of Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear power company, and Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, as well as five deputy prime ministers.

The makeup of Mr. Putin’s entourage suggested that the talks focused on military and space cooperation that could include how China can aid Russia’s military aims in Ukraine, said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.

“What this visit gives to Putin is this avenue to have one-on-one sincere conversations with the Chinese leader, brainstorming on strategy, and then bringing the most senior military-security teams together,” Mr. Gabuev said.

Mr. Putin wants to find ways to circumvent sanctions and gain support with banking and the supply of parts, rather than ready-made lethal weapons, Mr. Gabuev said. Military-technological support, he said, seemed to be “a subject of very intensive discussions between the Russians and the Chinese.”

Mr. Putin also called for greater economic cooperation, saying the two countries should prioritize energy and agriculture, as well as advanced technologies, infrastructure construction and transportation. Chinese products, from electronics to cars, have filled the gap left by Western companies that quit the Russian market after the start of the war, allowing Mr. Putin to retain a semblance of consumer normalcy for his people despite Moscow’s isolation.

The Russian leader lauded the two countries’ use of rubles and renminbi to settle trade to circumvent U.S. restrictions on using dollars.

“Despite some actions aimed at restraining our development — some actions on the part of third countries — trade turnover between Russia and China is increasing at a good pace,” Mr. Putin said, according to Russian state media.

“Our cooperation in world affairs today serves as one of the main stabilizing factors in the international arena,” he added.

The two leaders, who have met over 40 times, including virtually, depicted their relationship as close. In a statement he read to reporters, Mr. Putin sought to show that he was both not isolated and fully in charge. He said that he and Mr. Xi were in frequent contact, enabling the leaders to “discuss any, even the most difficult problems.”

On Friday, Mr. Putin is scheduled to visit Harbin, a city in China’s northeast that for years was home to tens of thousands of ethnic Russians, many of whom were involved in railroad construction or fled to the city during the Russian Civil War.

With pointed symbolism, the Russian leader will visit the Harbin Institute of Technology, which boasts scientific exchange between Russians and Chinese dating back more than a century. The institute has become one of the most important military research universities in China, developing some of the technologies that the Kremlin may want, as Moscow and Beijing deepen their military cooperation, Mr. Gabuev said.

The details of any agreements in that area are likely to be a top focus of the Kremlin and unlikely to be revealed in public, he added.

“The substance, the most important part, is hidden,” he said. “It is the underwater part of the iceberg.”

Ivan Nechepurenko and Olivia Wang contributed reporting and research.

David Pierson covers Chinese foreign policy and China’s economic and cultural engagement with the world. He has been a journalist for more than two decades. More about David Pierson

Paul Sonne is an international correspondent, focusing on Russia and the varied impacts of President Vladimir V. Putin’s domestic and foreign policies, with a focus on the war against Ukraine. More about Paul Sonne

Our Coverage of the War in Ukraine

News and Analysis

U.S. and allied intelligence officials are tracking an increase in low-level sabotage operations in Europe  that they say are part of a Russian campaign to undermine support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Some American-made, precision-guided weapons supplied to Ukraine have proved ineffective on the battlefield , their accuracy badly diminished by Russian jamming efforts.

Ukraine has begun releasing prisoners to serve in its army , part of a wider effort to rebuild a military that has been depleted by more than two years of war and is strained by relentless Russian assaults.

Striking a Chord: A play based on a classic 19th-century novel, “The Witch of Konotop,” is a smash hit among Ukrainians who see cultural and historical echoes  in the story of what they face after two years of war.

Europe’s Defense Industry: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine jolted Europe out of complacency about military spending. But the challenges are about more than just money .

Putin’s Victory Narrative: The Russian leader’s message to his country appears to be taking hold : that Russia is fighting against the whole Western world — and winning.

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/georgian-parliament-committee-rejects-presidential-veto-of-the-divisive-foreign-agents-legislation

Georgian parliament committee rejects presidential veto of the divisive ‘foreign agents’ legislation

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — A Georgian parliament committee on Monday rejected the president’s veto of the “foreign agents” legislation that has sparked massive protests for weeks.

The move by the parliament’s judiciary committee sets up the possibility of a vote of the full legislature on Tuesday to override President Salome Zourabichvili’s veto of the measure, which she and other critics say will restrict media freedom and obstruct Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union.

The law would require news media and non-governmental organizations that get more than 20 percent of their budget from abroad to register as “carrying out the interests of a foreign power.” Opponents denounce it as “the Russian law” because it resembles measures pushed through by the Kremlin.

The ruling Georgian Dream party has insisted that the bill is needed to stem what it deems to be harmful foreign actors trying to destabilize the South Caucasus nation of 3.7 million people.

“It’s absolutely important for Georgia,” Maka Bochorishvili, a ruling party member who heads the parliamentary EU integration committee, told The Associated Press.

She argued that the bill should help make the country “stable and peaceful” and rejected the opposition’s labeling of it as “the Russian law” as unfair.

WATCH: Amid massive protests, Georgian parliament passes bill critics say will set back democracy

“I do believe that if there is proper understanding of the objective of this law, nobody would prove why transparency can go against European integration,” Bochorishvili said, adding that she expects the country’s Western partners “to have better understanding of the necessity of this legislation for Georgia.”

Zourabichvili vetoed the law on May 18 after it was passed in parliament by deputies from the Georgian Dream and its allies. That bloc has sufficient votes in parliament to override the veto.

Large protests have repeatedly gripped the capital, Tbilisi, as the measure made its way through parliament.

On Sunday, Zourabichvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze assailed each other in speeches at a ceremony marking Georgia’s Independence Day.

“As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace. Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world,” Zourabichvili said.

Kobakhidze shot back, accusing Zourabichvili of betraying the country.

“It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia.” he said.

The European Union’s foreign policy arm has said that adoption of the law “negatively impacts Georgia’s progress on the EU path.” Critics say it may have been driven by Russia to thwart Georgia’s chances of further integrating with the West.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday announced that travel sanctions would be imposed on Georgian officials “who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia.”

He added that “it remains our hope that Georgia’s leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward with their nation’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.”

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Amid massive protests, Georgian parliament passes bill critics say will set back democracy

World May 14