Sample of a unified paragraph

(Note: The numbers at the beginning of each sentence refer to the commentary that follows the
paragraph.)

(1) An important aspect of the prince’s character, his honor, is revealed in this

passage, thus establishing the basis for the redemption of his honour (2) Here,

Hal atones for the robbery by paying back the money to the individuals who were

robbed (3.3.184.) (3)By these actions,, he redeems himself from his wayward

involvement in the robbery and keeps his promise to his father to “be more

himself” (3.2.93). Thus, the author foreshadows the redemption of Hal’s honor

when he later defeats Hotspur in battle. (4) Also in this passage, in his soliloquy

(1.2.199-221), the prince rationalizes that his reformation (i.e. the redemption of

his honor) is something that will be made to appear “more goodly” (1.2.218)

when it is preceded by his wayward behavior. (5)Taken as a whole, this passage

reveals that Hal’s honor is basic to his character despite the lapses in his

behavior, and it prepares the audience for the redemption of his honour later in

the play. (Adapted from a paper by Angeline Chan, used with permission)

o Sentence (1): Here, the writer introduces the purpose of the paragraph: to show how
"the prince's character" is “revealed” in the literary passage under study.
o Sentences (2) & (3): In these two sentences, the writer stays focused on one of the
key concepts in the topic sentence, "the prince" or "Hal" the subject, and on
comments about his "atonement" and his "redemption".
o Sentence (4): The writer sticks to the central concepts in the topic sentence by
providing examples that develop the idea of redemption.
o Sentence (5): Here, the writer concludes with the point of her paragraph, once again
staying focused on the idea of Hal's character.