Final answer:
Drifting off topic might damage a paragraph's sense of unity, while following a pattern and writing a strong topic sentence enhance the paragraph's unity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drifting off topic might damage a paragraph's sense of unity. When a paragraph drifts off topic, it means that the writer is not maintaining a clear focus on the main idea or thesis of the paragraph. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the overall coherence of the paragraph. For example, if a paragraph starts by discussing the benefits of exercise but then suddenly switches to talking about healthy eating, it would be drifting off topic and affecting the unity of the paragraph.
Following a pattern and writing a strong topic sentence, on the other hand, are actually beneficial for a paragraph's unity. When a paragraph follows a pattern, it means that the ideas and information are organized in a logical and coherent manner. This helps the reader to understand the flow of the paragraph and how each sentence connects to the next. Similarly, a strong topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph and provides a clear focus for the rest of the sentences. This helps to maintain the unity and coherence of the paragraph.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) None of the above. Both drifting off topic and following a pattern can impact the unity of a paragraph, but a strong topic sentence actually enhances the unity.