“the given-new principle” connecting old ideas to new ideas in your writing references old ideas...
TRANSCRIPT
““The Given-New The Given-New Principle”Principle”
Connecting Old Ideas to New Ideas in Your Writing
References
Old Ideas New Ideas
© 2001 by Ruth Luman
Look at the paragraphs below. Which one is easier to read? Click on the answer.
IntroductionIntroductionWhat is coherence?
My father’s house had four bedrooms and two sittingrooms. My father had planted a lot of flowers in thegarden. There was a large oak tree in the front yard.
My father’s house had four bedrooms and two sittingrooms. In front of the house was a large garden. In thegarden my father had planted a lot of flowers. Most ofthese flowers were roses and tulips.
given idea new idea
TheThe GivenGiven--NewNew PrinciplePrinciple
One of the ways that you can make sure that your sentences andparagraphs have coherence is to use the “Given-New Principle.”With the Given-New Principle, you use something “given” (an old pieceof information) from a previous sentence, and add something “new.”Using something “given” from the previous sentence is the connectingidea between the old and new ideas.
given idea
“One important value in Brazilian culture is hospitality. Hospitality to a Brazilian means essentially that your ‘door’ is always open to friends, relatives, and guests.”
ExampleExample
In the second of the following two sentences, find the “given”information that is being picked up from the first sentence, as well as the “new” information that has been added. Click on “See Answer” when you are finished. (Bates, 1997, p. 123).
See Answer
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
To help connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs, We can use “surface signals.” Surface signals are words that help tell the reader the logical connection between ideas. Look at some examples of surface signals on thefollowing pages. (Bates, 1997, p. 124).
Idea Idea
SurfaceSignals
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #1:
One of the values of Saudi Arabian culture is modesty in women. Women show their modesty by covering themselves with a veil.
main ideas
surface signals
(key words repeated)
Repetition of Key Words
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #2: main idea
surface signal
(key word repeated)
Repetition of Key Words
Our next task was to look for those elusive particles. Such particles are difficult to detect without a microscope.
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #3: main idea
surface signal
(key word repeated)
Repetition of Key Words
Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion.
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #1:
Women show their modesty by covering themselves with a veil. This covers the woman’s head and often much of her face.
surface signal
(demonstrative adjective)main idea
Demonstrative Adjectives
(this, that, these, those)
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #2:
surface signal
(demonstrative adjective)
main idea
Demonstrative Adjectives
(this, that, these, those)
An important custom in Ethiopian culture is the coffee ceremony. This ceremony is often practiced every Sunday.
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #3:
surface signal
(demonstrative adjective)
main ideas
Demonstrative Adjectives
(this, that, these, those)
Cambodian parents try to raise their children to have respect for elders, patience in trying situations, and gentleness toward others. These values are highly prized in Cambodian culture.
surface signal
(pronoun)
This veil covers the woman’s head and often much of her face. She may also choose to wear a mask that shows only her eyes.
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #1: main idea
Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you)
surface signal
(pronoun)
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #2: main idea
Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you)
Many Japanese believe in the importance of teamwork. They teach their children to think of the group first.
surface signal
(pronoun)
Surface SignalsSurface Signals
Example #3: main idea
Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you)
When a father is very sick, he knows that his family will take care of him.
Practice ExercisePractice Exercise
Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Click onthe button below to go back to Unit D. Print and complete theworksheet for Practice Exercise One.
Revision ChecklistRevision Checklist
After you have checked your essay for coherence problems, read your essay draft aloud to your tutor. As you read it, ask your tutor to listen to make sure there are no breaks in coherence.
Look at your essay. Circle all the main ideas in your sentences. Check to make sure that all your sentences and paragraphs logically follow each other. If you notice some problems:
Use the “Given-New Principle.”
Use surface signals to link your ideas.