“The Given-New Principle” Connecting Old Ideas to New Ideas in Your Writing Old Ideas New Ideas © 2001 by Ruth Luman References

Introduction What is coherence? Look at the paragraphs below. Which one is easier to read? Click on the answer. My father’s house had four bedrooms and two sitting rooms. My father had planted a lot of flowers in the garden. There was a large oak tree in the front yard. My father’s house had four bedrooms and two sitting rooms. In front of the house was a large garden. In the garden my father had planted a lot of flowers. Most of these flowers were roses and tulips.

The Given-New Principle One of the ways that you can make sure that your sentences and paragraphs have coherence is to use the “Given-New Principle.” With the Given-New Principle, you use something “given” (an old piece of information) from a previous sentence, and add something “new.” Using something “given” from the previous sentence is the connecting idea between the old and new ideas. given idea given idea  new idea

Example 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). “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.” See Answer

Surface Signals Idea Idea 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 the following pages. (Bates, 1997, p. 124). Surface Signals Idea Idea

Surface Signals Repetition of Key Words Example #1: main ideas Example #1: One of the values of Saudi Arabian culture is modesty in women. Women show their modesty by covering themselves with a veil. surface signals (key words repeated)

Surface Signals Repetition of Key Words Example #2: main idea Example #2: Our next task was to look for those elusive particles. Such particles are difficult to detect without a microscope. surface signal (key word repeated)

Surface Signals Repetition of Key Words Example #3: main idea Example #3: Gold, a precious metal, is prized for two important characteristics. First of all, gold has a lustrous beauty that is resistant to corrosion. surface signal (key word repeated)

(demonstrative adjective) Surface Signals Demonstrative Adjectives (this, that, these, those) 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 adjective) Surface Signals Demonstrative Adjectives (this, that, these, those) main idea Example #2: An important custom in Ethiopian culture is the coffee ceremony. This ceremony is often practiced every Sunday. surface signal (demonstrative adjective)

(demonstrative adjective) Surface Signals Demonstrative Adjectives (this, that, these, those) main ideas Example #3: 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 (demonstrative adjective)

Surface Signals Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you) Example #1: main idea 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 signal (pronoun)

Surface Signals Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you) Example #2: main idea Many Japanese believe in the importance of teamwork. They teach their children to think of the group first. surface signal (pronoun)

Surface Signals Pronouns (he, she, it, they, you) Example #3: main idea When a father is very sick, he knows that his family will take care of him. surface signal (pronoun)

Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned. Practice Exercise Now, you are ready to practice what you’ve learned.

Revision Checklist 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. After you have checked your essay for coherence problems, read your essay draft aloud to your teacher. As you read it, ask your teacher to listen to make sure there are no breaks in coherence.