Adding Flow to your Writing
TLDRThe video script emphasizes the importance of coherence and flow in writing, particularly in academic settings in the United States. It explains that the onus is on the writer to make their ideas easily followable for the reader. The presenter introduces the 'known-new' principle, which encourages writers to present known information before introducing new ideas, thereby enhancing the flow of their writing. Using a sample paragraph about the advantages of running, the script illustrates how coherence can be improved by linking known and new information effectively. Techniques such as using pronouns, demonstrative adjectives or pronouns, the word 'such,' and transition words are highlighted as effective methods to connect ideas and ensure a smooth reading experience. The summary serves as a guide for non-native English speakers to improve their academic writing and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a lack of clarity.
Takeaways
- 📚 Writing should be coherent and easy to follow, particularly in academic settings in the United States.
- 🌐 Every language has its own discourse patterns, and American English academic writing expects the writer to guide the reader.
- 👉 The known-new principle is crucial in writing: present known information before introducing new ideas.
- 🔄 Repeating known information helps maintain coherence and allows readers to better understand new information.
- 📝 Use pronouns and demonstrative adjectives/pronouns (like 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those') to link new ideas to previously mentioned information.
- 🔗 Transition words ('for example', 'in addition', 'however') can help connect ideas and improve the flow of writing.
- 💡 Providing examples is an effective way to illustrate and expand on known information.
- 🧩 Ensuring that each new piece of information is connected to the previous one helps to build a coherent narrative.
- 🌟 Concluding with a reminder of known information reinforces the main points and rounds off the writing effectively.
- 🚫 Avoid presenting new information without any connection to the previously known information as it can confuse readers.
- ✅ Using words like 'such' can add an academic tone to writing and improve the connection between ideas.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the transcript?
-The main focus of the transcript is to provide tips on how to add flow and coherence to writing, particularly for those writing in an academic setting in the United States, and especially for non-native English speakers.
What is the 'known-new' principle mentioned in the transcript?
-The 'known-new' principle is a writing technique where the writer discusses what is already known before introducing new information. It helps in maintaining coherence and making the text easier for readers to follow.
Why is it important to make writing easy for the reader to follow in American English academic writing?
-In American English academic writing, the expectation is that the writer should make it easy for the reader to follow their ideas. The work is on the writer to ensure clarity and coherence, not on the reader.
What is the significance of using pronouns in writing to improve coherence?
-Pronouns act as a glue between ideas, linking new information to previously mentioned known information. This helps the reader to connect the dots and follow the writer's train of thought more easily.
How can repeating known information using words like 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' help in writing?
-Repeating known information using demonstrative adjectives or pronouns like 'this', 'that', 'these', or 'those' helps to remind the reader of previously mentioned concepts before introducing new information, enhancing coherence.
What is the role of the word 'such' in academic writing?
-The word 'such' is used to introduce examples or to specify particular instances related to the known information. It adds an element of formality and academic tone to the writing, aiding in coherence.
How can transition words help in improving the flow of a written piece?
-Transition words like 'for example', 'in addition', 'moreover', and 'furthermore' help to guide the reader through different sections of the text, providing a smooth transition between ideas and enhancing the overall flow.
What is the purpose of the example paragraph provided in the transcript?
-The example paragraph is used to illustrate how a piece of writing that lacks coherence can be improved by applying the 'known-new' principle and using pronouns, demonstrative adjectives, the word 'such', and transition words.
Why is it beneficial to remind the reader of known information before introducing new information?
-Reminding the reader of known information before introducing new information helps to reinforce the reader's understanding, maintain the flow of ideas, and prevent confusion, making the writing more accessible and coherent.
How does the transcript suggest improving coherence in the conclusion of a written piece?
-The transcript suggests that in the conclusion, it's important to remind the reader of the known information and summarize the key points. This reinforces the main ideas and provides a sense of closure.
What is the final advice given in the transcript for improving the coherence of academic writing?
-The final advice is to apply the discussed techniques—using pronouns, demonstrative adjectives, the word 'such', and transition words—in the next piece of writing to enhance coherence and make it easier for readers to follow the writer's ideas.
Outlines
📚 Enhancing Writing Coherence in Academic English
The first paragraph discusses the importance of adding flow and coherence to writing, particularly in an academic context in the United States. It emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the writer to make the text easy for readers to follow. The speaker introduces the 'known-new' principle, which suggests that writers should present known information before introducing new ideas. An example is given using a paper titled 'The Advantages of Running,' where the known information is highlighted in yellow and new information in blue. The paragraph stresses the need to connect ideas clearly to improve coherence.
🔗 Techniques for Cohesive Writing
The second paragraph provides strategies to connect ideas in writing, making it flow better for the reader. It explains the use of pronouns, demonstrative adjectives or pronouns (like 'this,' 'that,' 'these,' 'those'), the word 'such,' and transition words to create cohesion. The paragraph includes an improved version of the 'The Advantages of Running' paragraph, demonstrating how these techniques can be applied to enhance coherence. The use of known information and new information is color-coded to illustrate the process.
🌿 Benefits of Running and Coherent Conclusion
The third paragraph continues to explore the concept of coherence by refining the running example further. It discusses the use of transition words and phrases such as 'one such benefit,' 'for example,' and 'for instance' to connect ideas smoothly. The paragraph also highlights the importance of concluding with known information to reinforce the main points made in the text. The conclusion emphasizes the undeniable benefits of running, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving focus, and ties back to the personal experience shared earlier in the text.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Flow
💡Coherence
💡Academic Setting
💡Discourse Pattern
💡Known-New Principle
💡Pronouns
💡Demonstrative Adjectives/Pronouns
💡Transition Words
💡Repetition
💡Academic English
💡Cohesive Devices
Highlights
The importance of adding flow and coherence to writing, especially in an academic setting in the United States
The known-new principle - discussing known information before introducing new information to improve flow and coherence
Using pronouns to connect new ideas to old ideas and improve coherence
Repeating known information using words like 'this', 'that', 'these', 'those' to maintain coherence
Using words like 'such' to add academic tone and coherence to writing
Using transition words like 'for example', 'in addition' to connect ideas and improve flow
An example paragraph lacking coherence and how to improve it using the known-new principle and other techniques
Highlighting the connection between elevated mood and being one with nature through running
Using demonstrative adjectives/pronouns (this, that, these, those) to repeat known information and maintain coherence
The benefits of running, including reducing stress/anxiety, improving focus/attention to detail, and connecting with nature
The importance of conclusions reminding readers of known information and summarizing the main points
Using the word 'such' to create a link between known and new information, improving coherence
Using transition words to show the reader when you are finishing a point or section
The overall improvement in coherence in the revised paragraph using pronouns, demonstrative words, the word 'such', and transition words
Practical tips for adding flow and coherence to academic writing in English, especially for non-native speakers
The importance of making writing easy for the reader to follow, with the work falling on the writer rather than the reader
How language differences can impact writing coherence and the need to adapt writing style for American English academic settings
Transcripts
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