Given information

Definition

Given information refers to the knowledge or context that is assumed to be known by the speaker and listener in a conversation. It serves as the foundation upon which new information is built, helping to create coherence in communication by connecting familiar concepts to new ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Given information plays a crucial role in establishing context, allowing speakers to build upon shared knowledge without unnecessary repetition.
2. In a conversation, given information helps listeners understand what is being referenced, making communication smoother and more effective.
3. The structure of sentences often reflects the distinction between given and new information, with given information typically appearing before new information.
4. Recognizing given information can aid in reading comprehension, as it helps connect prior knowledge with new concepts being presented.
5. The effectiveness of given information relies on the shared understanding between speakers, as what is 'given' may vary depending on the audience.

Review Questions

• How does given information contribute to effective communication in conversations?
  • Given information lays the groundwork for effective communication by ensuring that both the speaker and listener share a common understanding. It allows speakers to reference familiar concepts without needing to restate them, making conversations more fluid. By establishing context through given information, new ideas can be introduced more clearly, enhancing overall comprehension.
• Discuss how given information can affect sentence structure and clarity in written communication.
  • Given information influences sentence structure by often appearing earlier in a sentence, which helps set the context for the new information that follows. This organization aids clarity as readers can easily identify what has been established before moving on to unfamiliar content. By clearly distinguishing between what is known and what is new, writers can improve coherence and enhance reader understanding.
• Evaluate the importance of recognizing given information when analyzing a text and how it impacts overall interpretation.
  • Recognizing given information is vital for analyzing a text because it helps readers connect prior knowledge with new ideas presented in the writing. It shapes interpretation by highlighting what assumptions are being made and what contexts are relevant. This understanding not only clarifies the author's message but also enriches critical thinking by prompting readers to consider how different interpretations might arise based on varying levels of familiarity with the given information.

Related terms

New Information: New information is any data or facts that have not been previously mentioned or understood by the listener, often introduced to expand the conversation.

Presupposition:

Presupposition is an implicit assumption about the world or background knowledge that must be accepted for a statement to make sense.

Coherence:

Coherence refers to the logical connections that make communication understandable and meaningful, achieved through clear relationships between given and new information.