I need you to say I Notes
Introduction to First-Person Use in College Writing
College writing often requires moving away from strict "I-less" prose.
This method of writing initially promotes objectivity, resembling strict musical scales taught to jazz pianists.
The flexibility of writing styles in college reflects a more sophisticated understanding than high school writing.
Importance of First-Person in Academic Writing
Contextual Use: First-person pronouns can enhance arguments when used judiciously.
Choices about using first person depend on:
The audience for the paper.
The type of information being communicated.
Characteristics of Good Argument Supported by First-Person
Objectivity and Integrity
Teachers often emphasize "I-less-ness" to maintain objectivity in arguments.
Objectivity requires supporting claims with evidence rather than personal perspectives.
Example: In scientific writing, the shift from passive to active voice reflects awareness of the observer effect.
Clarifying Authors' Perspectives
Separates the author's interpretations from the claims of others.
Indicates personal opinions and interpretations to avoid misrepresentation.
Example: Using “I maintain” helps clarify one’s own interpretations distinct from those of scholars.
Ownership and Intellectual Involvement
Using first-person pronouns helps acknowledge personal contributions to discussions of the topic.
Example: Phrasing like “This is mine, it’s a new way of looking at the issue” signifies the importance of personal input.
Rhetorical Sophistication
Complex writing requires multiple tasks: summarizing, synthesizing, and responding.
Example: Transitions like “Now that I’ve done this” can clarify shifts in argument or focus.
Academic Examples of First-Person Use
Robert Terrill: In his work, he transitions to first person when presenting his own argument, indicating ownership of his claims.
Kraemer and Marquez: In research contexts, first-person usage highlights the researchers’ actions and acknowledges their impact on methodologies.
Susan Clark: Contrasts Kraemer and Marquez by using third person as her work focuses on meta-analysis, only using "we" in a different context at the end.
Guidelines for Appropriate First-Person Use
Consider using "I" under certain conditions:
Assignments clearly require it (personal narratives, reflections).
When summarizing and responding—you might transition with "I".
Complex papers, indicating your perspective or new ideas.
Avoid using "I" when:
It’s used only once, leading to jarring tone shifts.
Writing a simple summary where objectivity is required.
For lab reports, unless clarified with instructors about objectivity.