P6: Depersonalize Academic Writing

P6: Depersonalize Academic Writing: For the formal voice of academic writing, avoid using first- and second- person pronouns.  Delete clauses like “I believe.”  See the following: https://unilearning.uow.edu.au/academic/2div.html

Avoid first-person references in academic writing.  Statements are assumed thoughts of the author unless otherwise stated.

I feel genetic modification has both potential risks and benefits. – Too personalized

Genetic modification has both potential risks and benefits. – Less personalized

Reynolds makes some claims that I might question. – Too personalized

Reynolds makes some claims that some might question. – Less personalized

We seem to think technology will always solve the problems. – Too personalized

People seem to think technology will always solve the problems. – Less personalized

Avoid using second-person references in academic writing.

If you want to prepare your children, be involved. – Too personalized

If people want to prepare their children, they should be involved. – Less personalized

If one wants to prepare one’s children, one should be involved. – Less personalized