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