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Writing objectively

Being objective suggests that you are concerned about facts and are not influenced by personal feelings or biases. Part of being objective is being fair in your work. Try to consider both sides of an argument and avoid making value judgements by using words such as wonderful or appalling. Being objective also makes your work more professional and credible.

Techniques for making your writing more objective

Be explicit in expressing your ideas:

  • several  ⇒  10
  • most of the population  ⇒  70%
  • some time ago  ⇒  three years ago; or in 2006

Avoid intensifiers which can tend to exaggerate your writing in an imprecise, subjective way:

  • For example, awfully, very, really.

Part of being objective is being balanced in your work, professional and believable:

  • Try to avoid making value judgements through use of words such as amazing or dreadful.

First vs. third person

Pronouns are a set of words that replace nouns. They can be used to make your work less complicated and less repetitive. Examples of pronouns include:

  • First person: I, we, me, us
  • Second person: you
  • Third person: he, she, it, they, him, her, them

For some assignments, it is appropriate to use the first person (e.g. reflective writing). However, for other assignments the third person is preferred. Sometimes a mixture of the first and third person should be used for different purposes. So, check your assignment guidelines for each assignment, as it will differ for different assignment types, different style guides, and different disciplines. If you are unsure, then check with your course coordinator. For more on this see 1st person vs. 3rd person .

Page authorised by Director - Centre for Learner Success
Last updated on 29 November, 2018

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