Post 7: Academic Writing in College

    "At this point in your development as a writer, you may have learned to write “I-less” prose, without first person." (Maddalena, 180). Growing up, high school academic writing emphasized the point she makes at the start of her essay, "“I need you to say ‘I’”: Why First Person Is Important in College Writing". Academic writing in high school and college shares similarities, but there are differences, particularly the use of first-person pronouns. In high school, academic writing often focuses on factual recall and objective analysis. Our teachers discourage usage of "I" or "me", promoting a impersonal tone. I can't tell you the amount of times they stressed the point of not using it, following up with "in college they don't allow...". This approach aims to maintain objectivity and distance the writer from the information written. 

    One difference in college academic writing is that it encourages a more personal and reflective approach. Maddalena states a strong argument for the strategic use of first person pronouns, "Probably the best way to approach first person in an academic context is this: use it to make yourself clear." (Maddalena, 188). You can use it to help establish authority, claiming ownership of ideas and arguments. And fostering engagement by creating a more personal connection with the reader. So, while both high school and college academic writing aim to achieve clarity and coherence, college writing often leans towards a nuanced and personal style. Strategically using person person pronouns allows the writer to strengthen their connection with the reader. 

Works Cited

Maddalena, Kate McKinney. “‘I Need You to Say “I”’: Why First Person Is Important in College.” Writing Spaces Readings on Writing, edited by Charles Lowe and Pavel Zemliansky, vol. 1, Parlor Press, 2010, pp. 180–190.


Comments

  1. Clint WilsonNovember 17, 2024 at 7:24 PM

    Tyler,
    I agree that college writing brings out the opportunity to have a personal touch, it also requires significantly amount of research and several drafts to work out the kinks. Good writing about using I to claiming ownership and arguing in your own words. Looks like your writing has improved and easy to read.

    ReplyDelete
  2. tahj evansNovember 23, 2024 at 7:52 PM

    Your views on the transition from high school to college writing, particularly on the use of first-person pronouns, are bang on. It's interesting how impartiality is typically valued in high school writing, sometimes causing a disconnect between the writer and the material. As you pointed out, emphasizing an impersonal tone can sometimes limit a writer's voice and close connection to the subject.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Krischeon SloanNovember 23, 2024 at 8:06 PM

    I agree that college invites more of a personal and reflective approach to writing compared to high school. I appreciate now being able to express my comprehension without being too objective.

    ReplyDelete

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