- PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
- EDIT Edit this Article
- EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
- RANDOM QUIZ
- Browse Articles
- Learn Something New
- Quizzes Hot
- This Or That Game New
- Train Your Brain
- Explore More
- Support wikiHow
- About wikiHow
- Log in / Sign up
- Education and Communications
- Editing and Style
How to Write in Third Person
Last Updated: February 19, 2024 Fact Checked
This article was co-authored by Alicia Cook . Alicia Cook is a Professional Writer based in Newark, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience, Alicia specializes in poetry and uses her platform to advocate for families affected by addiction and to fight for breaking the stigma against addiction and mental illness. She holds a BA in English and Journalism from Georgian Court University and an MBA from Saint Peterâs University. Alicia is a bestselling poet with Andrews McMeel Publishing and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including the NY Post, CNN, USA Today, the HuffPost, the LA Times, American Songwriter Magazine, and Bustle. She was named by Teen Vogue as one of the 10 social media poets to know and her poetry mixtape, âStuff Iâve Been Feeling Latelyâ was a finalist in the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,130,681 times.
Writing in third person can be a simple task, with a little practice. For academic purposes, third person writing means that the writer must avoid using subjective pronouns like âIâ or âyou.â For creative writing purposes, there are differences between third person omniscient, limited, objective, and episodically limited points of view. Choose which one fits your writing project.
Writing in Third Person Academically
- Third person helps the writing stay focused on facts and evidence instead of personal opinion.
- Third person pronouns include: he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; themselves.
- Names of other people are also considered appropriate for third person use.
- Example: â Smith believes differently. According to his research, earlier claims on the subject are incorrect.â
- First person pronouns include: I, me, my, mine, myself, we, us, our, ours, ourselves. [3] X Research source
- The problem with first person is that, academically speaking, it sounds too personalized and too subjective. In other words, it may be difficult to convince the reader that the views and ideas being expressed are unbiased and untainted by personal feelings. Many times, when using first person in academic writing, people use phrases like "I think," "I believe," or "in my opinion."
- Incorrect example: âEven though Smith thinks this way, I think his argument is incorrect.â
- Correct example: âEven though Smith thinks this way, others in the field disagree.â
- Second person pronouns include: you, your, yours, yourself. [4] X Research source
- One main problem with second person is that it can sound accusatory. It runs to risk of placing too much responsibility on the shoulders of the reader specifically and presently reading the work.
- Incorrect example: âIf you still disagree nowadays, then you must be ignorant of the facts.â
- Correct example: âSomeone who still disagrees nowadays must be ignorant of the facts.â
- Indefinite third person nouns common to academic writing include: the writer, the reader, individuals, students, a student, an instructor, people, a person, a woman, a man, a child, researchers, scientists, writers, experts.
- Example: âIn spite of the challenges involved, researchers still persist in their claims.â
- Indefinite third person pronouns include: one, anyone, everyone, someone, no one, another, any, each, either, everybody, neither, nobody, other, anybody, somebody, everything, someone.
- Incorrect example: "You might be tempted to agree without all the facts."
- Correct example: â One might be tempted to agree without all the facts.â
- This is usually done in an attempt to avoid the gender-specific âheâ and âsheâ pronouns. The mistake here would be to use the âtheyâ pronoun with singular conjugation. [5] X Research source
- Incorrect example: âThe witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They was afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.â
- Correct example: âThe witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. They were afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.â
Writing in Third Person Omniscient
- For instance, a story may include four major characters: William, Bob, Erika, and Samantha. At various points throughout the story, the thoughts and actions of each character should be portrayed. These thoughts can occur within the same chapter or block of narration.
- Writers of omniscient narratives should be conscious of âhead-hoppingâ â that is, shifting character perspectives within a scene. While this does not technically break the rules of Third Person Omniscience, it is widely considered a hallmark of narrative laziness.
- In a sense, the writer of a third person omniscient story is somewhat like the âgodâ of that story. The writer can observe the external actions of any character at any time, but unlike a limited human observer, the writer can also peek into the inner workings of that character at will, as well.
- Know when to hold back. Even though a writer can reveal any information they choose to reveal, it may be more beneficial to reveal some things gradually. For instance, if one character is supposed to have a mysterious aura, it would be wise to limit access to that character's inner feelings for a while before revealing his or her true motives.
- Do not use first person and second person points of view in the narrative or descriptive portions of the text.
- Correct example: Bob said to Erika, âI think this is creepy. What do you think?â
- Incorrect example: I thought this was creepy, and Bob and Erika thought so, too. What do you think?
Writing in Third Person Limited
- The thoughts and feelings of other characters remain an unknown for the writer throughout the duration of the text. There should be no switching back and forth between characters for this specific type of narrative viewpoint.
- Unlike first person, where the narrator and protagonist are the same, third person limited puts a critical sliver of distance between protagonist and narrator. The writer has the choice to describe one main characterâs nasty habit â something they wouldnât readily reveal if the narration were left entirely to them.
- In other words, do not use first person pronouns like âI,â âme,â âmy,â âwe,â or âourâ outside of dialog. The main character's thoughts and feelings are transparent to the writer, but that character should not double as a narrator.
- Correct example: âTiffany felt awful after the argument with her boyfriend.â
- Correct example: âTiffany thought, âI feel awful after that argument with my boyfriend.â
- Incorrect example: âI felt awful after the argument with my boyfriend.â
- Note that the writer can offer insight or guesses regarding the thoughts of other characters, but those guesses must be presented through the perspective of the main character.
- Correct example: âTiffany felt awful, but judging by the expression on Carl's face, she imagined that he felt just as bad if not worse.â
- Incorrect example: âTiffany felt awful. What she didn't know was that Carl felt even worse.â
- Correct example: âTiffany watched from the window as Carl walked up to her house and rang the doorbell.â
- Incorrect example: âAs soon as Tiffany left the room, Carl let out a sigh of relief.â
Writing in Episodically Limited Third Person
- Limit the amount of pov characters you include. You don't want to have too many characters that confuse your reader or serve no purpose. Each pov character should have a specific purpose for having a unique point of view. Ask yourself what each pov character contributes to the story.
- For instance, in a romance story following two main characters, Kevin and Felicia, the writer may opt to explain the inner workings of both characters at different moments in the story.
- One character may receive more attention than any other, but all main characters being followed should receive attention at some point in the story.
- Multiple perspectives should not appear within the same narrative space. When one character's perspective ends, another character's can begin. The two perspectives should not be intermixed within the same space.
- Incorrect example: âKevin felt completely enamored of Felicia from the moment he met her. Felicia, on the other hand, had difficulty trusting Kevin.â
- In a novel-length work, a good time to switch perspective is at the start of a new chapter or at a chapter break.
- The writer should also identify the character whose perspective is being followed at the start of the section, preferably in the first sentence. Otherwise, the reader may waste too much energy guessing.
- Correct example: âFelicia hated to admit it, but the roses Kevin left on her doorstep were a pleasant surprise.â
- Incorrect example: âThe roses left on the doorstep seemed like a nice touch.â
- For instance, if Kevin had a talk with Felicia's best friend about Felicia's feelings for him, Felicia herself would have no way of knowing what was said unless she witnessed the conversation or heard about it from either Kevin or her friend.
Writing in Third Person Objective
- There does not need to be a single main character to focus on. The writer can switch between characters, following different characters throughout the course of the narrative, as often as needed.
- Stay away from first person terms like âIâ and second person terms like âyouâ in the narrative, though. Only use first and second person within dialog.
- Imagine that you are an invisible bystander observing the actions and dialog of the characters in your story. You are not omniscient, so you do not have access to any character's inner thoughts and feelings. You only have access to each character's actions.
- Correct example: âAfter class, Graham hurriedly left the room and rushed back to his dorm room.â
- Incorrect example: âAfter class, Graham raced from the room and rushed back to his dorm room. The lecture had made him so angry that he felt as though he might snap at the next person he met.â
- Correct example: âWhen no one else was watching her, Isabelle began to cry.â
- Incorrect example: âIsabelle was too prideful to cry in front of other people, but she felt completely broken-hearted and began crying once she was alone.â
- Let the reader draw his or her own conclusions. Present the actions of the character without analyzing them or explaining how those actions should be viewed.
- Correct example: âYolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down.â
- Incorrect example: âIt might seem like a strange action, but Yolanda looked over her shoulder three times before sitting down. This compulsive habit is an indication of her paranoid state of mind.â
Examples of Third Person POV
Expert Q&A
You Might Also Like
- â https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/point-of-view-in-academic-writing.aspx
- â http://studysupportresources.port.ac.uk/Writing%20in%20the%20third%20peson.pdf
- â http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/third_person.htm
- â https://www.grammarly.com/blog/use-the-singular-they/
- â Alicia Cook. Professional Writer. Expert Interview. 11 December 2020.
- â https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/point-of-view-first-second-third-person-difference
- â https://ojs.library.dal.ca/YAHS/article/viewFile/7236/6278
About This Article
To write in third person, refer to people or characters by name or use third person pronouns like he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; and themselves. Avoid first and second person pronouns completely. For academic writing, focus on a general viewpoint rather than a specific person's to keep things in third person. In other types of writing, you can write in third person by shifting your focus from character to character or by focusing on a single character. To learn more from our Literary Studies Ph.D., like the differences between third person omniscient and third person limited writing, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No
- Send fan mail to authors
Reader Success Stories
Jul 31, 2016
Did this article help you?
Jean Scicluna
Jan 31, 2021
Nov 4, 2016
Karen Evans
Aug 5, 2016
Oct 20, 2016
Featured Articles
Trending Articles
Watch Articles
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
7 Essential Tips for Writing in the Third Person
Table of contents
Alana Chase
Whether youâre a student, business professional, or writer, knowing how to write well in the third person is an essential skill.
But you may not be sure of all the rules or how to make your third-person writing shine.
As an editor and writing coach of 11 years, Iâve taught students and writers at all levels how to master the third-person point of view (POV). All you need to get started is a good understanding of third-person pronouns and a bit of practice for consistency.Â
By the end of this article, youâll know when and how to use third-person perspective. You'll also find helpful tips for taking your third-person writing to the next level.
Key takeaways
- In the third-person perspective, the narrator is separate from the story.
- Third-person perspective uses he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/their pronouns.
- Consistency is key: Don’t switch between perspectives in a single document.
- Practicing third-person writing and editing your work is vital to improving your skills.
What is third-person point of view (POV)?
In writing, there are three ways to tell a story: first-person, second-person, or third-person POV.Â
First-person POV is from the narratorâs perspective:Â
â I saw the bird steal my sandwich, and I ran after it.â
Second-person POV is from the readerâs perspective:Â
â You saw the bird steal your sandwich, and you ran after it.â
Third-person POV, however, separates the narrator from the story and uses third-person pronouns (like he/him, she/her, and they/them) to describe events, actions, thoughts, and emotions. Characters are referred to by name or one of these pronouns:Â
â Alex saw the bird steal his/her/their sandwich, and he/she/they ran after it.â
Third-person POV is used in all kinds of writing â from novels to research papers, journalistic articles, copywriting materials, and more. Check out some examples below.
Examples of third-person perspective
- In a novel: âRobb and Jon sat tall and still on their horses, with Bran between them on his pony, trying to seem older than seven, trying to pretend that heâd seen all this before.â (From A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin)
- In a news article : âThis weekend, Iceland experienced nearly 2,000 earthquakes within 48 hours. And theyâve kept coming since then â in swarms.â (From âThousands of earthquakes have scientists watching for a volcanic eruption in Icelandâ on NPRâs website )
- In copywriting : âBalm Dotcomâs formula has antioxidants and natural emollients to nourish dry lips.â (Website copy describing Glossierâs Balm Dotcom lip product )
7 tips for writing in the third person
Just like the first and second person, youâve probably already written in the third person before. But to do it well , youâll need some key tips and tricks in your writing toolkit.Â
Letâs dive into the seven essentials for third-person writing.
Tip 1: Use third-person determiners and pronounsÂ
In grammar, determiners introduce and modify nouns. Theyâre used to specify what a noun refers to (like â my laptopâ) or the quantity of it (like â many sandwichesâ).Â
Meanwhile, pronouns are substitutes for nouns, referring to people, places, or things. For example, âCaroline [noun] is a skilled musician, and she [pronoun] especially loves playing the piano.â
When you write in the third person, use only third-person determiners and pronouns. Letâs take a look at the different types of pronouns.Â
Tip 2: Use names for clarity
In third-person writing, using names is crucial for clarity, especially when multiple people/characters share similar pronouns. Strategically incorporate names into your writing to help readers keep track of whoâs who.Â
For example:
â âShe submitted the script draft to her, and she made suggestions for changes.â
â âMira submitted the script draft to Lynn, and Lynn made suggestions for changes.â
Tip: Use a character or person’s name when introducing them in your writing. Then, alternate between using pronouns and their name to prevent confusion.
Tip 3: Keep the narration neutral
When you write in the third person, your narrator is an uninvolved observer. They have no opinions on the people, places, things, or events they describe. Their words and tone should be neutral (but not boring).
To achieve this in your writing:
- Think of your narrator as a reporter. Their job is to detail whatâs happening, when and why itâs occurring, whoâs involved, and any background information that can give context. They donât offer a personal interpretation of events. Instead, they provide facts and supporting details.
- Save the judgment for characters. Rather than having your narrator share their critique of events or individuals, have a character offer their opinion â either through dialogue, actions, or reactions. For instance, instead of writing, âDr. Shaw was a courageous woman,â let a character convey admiration by telling Dr. Shaw, âIâve always admired your fearlessness.â
- Be objective with your descriptions. Avoid subjective adjectives and focus on observable features. For example, instead of describing a landscape as âbreathtaking,â write that itâs âmarked with snow-capped mountains and patches of tall pine trees.âÂ
Tip 4: Use descriptive language
Showing â and not just telling â is essential when writing in the third person. Instead of stating emotions and experiences outright, immerse your reader in your characterâs reality. Create vivid descriptions of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Use language that engages the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.Â
For example:Â
âAisha was nervous.â
â âAishaâs hands trembled, and her tongue felt dry against the roof of her mouth. The spotlight above the stage shone white-hot, causing beads of sweat to form along Aishaâs hairline.â
Tip 5: Be consistent
Once you establish a third-person POV, stick to it . Avoid switching from the third person to the first or second person. Otherwise, youâll confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your writing.
âHannah felt a surge of excitement when her telephone rang, anticipating good news about her mortgage application. I felt my heart rate quicken as I answered.â (Switches from the third person to the first person)
âHannah felt a surge of excitement when her telephone rang, anticipating good news about her mortgage application. She felt her heart rate quicken as she answered.â (Remains in the third person)
Tip 6: Practice
Writing in the third person might feel strange at first, especially if youâre used to using the first or second person. However, itâll come more naturally to you with practice.
Here are two writing exercises you can try right now:
Writing Exercise #1
Take an excerpt from an article or book written in the first or second person and rewrite it in the third person. Below is an example using The Catcher in the Rye , whose main character is named Holden.
Before: âThe other reason I wasnât down at the game was because I was on my way to say good-by to old Spencer, my history teacher.â
After: âThe other reason Holden wasnât down at the game was because he was on his way to say good-by to old Spencer, his history teacher.â
Writing Exercise #2
Turn on a movie or television show, mute the sound, and closely observe two characters. Give them each a name. Using third-person pronouns and their names, describe the charactersâ actions and what you believe theyâre thinking and feeling.Â
Above all, write in the third person as often as possible , following the tips in this guide. Remember, your writing skills are like muscles: The more you exercise them, the stronger they become.Â
Tip 7: Carefully reviseÂ
After youâve written something in the third person, carefully review and revise your work.Â
Check that your writing :
- Uses third-person determiners and pronouns accurately and consistently
- Incorporates names where pronouns may cause confusion
- Maintains a neutral tone, where your narrator doesnât offer personal opinions or interpretations
- Doesnât shift to the first or second person
Make changes where necessary, then read through your work a final time.
AI tip: Wordtune can help you self-edit and help improve your writing overall.
Paste your work into Wordtune’s Editor, or write in it directly, and use the features to shorten or expand your sentences, make your tone more casual or formal, and more. Wordtune will also automatically flag spelling and grammar errors and suggest ways to improve concision, clarity, and flow.
Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >
Bonus tip (advanced): Learn the different types of third-person POV
Did you know there are three types of third-person POV? Getting familiar with them can help you make your writing even more impactful.
- Third-person objective , where the narrator is âa fly on the wallâ: They provide an objective account of events without exploring people/charactersâ emotions or thoughts.
- Third-person omniscient , where the narrator has unlimited knowledge of all events and charactersâ thoughts and feelings.Â
- Third-person limited , also called âclose third,â where the narrator has access to just one characterâs emotions, thoughts, and experiences.Â
With this knowledge, you can choose the right perspective for your writing depending on its purpose, tone, and goals.Â
For instance, use third-person omniscient to show readers whatâs happening with everyone in your novel. Or, you could go for third-person objective in an academic paper where you must present facts without sharing your interpretation of them.
Writing well in the third person takes thought and effort. You must use third-person determiners and pronouns, weave in descriptive language, and keep your narration neutral. You also need to be consistent with your POV, ensuring you donât accidentally switch to the first or second person. Finally, review and revise your work to make sure itâs clear and error-free.Â
Using this guide â and Wordtuneâs tools to polish your writing â youâll get the hang of the third-person perspective in no time.
To continue sharpening your writing skills, read our articles on mastering tone of voice and writing concisely (with help from AI). Then, check out our proofreading guide to keep your work flawless .Â
What is a third-person word example?
Third-person words are pronouns like âhe,â âher,â âthey,â âit,â âhers,â and âtheirs.â
Should I write in the first or third person?
It depends on the closeness you want to create with your audience. The first person allows for a personal connection between the narrator and the reader, while the third person creates distance between the narrator and the audience.
What are the disadvantages of writing in the third person?
Third-person writing can lead to a lack of intimacy with the reader. This can be a disadvantage for some writers but an advantage for others, like those in academic and professional settings.
Share This Article:
An Expert Guide to Writing Effective Compound Sentences (+ Examples)
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Stellar Literature Review (with Help from AI)
How I Turned Clutter into Cash: 10 Proven Instagram Copywriting Hacks
Looking for fresh content, thank you your submission has been received.
Have a language expert improve your writing
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
- Knowledge Base
- How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips
How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips
Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.
Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
Table of contents
When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.
You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like âargueâ or âargument.â It will frequently take the form of a question.
The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.
Argumentative writing at college level
At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.
In this context, you wonât necessarily be told to write an argumentative essayâbut making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless youâre told otherwise.
Examples of argumentative essay prompts
At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.
Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.
- Donât just list all the effects you can think of.
- Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
- Donât just provide a selection of data on the measuresâ effectiveness.
- Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
- Donât just analyze a random selection of doppelgĂ€nger characters.
- Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgÀnger characters.
Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
- Academic style
- Vague sentences
- Style consistency
See an example
An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.
There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.
Toulmin arguments
The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:
- Make a claim
- Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
- Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
- Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives
The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You donât have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.
Say youâre making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:
- Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
- Cite data to support your claim
- Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
- Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.
Rogerian arguments
The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:
- Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
- Highlight the problems with this position
- Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
- Suggest a possible compromise âwhat elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?
This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.
Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:
- Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
- Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
- Suggest that Wikipediaâs system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
- Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.
You donât necessarily have to pick one of these modelsâyou may even use elements of both in different parts of your essayâbut itâs worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.
Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .
Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the readerâs interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.
Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educatorsâas a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.
The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here youâll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.
In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.
Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; donât include irrelevant information.
This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.
Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.
A common frustration for teachers is studentsâ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: âa reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writingâ (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the siteâs own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always âread the references and check whether they really do support what the article saysâ (âWikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,â 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.
An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.
No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.
Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.
The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
- Ad hominem fallacy
- Post hoc fallacy
- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
- Sunk cost fallacy
College essays
- Choosing Essay Topic
- Write a College Essay
- Write a Diversity Essay
- College Essay Format & Structure
- Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay
 (AI) Tools
- Grammar Checker
- Paraphrasing Tool
- Text Summarizer
- AI Detector
- Plagiarism Checker
- Citation Generator
An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.
An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesnât have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.
At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).
Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.
The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .
The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay youâre asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.
In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like âargue,â âassess,â or âdiscussâ to see if this is the goal.
Cite this Scribbr article
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the âCite this Scribbr articleâ button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/
Is this article helpful?
Jack Caulfield
Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, unlimited academic ai-proofreading.
â Document error-free in 5minutes â Unlimited document corrections â Specialized in correcting academic texts
BibGuru Blog
Be more productive in school
- Citation Styles
How to write in third-person
Although there are three narratives you can use in any form of writing when it comes to your papers and anything academic you produce, itâs best to choose the third-person. Itâs pretty simple with a bit of practice, but if youâre completely new to this writing style, hereâs what you need to know about how to write in third-person.
What does writing in third-person mean?
Writing in third-person is one of the three styles you can use when describing a point of view. Even though you might not know it, chances are youâve used first, second and third person in writing projects throughout your education.
Itâs a narrative where youâre totally independent of the subject youâre analyzing and writing about. You donât take sides. You donât try to influence what readers feel. Itâs a completely unbiased, objective way of writing that tells a story or dissects a topic right down the middle.
Thereâs a lot of information out there about how you can differentiate between the three in roundabout ways, making it unnecessarily complicated. Hereâs a quick breakdown to understand the differences for when you write your following paper:
First-person
This is from the I/we perspective. Itâs where we talk about us , ourselves, and our opinions. If we go down the first-person route, writing will include pronouns like I , me , myself, and mine .
Second-person
This point of view belongs to the person youâre addressing â so its a you perspective. In your writing, youâd use second-person pronouns such as you , your, and yourselves .
Third-person
The third-person point of view is aimed at the person or people being talked about, which is the type of writing youâd find in stories. In this perspective, youâd use pronouns like he , she , him , her , his , hers , himself , herself , it , them , their, and themselves . Or, youâd use a name. But that tends to happen more in stories than research papers.
Notice the difference between the three?
When to write in third-person
The third-person point of view tells the reader a story and itâs often the go-to when youâre taking an authoritative stance in your papers, which is why itâs so common in academic writing.
So, always choose the third-person stance when writing academic copy, such as essays and research papers.
The reason for this is itâll make your papers less personal and more objective, meaning the objectivity will make you come across as more credible and less biased. Ultimately, this will help your grades as the third-person view keeps you focused on evidence and facts instead of your opinion.
You can break third-person perspectives into three other types, including omniscient, limited, and objective. Although theyâre more associated with creative writing than academic work and essays, your writing is likely to fall under the third-person objective point of view.
A third-person objective point of view is about being neutral and presenting your findings and research in an observational way, rather than influencing the reader with your opinions.
How to use the third-person point of view
Rule number one: Never refer to yourself in your essay in the third-person. Thatâs a no-no.
For instance, hereâs how you shouldnât write a sentence in your essay if youâre writing about virtual learning as an example.
âI feel like students perform better at home because they have more freedom and are more comfortable.â
Itâs a simple sentence, but thereâs a lot wrong with it when youâre talking about research papers and adopting a third-person narrative. Why? Because youâre using first-person pronouns and, as it sounds like an opinion, you canât back up your claims with a stat or any credible research. Thereâs no substance to it whatsoever.
Also, it isnât very assertive. The person marking your work wonât be impressed by âI feel like,â because it shows no authority and highlights that it came from your brain and not anywhere of note.
By including terms like âI thinkâ or âI feelâ like in the example above, youâre already off to a bad start.
But when you switch that example to the third-person point of view, you can cite your sources , which is precisely what you need to do in your essays and research papers to achieve higher grades.
Letâs switch that sentence up and expand it using the third-person point of view:
âA psychological study from Karrie Goodwin shows that students thrive in virtual classrooms as it offers flexibility. They can make their own hours and take regular breaks. Another study from high school teacher, Ashlee Trip, highlighted that children enjoy freedom, the ability to work at their own pace and decide what their day will look like.â
With a third-person narrative, you can present evidence to the reader and back up the claims you make. So, it not only shows what you know, but it also shows you took the time to research and strengthen your paper with credible resources and facts â not just opinions.
6 tips for writing in third-person
1. understand your voice wonât always shine in your essays.
Every single piece of writing tends to have a voice or point of view as if youâre speaking to the reader directly. However, that canât always happen in academic writing as itâs objective compared to a novel, for example. Donât try to âfluffâ up your piece to try and cram your personality in, as your academic work doesnât need it.
2. Donât focus on yourself or the reader â focus on the text
An academic piece of work always has a formal tone as itâs objective. When you write your next paper, focus on the writing itself rather than the writer or the reader.
3. Coach yourself out of using first-person pronouns
This is easier said than done if all youâve ever done is first- or second-person writing. When you write your next paper, scan through it to see if youâve written anything in first-person and replace it with the third-person narrative.
Here are a few regular offenders that pop up in academic papers â along with how you can switch the statements to third-person:
- I argue should be this essay argues
- I found that should be it was found that
- We researched should be the group researched
- I will also analyze should be topic X will also be analyzed
The same applies to second-person, as there are plenty of cases where it tends to slip through in academic writing. Again, itâs pretty straightforward to switch the more you practice. For instance:
- Your paper will be marked higher if you use a citation tool should be the use of a citation tool will improve oneâs grades
4. Be as specific as possible
This is where things can get a little bit confusing. Writing in third-person is all about including pronouns like he, she, it, and they. However, using them towards the beginning of sentences can be pretty vague and might even confuse the reader â this is the last thing you want from your essay or paper.
Instead, try using nouns towards the beginning of sentences. For example, use the actual subject, such as the interviewer or the writer, rather than he, she, or they when you begin the sentence.
The same applies to terms like it. Start the sentence with the âitâ is that youâre describing. If itâs a citation tool, begin the sentence by referencing what youâre discussing, so you arenât vague. Clarity is key.
5. Write in the present tense when using third-person
In any form of academic writing, you need to write your reports, essays, and research papers in the present tense, especially when introducing different subjects or findings.
So, rather than saying âThis paper analyzedâ (which does seem correct as technically that part was in the past and the writing is in the present), you should write âThis report analyzesâ â as if youâre analyzing right here and now.
However, the difference is when you highlight how you did the research, that should be in the past tense. This means youâd use third-person phrases like âThe equipment that was usedâ or âThe results were analyzed byâ, for instance.
6. Avoid adding your own thoughts
If your report is on a subject thatâs close to your heart, it can be super tempting to sprinkle in your own thoughts. Itâs a challenge, but you need to coach yourself out of it.
In academic writing, you arenât a commentator. Youâre a reporter. You need to let readers draw their conclusions without over-analyzing them or making the reader lean one way or another.
The easiest way to get to grips with writing your academic papers in the third-person is to be consistent and practice often. Criticize your work and analyze it until it becomes the norm. Yes, it can be a little complex in the early days, but before you know it, youâd have mastered the technique, helping you take your papers and reports up a level.
Frequently Asked Questions about writing in third-person
In third-person, youâd use pronouns like he , she , him , her , his , hers , himself , herself , it , them , their, and themselves . Or, youâd use a name.
You is used in second person and is therefore not used in third person. The second person is used for the person that is being addressed.
The third-person point of view is aimed at the person or people being talked about, which is the type of writing youâd find in stories. When writing in third-person view, make sure to write in the present tense and avoid adding your own thoughts.
When writing in third person, you should actually always write in the present tense since you are mostly presenting results in this view.
The second person point of view belongs to the person youâre addressing â so its a you perspective. In your writing, youâd use second-person pronouns such as you , your, and yourselves .
Make your life easier with our productivity and writing resources.
For students and teachers.
- Admissions Essays
- Books and Manuscripts
- Business Proofreading and Editing
- Dissertations
- Editing Tools
- Personal Statements
- Professional Writing
- Proofreading and Editing
- Thesis Proposals
- Uncategorized
- Working From Home
- Writing Fiction
- Writing Guides
Should I Use First, Second, or Third Person?
Get 400 words proofread and edited for free
A Definitive Guide to Using Perspective in Academic, Business, and Fiction
Is it OK to use first person (I/my/we/our) in a research paper or job application ? Is all formal writing done in third person (he/she/they/one)? Why does the teacher keep crossing out second person (you/your) in student essays?
The issue here is perspective. First person is direct and personal. Second person is aimed at the audience, as in advertising (âYou should buy this car now!â), or is quite informal, as in e-mails to a friend (âSo, you know how it is when you donât have any money?â). Third person doesnât target anyone, and so itâs the most distant and universal.
Itâs pretty easy to avoid second person in formal writing, so the main source of confusion comes from whether to use first or third person.
Get a free sample proofread and edit for your document. Two professional proofreaders will proofread and edit your document.
Academic Writing
The battle between first and third, at least in academia, stems from the tradition to favor third person in formal writing because it was considered more modest, professional, and (above all) objective. Scientists thought it was better to favor the research, not the researcher, so âI conducted a study onâ was changed to âthe researcher conducted a study on.â
This business of having to use third person, however, can result in imprecise language and, worse, ambiguity. Most academic styles now recommend first person, with APA leading the way.
Take the following:
âA study was conducted on animals. The researchers utilized a longitudinal study. This paper will examine the mating habits of the fennec fox.â
What at first seems like a nice formal start to a paper is actually quite ambiguous. Regarding the first sentence: what study? Conducted by whom? This passive voice is too imprecise.
The second sentence uses third person, but if your paper is talking about other studies and sources, then you might confuse your reader. Is this your term youâre talking about, or one of the past researchers?
For these reasons and more, first person is now more often being recommended. Of the âbig threeâ (APA, Chicago, MLA) style guides, APA urges first person. The Chicago Manual of Style is also in favor and says under 5.220 (16th ed.), âWhen you need the first-person singular, use it. Itâs not immodest to use it; itâs superstitious not to.â
MLA (used for the humanities) has skirted the issue, but seems to prefer the formality of third person. It doesn’t like self-aware statements like, “I am going to say in this paper…” However, as long as the instructor or client does not mind, MLA finds first person acceptable when necessary.
Fiction
The question of what perspective to use in a story or novel is a personal one. There are no rules. Generally, writers are recommended to use third person when theyâre just starting out because itâs a bit easier to get right. With third person, you can write in a detached, generic way, and when you write fiction in first person, itâs exceedingly real and present. Everyone has a different (and distinct) personality, and that personality leaps out when you write in first. In first person, little mistakes and breaks in personality really stand out for the reader.
It is not accepted in mainstream fiction to mix first person and third person .
Donât write fiction in second person. Please.
Autobiographies/Nonfiction
Use first person for such situations as autobiographies (unless youâre Donald Trump), but for most non-fiction work, itâs best to stay detached. Use third person.
Journalism
AP style for journalism and marketing is strict about not using first person to refer to oneself. Stick to third, try to avoid pronouns, and reserve first person for direct quotes in interviews.
Resumes
Donât refer to yourself in the third person in resumes. Just as in life (unless youâre Trump) you wouldnât say, âJohn develops synergistic platitudes,â when youâre John. In a resume, just assume the first person is understood. Under current job duties, say âDevelop synergetic programs,â not âDevelops.â
With business, there are no hard and fast rules. Gear your writing to your purpose and what level of formality you think is appropriate. Perspective can increase and decrease that level. For example, look at this formal sentence:
âMicrosoft is looking to expand into new areas. It aims to attract talented new people.â
Formally, organizations use âit,â not âtheyâ or âwe.â
However, some people might say that looks too stiff, so look at this more easy-going and personal version:
âMicrosoft is looking to expand into new areas. We are looking to attract talented new people.â
Second person can also be useful in business writing, especially when giving orders or advice:
âMicrosoft is looking to expand into new areas. Be sure to attract talented new people.â
Just remember that choosing your person-perspective has real consequences. Be careful, and good luck.
Nick S .
Get a Free Sample
We will get your free sample back in three to six hours!
We proofread documents 24/7 Support 888-833-8385
Customer Service
Get in touch.
ProofreadingPal LLC 105 Iowa Ave., Ste. 214 Iowa City, IA 52240
Call Us 888-833-8385
Live Customer Support Hours Sun.âThur. 8 a.m. to midnight CT Fri. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT
Submit Documents 24/7
© 2010 - 2020 ProofreadingPal LLC - All Rights Reserved.
The Vocative Comma Is Important, People! · September 25, 2022
8 Tips to Make Your Writing Sound More Formal · August 29, 2022
Worlde Tips and Tricks · March 10, 2022
Worlde Tips and Tricks · February 25, 2022
Top 4 Misspelled Words · November 5, 2021
How to Capitalize Medicine · October 1, 2021
How to Capitalize Medicine · August 18, 2021
4 Fixes for Comment Boxes in MS Word · January 17, 2021
How to Avoid Wordiness · July 15, 2020
Write an Effective Blog Post · June 9, 2020
Proofreading Services Rates · April 19, 2020
How to Make Your Writing More Inclusive · March 5, 2020
How to Make Your Writing More Inclusive · February 27, 2020
Guide to Olde Englishï»ż · December 27, 2019
Guide to Olde Englishï»ż · December 26, 2019
Common Apostrophe Errors · December 19, 2019
Guide to Olde Englishï»ż · December 18, 2019
Capitalization in APA, Chicago, MLA, and AP · August 27, 2019
Avoiding Common Capitalization Errors · July 31, 2019
Everything You Need to Know to Write & Speak In Third Person
Hrideep barot.
- Public Speaking , Speech Writing
The third person is frequently used in formal writing, such as research and argumentative papers. When you write in the third person, things become more impersonal and impartial. This impartiality makes the writer appear less prejudiced and, thus, more believable in academic and professional writing. The usage of the third person aids in keeping the text objective and away from subjective opinion.
Why should you write in Third-Person?Â
In third-person narration, the narrator lives outside of the storyâs events and describes the activities of the characters by using their names or the third-person pronouns âhe,â âshe,â or âthem.â The story is not recounted from the authorâs point of view. A third-person narrative differs from a first-person story, a personal account told using the pronoun âI.â
Flexibility : Third-person narration can be more flexible since you can flip between the stories of different people while still being everywhere and allowing your audience to see everything. You can switch between total omniscience and a distant or constrained third point of view. The latter method will enable you to experience a characterâs thoughts, feelings, and experiences firsthand, which can help the audience have a more in-depth understanding of the narrative.
Trust : When writing in the third person, the narrator is placed above the action. This gives the reader a birdâs-eye view of the narrative. Since the narrator has no stake in the outcome, this perspective, together with the knowledge of at least one characterâs thoughts gives the speech a more authoritative, trustworthy voice.
Types of Third Person Point of View
Third-person objective : The facts of a narrative are presented by an observer or recorder who seems dispassionate and impartial. The narrative is told in a detached and observant manner by the narrator.
Third-person omniscient : The narrator is fully aware of both the plot and the characters. This narrator may easily travel across time, enter anyoneâs head, and provide the reader with both their own thoughts and views as well as those of the characters.
Third-person limited : The story is told from the viewpoint of a single character who recounts the facts and evaluates the occurrences. It is frequently known as a closed third.
Learning to Write in Third-Person
Using the correct pronouns .
Apply the appropriate pronouns. People âon the outsideâ are referred to in the third person. Either use third-person pronouns when referring to someone or use their name. He, his, himself, she, her, herself, they, and them are examples of third-person pronouns. The third person is also employed by using other peopleâs names.
Avoiding First and Second Person PerspectivesÂ
First-person indicates the point of view when the author expresses ideas from a purely individual viewpoint. This viewpoint is excessively subjective and judgmental. In a formal essay, stay away from the first person. Pronouns in the first person are I, me, we, and us.Â
The term âsecond personâ describes a point of view that addresses the reader directly. Speaking directly to the reader as though the author personally knows them, this point of view displays an excessive level of reader familiarity. In academic writing, never use the second person. Words like you or yours are examples of this point of view.
Indefinite terminology is often used to refer to people in writing. In other words, they could have to refer to or talk generically about a person. The desire to use the second-person pronoun âyouâ generally arises at this point. It is permissible to use a noun or third person pronoun in this sentence. One, someone, another, any, neither, nobody, other, somebody, and everything are examples of indefinite third-person pronouns.
Incorrect example: âYou need to read this thesis to understand the study better.â
Correct example: âReading this thesis will help one understand the research better.â
Understand how to use Plural pronouns in Third Person
It is important to know when and where to use plural pronouns. When we write in the third person, the usage of they/them/theirs, is not just for when referring to a group, but also for singular individuals when we are unaware of their gender. People may use alternative pronouns. Employing âtheyâ helps prevent misunderstanding that could arise from using âhe,â âshe,â or the âhe/sheâ terminology.Â
When writing in the third person, one error that writers frequently make is conjugating a plural pronoun as a single. Saying âThey was the driver,â for instance, would be incorrect. The proper phrase would be âThey were the driver.â
Being Objective
When you write in the third person, use the objective perspective if you are simply presenting facts to your listeners without any mention of feelings. When speaking from an objective point of view, the tone is frequently matter-of-fact and uninfluenced by any commentary or opinions or by any prior knowledge of events occurring elsewhere. You are just listing the facts and making inferences based on them without attempting to manipulate anyoneâs emotions. Describe situations that could be moving while being factual.
Adding descriptions
We can use key details to improve characterisation and clarity. Mention it in more detail if the audience needs to know how difficult your labour was or how delicious the cuisine was. This is because while you speak or write in the third person, it is simple for the listener to become confused about what is being discussed. Therefore, it is helpful to reaffirm the situational circumstances.
For example: âThe team received thunderous cheers.â
Updated Example: âThe entire stadium thunderously cheered the squad.â
Use character evaluations
The perspective becomes clearer when you provide evaluations and insights from your character. Remember that adverbs have a strong role to play when you write in the third person. Words like surprisingly, definitely, oddly, and disastrously can convey the wants, concerns, presumptions, and confidence of the POV character. They also reveal who is performing the observations and evaluations.
For instance, we can say âthe experimenter was presumably tiredâ rather than âThe experimenter was tired.â
This demonstrates how we maintained the third person while avoiding adopting the experimenterâs viewpoint.
Using Third Person for Business
Writing in the third person offers the author more power while narrating a narrative since it enables them to be outside of the story and omnipresent. When creating a business proposal or report, the same rule applies. Now, the majority of corporate and professional writing rules advise the applicant to write in the third person . Compared to the first or second person, it is more formal.
Avoid switching between the third and the first person. It is quite simple to unintentionally use the first-person narrative while drafting a business report. Check your work frequently to make sure you are not drifting into your own first-person perspective to avoid that. Pronouns like my, our, us, and I should be avoided. This is fixed during revising the work.
The first-person voice is typically employed in professional communications like business emails, letters, memoranda, and most other types of correspondence. This is why using the third person in your company papers is a risky move . One significant benefit, especially when itâs a delicate subject, is that you donât come out as accusing. Instead of sa ying âYou did not reach the yearly target goal,â use âThe staff did not meet the annual target goal.â
The third-person account, which may be found in newsletters, adopts an authoritative and impartial tone. When one writes in the third person, they come out as being more detached, especially when writing about poor attendance at the office. It doesnât sound like they are blaming the reader.
Understanding the importance of the first and third person is essential in effective workplace communication. Here is an article to learn more about how to use effective communication.
Should you use the Third-Person for your CV or Resume?
Never write in the third person on your CV. The key to producing a superb CV is to avoid pronouns completely; since their use is assumed, applicants donât need to mention âI,â âhe,â or âshe.â If youâre an executive assistant, for instance, you should simply state âOrganized accommodation for staffâ rather than âI coordinated accommodations for the staff.â
Use an action verb at the start of each bullet point in your list of duties to organise them into bullet points. Say âGenerated reportsâ in place of, for instance, âI ran reports.â
First-person pronouns are frequently preferred by job applicants when writing their profiles. This is okay, but to preserve consistency and professionalism, the rest of the CV must utilise first-person pronouns as well.
We suggest using the absent first-person perspective and eliminating all first- and third-person pronouns from every section of your CV to make it stand out. It will help keep your resume professional (and not too personal) and could provide you with a little more room to discuss the talents that matter most.
Be mindful of whether you are using the present or past tense while writing your resume. To describe your current situation, use the present tense; to describe earlier ones, use the past tense.
Using the Third-Person in Academic Writing and Essays
You must use the third person pronoun when writing anything official, such as research articles or argumentative essays. Thatâs because it paints an objective rather than a subjective view of your work. By being objective in this way, your work will appear more credible and unprejudiced.
First-person pronouns are never appropriate in academic writing. This is because it will force you to look at your work subjectively . First-person pronouns make it challenging to persuade readers that your work is fact-based because it will appear to be your personal ideas. Avoid using your own words and instead cite sources. Words like âI feelâ need to be dropped. Additionally, using âI feelâ or âI believeâ while writing an essay is useless because these words are not very assertive.
When you write in the third person, you concentrate on the facts at hand rather than your own ideas. You may provide your reader with proof by writing in the third person. Show whatever you know and provide support for your claims while writing in the third person. As opposed to stating âI thinkâ or âI feel,â it wonât be as repetitive. If you have a piece by the Washington Post, for instance, you may remark âAccording to the Washington PostâŠâ
As for the second-person point of view, this is a point of view that speaks directly to the readers. The issue with this point of view is that it gives the impression that you know the readers well. It is advisable to avoid this since it may quickly become direct or accusing .
Converting First and Second Person to Third Person
Using the first and the second person in writing is something that comes more naturally to us since these are the voices used in daily life. Follow these procedures to remove the first and second person and write in the third person:
1. As you read the article, keep an eye out for first- or second-person pronouns . Keep an eye out for any personal anecdotes that could demand the usage of first-person. Use a highlighter or a pen to highlight these words.
2. Go back to any words you marked. Drop expressions like âI thinkâ or âI believeâ.
Example: I believe counselling to be quite beneficial.
Updated Example: Counseling is really beneficial.
3 . Could any of the remaining words be changed to third-person terms ?
Example: You need to ensure that all of your students have stationery.
Updated Example: A teacher is responsible for ensuring that all of their students have stationery.
4. Can personal stories be altered into hypothetical ones if they are still present and cannot be amended or removed?
Example: As a person who goes to the gym, I know some people who could buy this product.
Updated example: Many gym-goers could be interested in purchasing this item.
By revising phrases or even altering words, it is simple to get rid of most instances of first- and second-person use. It is well worth the work to change and write in a third person paper since it produces a better, more objective argument.
Should you speak in third person?
Illeism is when we speak, think or write in the third person perspective about ourself. A common internal monologue that appears when weâre trying to decide what to do, thinking back on the past, or directing ourselves through ordinary situations is shared by many people. So is it weird to talk about yourself in the third person? Yes, in a way; itâs not typical for most individuals. However, it seems that using the third person while talking about oneself has helped certain people, according to psychologists.
Third-person speaking has previously been extensively researched and has been demonstrated to momentarily enhance decision-making. Currently, a PsyArxiv article reveals that it can also improve cognitive and emotional management over the long run. This, according to the researchers, is âthe first indication of how wisdom-related cognitive and emotional processes may be taught in daily life.â
The fact that using detached self-talk to regulate emotions seems to require minimal effort is one of its most fascinating features. Along with reducing emotional overwhelm, third-person inner monologue also prevented cognitive control brain regions from going into overdrive( Moser et. al., 2017 ).
Consider the scenario when you and your partner are bickering. Taking on a third-person viewpoint may assist you in understanding their perspective or in accepting the limitations of your own comprehension of the issue at hand. Or assume that you are thinking about changing careers. You might be able to analyse the advantages and hazards of the shift with more objectivity if you adopt a detached approach.
First and Second Person
I had to leave my home for the first time ever and relocate to the campus of the university. I had to choose between living in an apartment and a dorm. Although both have advantages, I believe the dormitories are superior. While we are transitioning to college, we have more opportunities for social engagement in the dorms. Food is also readily available to us . Also, throughout your first year of college, a resident assistant serves as your mentor and adviser. Dorms are a better match for me because of the social possibilities, endless food, and mentorship, even if apartments would provide me with more independence.
Third Person
Many students have to leave their homes for the first time ever and relocate to the campus of the university. They have to choose between living in an apartment and a dorm. Although both have advantages, it is usually believed that the dormitories are superior. While the students are transitioning to college, they have more opportunities for social engagement in the dorms. Food is also readily available to them . Also, throughout their first year of college, a resident assistant serves as their mentor and adviser. Dorms are a better match for the students because of the social possibilities, endless food, and mentorship, even if apartments would provide them with more independence.
One of the three writing styles you may employ when presenting a point of view is third-person writing. Although you may not be aware of it, chances are you have utilised all three when writing or speaking throughout your life.
Consistency and frequent practice are the keys to mastering the art of writing speeches and papers in the third person. Analyze and critique your work until it becomes the standard. In the beginning, it could seem a little complicated, but before you know it, youâll have mastered the method. This will undoubtedly enable you to elevate your papers and presentations to a new level.
Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program
Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you
Talk Smart: Strategies for Efficient and Impactful Communication
Call or Text? Deciphering the Best Communication Method for Every Situation
Spontaneous Speaking Skills for Any Situation
- [email protected]
- +91 98203 57888
Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always
Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved
Kindly drop your contact details so that we can arrange call back
Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria AmericanSamoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe land Islands Antarctica Bolivia, Plurinational State of Brunei Darussalam Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Guernsey Holy See (Vatican City State) Hong Kong Iran, Islamic Republic of Isle of Man Jersey Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Lao People's Democratic Republic Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Mozambique Palestinian Territory, Occupied Pitcairn Réunion Russia Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Somalia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tanzania, United Republic of Timor-Leste Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.
Choose Your Test
Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 strong argumentative essay examples, analyzed.
General Education
Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays youâll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If youâre struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.
After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim itâs making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.
A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the authorâs thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldnât just say that itâs a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.
The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.
- The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
- The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.
3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis
Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.
Argumentative Essay Example 1
Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they wonât have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries wonât have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.
However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.
Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets canât offer nearly as well or as easily.
While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.
The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.
What this essay does well:
- Although itâs a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
- This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the authorâs argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
- For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, itâs important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
- This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
- Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the authorâs own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
- Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.
Argumentative Essay Example 2
There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention havenât seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHOâs Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.
One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldnât be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continentâs spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply canât rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.
Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.
Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.
One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who donât even own bed nets. Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, thereâs the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.
Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. Itâs estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.
This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.
- The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
- Thereâs lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the authorâs argument.
- The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure theyâre being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
- The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.
Argumentative Essay Example 3
There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.
Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldnât exist, college coaches wouldnât receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldnât profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes donât receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating theyâll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.
Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasnât worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasnât paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them âstrongly considerâ remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.
Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.
People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, theyâd turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.
They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from menâs football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.
Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.
People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its membersâ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.
While both sides have good points, itâs clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.
This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldnât be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldnât be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.
- Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
- Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
- Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you donât explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesnât appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesnât give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.
3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay
Now that youâve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.
#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear
The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isnât clear or readers canât find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesnât fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.
Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument youâre on. After youâve written it, itâs a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point youâll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.
#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak
When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but donât do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldnât believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why theyâre incorrect/weak arguments. Thatâll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.
#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side
Remember, an essay canât be an argumentative essay if it doesnât support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.
Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample
Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.
What's Next?
Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!
You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.
Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.
Need more help with this topic? Check out Tutorbase!
Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs.
Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.
Student and Parent Forum
Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.
Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
Improve With Our Famous Guides
- For All Students
The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points
How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer
Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:
Score 800 on SAT Math
Score 800 on SAT Reading
Score 800 on SAT Writing
Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:
Score 600 on SAT Math
Score 600 on SAT Reading
Score 600 on SAT Writing
Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests
What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?
15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay
The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points
How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer
Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:
36 on ACT English
36 on ACT Math
36 on ACT Reading
36 on ACT Science
Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:
24 on ACT English
24 on ACT Math
24 on ACT Reading
24 on ACT Science
What ACT target score should you be aiming for?
ACT Vocabulary You Must Know
ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score
How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League
How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA
How to Write an Amazing College Essay
What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?
Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide
Should you retake your SAT or ACT?
When should you take the SAT or ACT?
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?
Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:
GRE Online Prep Blog
GMAT Online Prep Blog
TOEFL Online Prep Blog
Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!â
How to Do the Write Thing
Get Paid to Write through the Power of Storytelling and Make Money Online to Work from Home
Everything You Need to Know for Writing in Third Person | 11 Tips
Everything You Need to Know for Writing in Third Person
What is writing in third person point of view?
âIn third-person point of view, the author is narrating a story about the characters, referring to them by name, or using the third-person pronouns âhe,ââ she,â and âthey.â The other points of view in writing are first person and second person.â Source.
What does writing in third person mean?
âWhen you are writing in the third person, the story is about other people. Not yourself or the reader. Use the characterâs name or pronouns such as âheâ or âsheâ.â
What are the 3 types of third person point of view?
1. third-person omniscient point of view:Â .
âThe omniscient narrator knows everything about the story and its characters. This narrator can enter any characterâs mind, move freely through time, and give the reader their own opinions and observations as well as those of the characters. For example, Jane Austenâs Pride and Prejudice is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, giving the reader full access to the main character, Elizabeth, as well as the characters around her.â Source.
2. Third-person limited point of view:Â
âThe third-person limited point of view (often called a âclose thirdâ) is when an author sticks closely to a single character but remains in third-person. The narrator can do this for the entire novel or switch between different characters for different chapters or sections. This point of view allows the author to limit a readerâs perspective and control what information the reader knows. It is used to build interest and heighten suspense.â Source.
3. Third-person objective point of view:Â
âThird-person objective point of view has a neutral narrator that is not privy to any characterâs thoughts or feelings. The narrator presents the story with an observational tone. Ernest Hemingway employs this third-person narrative voice in his short story âHills Like White Elephants.â An unknown narrator relays the dialogue between a couple as they wait for a train in Spain. This point of view puts the reader in the position of a voyeur, eavesdropping on a scene or story.â Source.
Writing in third person examples:
Famous quotes written in third person:Â .
- âThose who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty. There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written, or badly written. That is all.â â Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
- âNo tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.ââ Robert Frost
- âRead, read, read. Read everything â trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the masterâŠâ â William Faulkner
- âFantasy is hardly an escape from reality. Itâs a way of understanding it.â â Lloyd Alexander
- âA dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.â â Oscar Wilde
- âA pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.â â Winston Churchill
- âA person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.â â Albert Einstein
- âLife is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.â â Helen Keller
- âMusic expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.â â Victor Hugo
- âFailure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.â â Henry Ford
- âFamily is not an important thing. Itâs everything.â â Michael J. Fox
- âIt is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.â â Friedrich Nietzsche
- âA bird doesnât sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.â â Lou Holtz
Third person writing in everyday advertising:
- Plop Plop Fizz Fizz. Oh, what a relief it is â Alka-Seltzer
- The King of Beers â Budweiser
- Itâs the real thing â Coca-Cola
- A diamond is forever â De Beers
- The happiest place on earth â Disneyland
- It keeps going and going and going â Energizer
- When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight â FedEx
- The Possibilities are Infinite â Fujitsu
- The best a man can get â Gillette
- It wouldnât be home without Hellmannâs â Hellmanâs
- Itâs finger lickinâ good â KFC
- Nobody can do it like McDonaldâs can â McDonaldâs
- Good to the last drop â Maxwell House
- Maybe sheâs born with it. Maybe itâs Maybelline â Maybelline
- The greatest tragedy is indifference â Red Cross
- Takes a licking and keeps on ticking â Timex
Third person point of view examples are all around us. We just have to keep an eye-out for them.
Third person writing in Known Literature:
- ââWhat are you doing?â Yossarian asked guardedly when he entered the tent, although he saw at once.âThereâs a leak here,â Orr said. âIâm trying to fix it.â â Joseph Heller, Catch 22
- âPlease stop it,â said Yossarian. âYouâre making me nervous.â â Joseph Heller, Catch 22
- âWhen I was a kid,â Orr replied, âI used to walk around all day with crab apples in my cheeks. One in each cheek.â â Joseph Heller, Catch 22
- âYossarian put aside his musette bag from which he had begun removing his toilet articles and braced himself suspiciously. A minute passed. âWhy?â he found himself forced to ask finally.â â Joseph Heller, Catch 22
- âOrr tittered triumphantly. âBecause theyâre better than horse chestnuts,â he answered.â â Joseph Heller, Catch 22
- âWhen Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had been cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her sister how very much she admired him.â â Jane Austin, Pride and Prejudice
- âHe is just what a young man ought to be,â said she, âsensible, good humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners! â so much ease, with such perfect good breeding!â â Jane Austin, Pride and Prejudice
- âHe is also handsome,â replied Elizabeth, âwhich a young man ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is thereby complete.â â Jane Austin, Pride and Prejudice
- âIt was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.â â George Orwell, 1984
- âTheir commander was a middle-aged corporal-red-eyed, scrawny, tough as dried beef, sick of war. He had been wounded four times-and patched up, and sent back to war.â â Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five
- âIt was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets.â â Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford
- âHe drank an Anis at the bar and looked at the people. They were all waiting reasonably for the train. He went out through the bead curtain. She was sitting at the table and smiled at him.â â Ernest Hemingway, âHills Like White Elephantsâ
- âShe walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all thatâs best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyesâ â Lord Byron, âShe Walks in Beautyâ
Third person writing academic example:
âThird-person point of view identifies people by proper noun (a given name such as
Ella Clark) or noun (such as teachers, students, doctors, or players) and uses the
pronouns he, she, and they. Third person also includes the use of one, everyone, and
anyone. Most formal, academic writing uses the third person. Note the use of various
third-person nouns and pronouns in the following:
â The bosses at the factory have decided that employees need a day of in-house
training. Times have been scheduled for everyone. Several senior employees will
be required to make five-minute presentations. One is not eager to speak in front of
others since sheâs very shy. Another one, however, is anxious to relate her
expertise. The variation in routine should provide an interesting day for all people
concerned. ââ
âUse third person for all academic writing:
For formal writing, such as research and argumentative papers, use the third person. Third person makes your writing more objective and less personal. For academic and professional writing, this sense of objectivity allows the writer to seem less biased and, therefore, more credible.[1]
Third person helps the writing stay focused on facts and evidence instead of personal opinion.â
How to write in third person about yourself.
Even though third person speaks about others and doesnât use the pronouns I or we, how do I write about myself in third person?
Just use a story or event that you experienced and give the character you are following (yourself) a different name and write about that character as if you were talking about someone else. âJimmy went to the park. He rode his bike there. On the way, he crashed. He had to go to the ER.â Even if those events really happened to you, you were still able to write about your true to life experiences in the third person.
Tips and Tricks for Writing in Third Person:
1. create a narratorâs voice.
When writing in third person, speak with authority. Show your reader that the narratorâs voice is trustworthy. Give them the inner thoughts of at least one character. The main narrator voice you use will give them the idea that you are in-the-know and can carry them well through the events to come.
2. Make sure to use the right pronouns
âThird person pronouns include: he, she, it; his, her, its; him, her, it; himself, herself, itself; they; them; their; themselves.â
3. If you choose third person objective point of view the narrator doesnât know what anyone is thinking
If you choose this point of view remember that you are just an observer. You will have to make a point to work harder on conveying the emotions each character is experiencing. The reader wonât get to hear the inner feelings and thoughts of any of the characters. That makes it really important to emphasize the right character facial expressions and describe them adequately but not overdo it.
4. Be aware of singular and plural pronoun use.
âIncorrect example: âThe witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. Theyâ were afraid of getting hurt if their name was spread.â
âCorrect example: âThe witness wanted to offer anonymous testimony. He or she was afraid of getting hurt if his or her name was spread.â
5. If you write in third person limited you only know what the protagonist knows
If you write in third person limited, remember that you are limited by the same knowledge that the main character you are following knows. Be strategic with this and give the reader the same feelings the protagonist has at their limited knowledge of the events befalling them.
6. Avoid slipping into other points of view
It is easy while you are writing to accidentally and mindlessly slip into first and second person point of view.
When you go back to edit, keep this in mind and watch out for any accidental âIâ or âyouâ statements.
7. Understand that there are 3 types
Be sure to glance up at the top of this post and see that there are 3 different types of third person point of views. Choose wisely as you begin your story which one you would like to limit yourself to or not limit to.
My personal favorite to date is definitely third person omniscient. I like being able to say whatever whenever and even break down the third wall at times just for fun.
8. Watch your pronouns and be consistent
Whichever style you choose to start out, stick with it. Be consistent or it may take away from the story if you jump in and out of multiple points of view. (I would say multiple points of view is possible, but only for the right kind of story.)
9. You can use second and first person in dialogue
Donât forget to use your characterâs dialogue to its full advantages. âIâm tired,â âIâm hungry,â âcan we slow down?â âIs it hot or is it just me?â âYouâre a liar!â âYou melt my heart and soul.â
Just because you canât say âyouâ or âIâ doesnât mean your character canât. Just because your character doesnât know how someone is feeling, doesnât mean that character canât say it out loud at the appropriate times to give your reader an inside look at another characterâs personality.
10. Have a strategy for when you switch viewpoints
In the movie âWonder,â they do an awesome job of switching viewpoints strategically and at pivotal moments.Â
This does a lot for the audience. We are surprised to get to go into the life of another character and get to know them intimately just like we did the main character.
11. Follow the character with the most weight
If you have a dynamic cast of characters, how do you choose which one to follow?
Margaret Atwood would say, âWhen choosing which character will serve as your main point of view for any chapter or scene, hone in on the person who has the most to lose or learn.â
This might change depending on what part of the plot you are headed into, but if it just follows one or two characters the entire time choose the one that has the most to lose.
Interested in starting a blog of your own? Check out Bluehost.
After checking out Bluehost, see how we made a profit FAST with our blog and how you can too: Our #1 Easy way that we made a profit with our blog on year 1, not year 5.
Need a Cheaper Plan? Try DreamHost.
Already own a blog? Monetize with Ezoic. Make 5X more on ads with Ezoic! See for yourself. â These ads use machine learning. Set it and leave it.
Try Grammarly, The Free tool that should be in every writerâs toolbelt.
Try it for free now.
Hope this helps!
Happy Writing!
Another Post you Might like:
Mythical Creatures | 7 Tips on How to Write Mythical Creatures
Other Popular Posts  you might enjoy:
5 Tricks How to Hide Your Villain Right Before Their Eyes
10 Tips How to Write Villains that Play Mind Games with Their Victims
4 Tips How to Write your Character Hitting Rock Bottom
10 Toxic Bad Habits Thatâll Crush Your Fictional Characterâs Relationships
How to Write From Your Villainâs Mind.
How To Write 4 Scenes That Reveal Who Your Character Is Seamlessly
Psychopath: How to Write The Perfect Psychopath
8 Tips How to Write the Perfect Sociopath
Fictional Characters: 28+ Bad Habits to Introduce to Your Fictional Characters
List of 10 Weapons for Fictional Characters
List of 10 Bad Habits Fictional Characters Need Help Breaking
Why Start a Blog
How to Start a Blog in 11 Simple Easy Steps in 2020
For Blogging AND More
How to Write a Book: 32 Tips | Your MASSIVE Guide How to Write a Book
What is Theme?
The Heroâs Journey
Define Self-Esteem for Writing Characters: 10 Ideas
Covert Narcissist and Why You Should Write One
Inspiring Quotes Posts:
Inspiring Quotes | 101+ Inspirational Quotes to Motivate You Today
190+ Inspirational Quotes for Women
303+ Funny Inspirational Quotes
115+ Inspirational Quotes in Short
99+ Good Night with Quotes
103+ Quotes About What is Love
Enjoying Everything You Need to Know for Writing in Third Person? Take a moment and consider sharing this social-friendly image to say thanks and feel free to comment with your thoughts below! đ
Make sure your posts are readable. Use this readability score check
Want to check out a writerâs community to test your writing and get feedback?
Want to know more about us?
                                   Â
Check out these FREE trial resources from Amazon for when you work from home (or are stuck at home đ ) As an Amazon associate, if you do sign up or buy anything using Amazon links from our site we make a commission at no extra cost to you.
Free Prime Membership Trial:
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Try Prime Discounted (Free Trial)
Make your Free Amazon Wedding Registry:
Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
Get Free Video Channels Trial with Prime:Â
Join Prime Video Channels Free Trial
Try a Free Amazon Family Trial:
Join Amazon Family (30-day Free Trial)
Get Unlimited Music for Free (30-day free trial):
Join Amazon Prime Music â The Only Music Streaming Service with Free 2-day Shipping â 30-day Free Trial
Free movies and TV shows trial:
Join Amazon Prime â Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime â Start Free Trial Now
Free Prime for students trial:
Prime Student 6-month Trial
Free Baby Registry:
Shop Amazon â Create an Amazon Baby Registry
Free trial of Twitch Prime:
Try Twitch Prime
And for when you REALLY work at home:
Create Amazon Business Account
It is the Amazon you love, for work. Make workplace procurement easier with convenient delivery options, simplified purchasing workflows, multiple payment options, and a competitive marketplace with business-only pricing and quantity discounts. Anyone who makes purchases for work (eg. procurement specialists, office administration, IT departments, etc.) can create a FREE account for their business. Customer must be from a verified business in order to successfully create their Amazon Business account.
We hope you enjoyed: Everything You Need to Know for Writing in Third Person!
Can You Become a Successful Self Publisher Today Without a Website? Iâve seen this question before and thought it could Read more
5 Tips How to Make Editing More Enjoyable Editing can be a very dull process. At times, it can seem Read more
Can I Make My Story Setting in a Place I Have Not Been? You might be feeling trepidation about where Read more
How to Write for Yourself | Is it Odd to Just Write for Yourself? Some people are out there writing Read more
Published by Jeremy
View all posts by Jeremy
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)
- More Networks
Table of Contents
Collaboration, information literacy, writing process, using first person in an academic essay: when is it okay.
- CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Jenna Pack Sheffield
Related Concepts: Academic Writing â How to Write for the Academic Community ; First-Person Point of View ; Rhetorical Analysis; Rhetorical Stance ; The First Person ; Voice
In order to determine whether or not you can speak or write from the first-person point of view, you need to engage in rhetorical analysis. You need to question whether your audience values and accepts the first person as a legitimate rhetorical stance. Source:Many times, high school students are told not to use first person (âI,â âwe,â âmy,â âus,â and so forth) in their essays. As a college student, you should realize that this is a rule that can and should be brokenâat the right time, of course.
By now, youâve probably written a personal essay, memoir, or narrative that used first person. After all, how could you write a personal essay about yourself, for instance, without using the dreaded âIâ word?
However, academic essays differ from personal essays; they are typically researched and use a formal tone . Because of these differences, when students write an academic essay, they quickly shy away from first person because of what they have been told in high school or because they believe that first person feels too informal for an intellectual, researched text. While first person can definitely be overused in academic essays (which is likely why your teachers tell you not to use it), there are moments in a paper when it is not only appropriate, but also more effective and/or persuasive to use first person. The following are a few instances in which it is appropriate to use first person in an academic essay:
- Including a personal anecdote: You have more than likely been told that you need a strong âhookâ to draw your readers in during an introduction. Sometimes, the best hook is a personal anecdote, or a short amusing story about yourself. In this situation, it would seem unnatural not to use first-person pronouns such as âIâ and âmyself.â Your readers will appreciate the personal touch and will want to keep reading! (For more information about incorporating personal anecdotes into your writing, see “ Employing Narrative in an Essay .”)
- Establishing your credibility ( ethos ): Ethos is a term stemming back to Ancient Greece that essentially means âcharacterâ in the sense of trustworthiness or credibility. A writer can establish her ethos by convincing the reader that she is trustworthy source. Oftentimes, the best way to do that is to get personalâtell the reader a little bit about yourself. (For more information about ethos, see “ Ethos .”)For instance, letâs say you are writing an essay arguing that dance is a sport. Using the occasional personal pronoun to let your audience know that you, in fact, are a classically trained dancerâand have the muscles and scars to prove itâgoes a long way in establishing your credibility and proving your argument. And this use of first person will not distract or annoy your readers because it is purposeful.
- Clarifying passive constructions : Often, when writers try to avoid using first person in essays, they end up creating confusing, passive sentences . For instance, letâs say I am writing an essay about different word processing technologies, and I want to make the point that I am using Microsoft Word to write this essay. If I tried to avoid first-person pronouns, my sentence might read: âRight now, this essay is being written in Microsoft Word.â While this sentence is not wrong, it is what we call passiveâthe subject of the sentence is being acted upon because there is no one performing the action. To most people, this sentence sounds better: âRight now, I am writing this essay in Microsoft Word.â Do you see the difference? In this case, using first person makes your writing clearer.
- Stating your position in relation to others: Sometimes, especially in an argumentative essay, it is necessary to state your opinion on the topic . Readers want to know where you stand, and it is sometimes helpful to assert yourself by putting your own opinions into the essay. You can imagine the passive sentences (see above) that might occur if you try to state your argument without using the word âI.â The key here is to use first person sparingly. Use personal pronouns enough to get your point across clearly without inundating your readers with this language.
Now, the above list is certainly not exhaustive. The best thing to do is to use your good judgment, and you can always check with your instructor if you are unsure of his or her perspective on the issue. Ultimately, if you feel that using first person has a purpose or will have a strategic effect on your audience, then it is probably fine to use first-person pronouns. Just be sure not to overuse this language, at the risk of sounding narcissistic, self-centered, or unaware of othersâ opinions on a topic.
Recommended Readings:
- A Synthesis of Professor Perspectives on Using First and Third Person in Academic Writing
- Finding the Bunny: How to Make a Personal Connection to Your Writing
- First-Person Point of View
Brevity – Say More with Less
Clarity (in Speech and Writing)
Coherence – How to Achieve Coherence in Writing
Flow – How to Create Flow in Writing
Inclusivity – Inclusive Language
The Elements of Style – The DNA of Powerful Writing
Suggested Edits
- Please select the purpose of your message. * - Corrections, Typos, or Edits Technical Support/Problems using the site Advertising with Writing Commons Copyright Issues I am contacting you about something else
- Your full name
- Your email address *
- Page URL needing edits *
- Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Featured Articles
Academic Writing – How to Write for the Academic Community
Professional Writing – How to Write for the Professional World
Authority – How to Establish Credibility in Speech & Writing
- How to Cite
- Language & Lit
- Rhyme & Rhythm
- The Rewrite
- Search Glass
Style Changes in the seventh edition of the APA Manual:
Bias-free language, first, second and third person definitions, use third person for formal writing, be comfortable with exceptions, watch your grammar, writing in third person in apa style.
As the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" attests, style and tone are important elements of APA papers and publications since they affect how a reader understands information. Point of view is one of the elements that can determine how information is received by a reader.
- Use âtheyâ for a person whose gender is unknown or irrelevant.
- Use non-human relative pronouns like âthat,â and âwhichâ for inanimate objects and animals -- rather than use âwho.â
- Use "they" for a person who uses âtheyâ as their personal pronoun. Plural verbs even when "they" is referring to a single person or entity:
They are a great artist is preferred rather than They is a great artist.
Use âperson-firstâ language whenever possible.
A man with leprosy rather than A leper
Avoid using adjectives as nouns to describe groups of people: use the people who are ill rather than the sick.
Three different points of view exist: first person, second person and third person. First person reflects the writer's voice with pronouns such as:
Second person speaks directly to a reader, using pronouns such as "you" and "your."
Third person uses a more general voice that reflects neither the writer nor reader specifically, using words like "students" and "participants" and pronouns such as "he," "they" and "it."
Good writing typically begins in one point of view and retains that perspective throughout in order to avoid confusion for the reader.
Most formal writing, including APA papers, uses the third person point of view. Third person makes ideas sound less subjective since it removes direct reference to the writer. It also creates a more generalized statement.
For example
"Researchers first need to determine participants" (written in the third person) conveys a more formal, objective tone than "You first need to determine participants" (second person) and "I first needed to determine participants" (first person).
Instructors, institutions and publishers generally require writing in the third person to maintain a more formal tone.
The APA manual explains that third person may not always be appropriate in APA papers. When describing activities you performed in your research or when third person language may confuse the reader, use first person instead.
For instance, after a reference to an outside source, if you then write, "The author developed the program," your reader cannot be certain if "the author" refers to the referenced source or yourself. Using the first person in such cases clarifies your intention.
Pronoun use is a significant grammatical issue involving the third person point of view. Pronouns must agree in number with the nouns they refer to. For instance, for the plural noun "participants" and the pronoun "they" agree in number while "he" does not.
In the third person point of view, writers should use gender-neutral pronouns when appropriate, such as "they." Some writers consider the use of "he or she" awkward, but the use of "they" can lead to agreement issues. When using "they," make certain the antecedent noun is also plural.
- Purdue University OWL: APA Style Basics
- University of Arizona Writing Center: First vs. Third Person
- Purdue University OWL - APA 7th Edition style Changes
Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.
- Share full article
Advertisement
Supported by
Student Opinion
310 Prompts for Argumentative Writing
Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?
By Natalie Proulx
Does social media harm young peopleâs mental health? Do video games deserve the bad rap they often get? Should parents track their children? Who is the greatest athlete of all time?
Every school day, we publish new questions for students based on the news of the day, including prompts, like these, that inspire persuasive writing.
Below, weâve rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn from our Student Opinion column , links to a free New York Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.
You can use these prompts however you like, whether to inspire an entry for our new Open Letter Contest , to hone your persuasive writing skills or simply to share your opinions on the issues of today. So scroll through the list below and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.
If you enjoy these questions, know that you can find all of our argumentative writing prompts, as they publish, here . Students 13 and up from anywhere in the world are invited to comment.
Argumentative Prompt Topics
Technology and social media, college, work and money, health and relationships, gender and race, arts and entertainment, parenting and childhood, government and politics, animals, science and time.
Social Media
1. Does Social Media Harm Young Peopleâs Mental Health? 2. How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media? 3. Should the United States Ban TikTok? 4. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 5. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 6. What Should Be Done to Protect Children Online? 7. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 8. Are You a Fan of âSchool Accountsâ on Social Media? 9. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 10. Is It Ever OK to Use Strangers as Content for Social Media?
Phones and Devices
11. Should More Teenagers Ditch Their Smartphones? 12. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 13. Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings? 14. What Are Your Texting Dos and Donâts? 15. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 16. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 17. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 18. How Young Is Too Young for an Apple Watch?
The Internet
19. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 20. How Excited Are You About the Metaverse? 21. Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are? 22. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 23. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 24. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 25. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 26. Does Technology Make Us More Alone?
School Discipline and Attendance
27. Should Schools Ban Cellphones? 28. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 29. What Are Your Thoughts on Uniforms and Strict Dress Codes? 30. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 31. How Can Schools Engage Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out? 32. Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons? 33. Should Your School Day Start Later? 34. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 35. Do Kids Need Recess? 36. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money?
School Quality and Effectiveness
37. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 38. Do Schools Need to Do More to Hold Students Accountable? 39. Are Straight Aâs Always a Good Thing? 40. Should Students Have the Same Teachers Year After Year? 41. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 42. Should We Get Rid of Homework? 43. Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs? 44. Is It Time to Get Rid of Timed Tests? 45. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 46. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 47. Does Your School Need More Money? 48. Do School Employees Deserve More Respect â and Pay? 49. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?
Teaching and Learning
50. Do You Think We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught? 51. Should Financial Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 52. Should Schools Teach Students Kitchen and Household Skills? 53. Do We Need Better Music Education? 54. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 55. What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History? 56. Do Schools Need to Do More to Support Visual Thinkers? 57. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 59. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Anotherâs Pain? 60. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 61. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 62. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 63. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language
Technology in School
64. How Should Schools Respond to ChatGPT? 65. Does Learning to Be a Good Writer Still Matter in the Age of A.I.? 66. Is Online Learning Effective? 67. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 68. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 69. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 70. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 71. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 72. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 73. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?
Education Politics
74. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 75. Should Students Learn About Climate Change in School? 76. Should Teachers Provide Trigger Warnings for âTraumatic Contentâ? 77. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 78. What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries? 79. What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read? 80. What Do You Think About the Controversy Surrounding the New A.P. Course on African American Studies? 81. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 82. Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools? 83. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?
College Admissions
84. Should Colleges Consider Standardized Tests in Admissions? 85. Should Students Let ChatGPT Help Them Write Their College Essays? 86. What Is Your Reaction to the End of Race-Based Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 87. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 88. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 89. How Much Do You Think It Matters Where You Go to College? 90. Should Everyone Go to College? 91. Should College Be Free? 92. Is Student Debt Worth It? 93. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists?
Campus Life
94. What Should Free Speech Look Like on Campus? 95. Should Greek Life on College Campuses Come to an End? 96. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 97. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should âDespised Dissentersâ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses?
Jobs and Careers
101. Is High School a Good Time to Train for a Career? 102. Is There Such a Thing as a âUselessâ College Major? 103. Should All High School Students Have Part-Time Jobs? 104. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 105. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job?
Money and Business
106. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 107. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 108. Should We All Go Cashless? 109. When Should You Tip? 110. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 111. Are You a Crypto Optimist or Skeptic? 112. Do Celebrities and Influencers Make You Want to Buy What Theyâre Selling? 113. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 114. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 115. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 116. What Should Stores Do With Unsold Goods? 117. Is There a âRight Wayâ to Be a Tourist? 118. Who Should We Honor on Our Money?
Mental Health
119. Is Teen Mental Health in a State of Crisis? 120. âLove-Bombing.â âGaslighting.â âVictim.â Is âTrauma Talkâ Overused? 121. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 122. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 123. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 124. How Can We Bring an End to the âEpidemic of Lonelinessâ? 125. Does Every Country Need a âLoneliness Ministerâ? 126. What Ideas Do You Have to Bring Your Community Closer Together? 127. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 128. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times?
Dating and Relationships
129. Who Should Pay for Dates? 130. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Todayâs Society? 131. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 132. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?
Physical Health
133. Should Governments Do More to Discourage People From Smoking and Vaping? 134. How Should Adults Talk to Kids About Drugs? 135. Can Laziness Be a Good Thing? 136. Should There Be Requirements for Teens Who Want to Ride E-Bikes? 137. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 138. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 139. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs?
140. Is It Becoming More Acceptable for Men and Boys to Cry? 141. Is It Harder for Men and Boys to Make and Keep Friends? 142. Should Award Shows Eliminate Gendered Categories? 143. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 144. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 145. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 146. What Is Hard About Being a Boy? 147. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 148. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 149. Are Beauty Pageants Still Relevant? 150. Should Period Products Be Free? 151. What Are Your Thoughts on Last Names? 152. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 153. What Is Your Reaction to the Recent Wave of Legislation That Seeks to Regulate the Lives of Transgender Youths? 154. What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers?
Identity, Race and Ethnicity
155. How Should Schools Respond to Racist Jokes? 156. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 157. What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools? 158. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 159. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 160. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 161. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nationâs Founders? 162. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 163. What Can History Teach Us About Resilience? 164. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 165. Is Fear of âThe Otherâ Poisoning Public Life? 166. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 167. When Talking About Identity, How Much Do Words Matter? 168. How Useful Is It to Be Multilingual?
TV and Movies
169. Is True Crime As a Form of Entertainment Ethical? 170. Should Old TV Shows Be Brought Back? 171. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 172. How Closely Should Actorsâ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 173. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 174. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 175. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 176. When Does Lying in Comedy Cross a Line? 177. How Do You Feel About âNepotism Babiesâ?
Music and Video Games
178. Will A.I. Replace Pop Stars? 179. If Two Songs Sound Alike, Is It Stealing? 180. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 181. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 182. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 183. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 184. Should There Be Limits on How Much Time Young People Spend Playing Video Games? 185. Should More Parents Play Video Games With Their Kids?
186. Are A.I.-Generated Pictures Art? 187. What Work of Art Should Your Friends Fall in Love With? 188. If Artwork Offends People, Should It Be Removed? 189. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 190. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 191. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 192. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 193. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 194. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 195. Should Graffiti Be Protected?
Books and Literature
196. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 197. Should Classic Childrenâs Books Be Updated for Todayâs Young Readers? 198. Should White Writers Translate a Black Authorâs Work? 199. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? 200. Should Libraries Get Rid of Late Fees?
201. Whatâs the Best â and Worst â Part of Being a Sports Fan? 202. Who Is the GOAT? 203. Do Womenâs Sports Deserve More Attention? 204. What Should Be Done About the Gender Pay Gap in Sports? 205. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 206. Should More Sports Be Coed? 207. College Athletes Can Now Be Paid. But Not All of Them Are Seeing Money. Is That Fair? 208. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 209. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 210. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 211. Is It Bad Sportsmanship to Run Up the Score in Youth Sports? 212. Is It Ethical to Be a Football Fan? 213. Does the N.F.L. Have a Race Problem? 214. What New Rules Would Improve Your Favorite Sport? 215. What Sports Deserve More Hype? 216. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 217. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 218. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 219. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures? 220. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 221. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport?
Related Writing Prompt
222. Should Parents Ever Be Held Responsible for the Harmful Actions of Their Children? 223. Where Is the Line Between Helping a Child Become More Resilient and Pushing Them Too Hard? 224. Should Parents Give Children More Responsibility at Younger Ages? 225. Should Parents Tell Children the Truth About Santa? 226. Should Parents Weigh in on Their Kidsâ Dating Lives? 227. Should Parents Track Their Children? 228. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 229. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 230. Whatâs the Best Way to Discipline Children? 231. What Are Your Thoughts on âSnowplow Parentsâ? 232. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 233. Should Parents Bribe Their Children?
Childhood and Growing Up
234. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 235. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 236. When Do You Become an Adult? 237. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 238. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 239. What Can Older Generations Learn From Gen Z? 240. What Is the Worst Toy Ever?
Legislation and Policy
241. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 242. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 243. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 244. What Is Your Reaction to the State of Abortion Rights? 245. Should the Government Cancel Student Debt? 246. Should Public Transit Be Free? 247. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 248. Should the U.S. Be Doing More to Prevent Child Poverty? 249. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 250. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations?
Gun Violence
251. Are You Concerned About Violence in America? 252. How Should Americans Deal With the Problem of Gun Violence? 253. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 254. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 255. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns?
Voting and Elections
256. How Much Faith Do You Have in the U.S. Political System? 257. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 258. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 259. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 260. Should There Be a Minimum Voting Age? 261. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 262. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 263. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped?
Freedoms and Rights
264. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 265. Why Does the Right to Protest Matter? 266. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 267. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 268. Should You Have a Right to Be Rude? 269. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities?
Civic Participation
270. Are You Optimistic About the State of the World? 271. If You Could Take On One Problem Facing Our World, What Would It Be? 272. If You Were Mayor, What Problems Facing Your Community Would You Tackle? 273. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 274. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 275. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 276. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics? 277. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 278. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Donât Keep Up With the News? 279. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 280. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 281. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 282. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 283. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 284. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 285. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady â or First Spouse â Should Be Today?
286. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 287. What Is Our Responsibility to Lab Animals? 288. What Are Your Thoughts About Hunting Animals? 289. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 290. What Do You Think of Pet Weddings? 291. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 292. Should We Bring Back Animals From Extinction? 293. Are Zoos Immoral? 294. Do Bugs Deserve More Respect?
Environment and Science
295. What Role Should Young People Play in the Fight Against Climate Change? 296. Should We Be More Optimistic About Efforts to Combat Climate Change? 297. How Far Is Too Far in the Fight Against Climate Change? 298. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 299. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 300. Should We Still Be Sending Astronauts to Space? 301. Do You Think Pluto Should Be a Planet? 302. Should We Treat Robots Like People?
Time and Seasons
303. What Is the Best Month of the Year? What Is the Worst? 304. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 305. Do You Think It Is Time to Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time? 306. When Do Holiday Decorations Go From Festive to Excessive? 307. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 308. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 309. Should School Be a Place to Celebrate Halloween? 310. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.
Natalie Proulx joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2017 after working as an English language arts teacher and curriculum writer. More about Natalie Proulx
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Third-person writing is a style of writing that involves using pronouns such as "he," "she," "it," "they," or "one" to refer to individuals or objects instead of using first- or second-person pronouns like "I," "me," "we," "us," "you," or "your.". Third-person language is commonly used in academic ...
The use of first vs third person in literary analysis . In this post, let's look at the use of first-person voice in a specific type of writing: the literary analysis essay. If you're an English literature student, this should be no stranger to you. For others, think of this as the kind of writing one would find in literary criticism.
Use third person for all academic writing. For formal writing, such as research and argumentative papers, use the third person. Third person makes writing more objective and less personal. For academic and professional writing, this sense of objectivity allows the writer to seem less biased and, therefore, more credible.
Third-Person Writing Makes Your Essay Sound More Assertive. ... It is important to note that you should still try to use third-person writing for your persuasive essays because, as I mentioned earlier, it will give a more formal tone and more credibility to your argument. However, if some personal experience is especially relevant, it would be ...
7 tips for writing in the third person. Just like the first and second person, you've probably already written in the third person before. But to do it well, you'll need some key tips and tricks in your writing toolkit. Let's dive into the seven essentials for third-person writing. Tip 1: Use third-person determiners and pronouns
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
In academic writing, the use of the third-person pronouns (he/she/it and they/them) neither refer to the writer or the person being addressed. For example, in academic writing one may say "the study from the University of Pennsylvania states that 1 in 5 people have blue eyes.". On the other hand, first-person pronouns (I/me/my and we/us ...
6 tips for writing in third-person. 1. Understand your voice won't always shine in your essays. Every single piece of writing tends to have a voice or point of view as if you're speaking to the reader directly. However, that can't always happen in academic writing as it's objective compared to a novel, for example.
Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement. Essays can be roughly divided into four different types: #1: Argumentative. #2: Persuasive. #3: Expository.
Here is a table that shows several common instances of first or second person in essays and some examples of how to revise to the third person. ... is used when a degree of objectivity is intended, and it is often used in academic documents, such as research and argument papers. This perspective directs the reader's attention to the subject ...
Most academic papers (Exposition, Persuasion, and Research Papers) should generally be written in third person, referring to other authors and researchers from credible and academic sources to support your argument rather than stating your own personal experiences. APA advocates for using first person ("I")when describing your own research ...
For these reasons and more, first person is now more often being recommended. Of the "big three" (APA, Chicago, MLA) style guides, APA urges first person. The Chicago Manual of Style is also in favor and says under 5.220 (16th ed.), "When you need the first-person singular, use it. It's not immodest to use it; it's superstitious not ...
Follow these procedures to remove the first and second person and write in the third person: 1. As you read the article, keep an eye out for first- or second-person pronouns. Keep an eye out for any personal anecdotes that could demand the usage of first-person. Use a highlighter or a pen to highlight these words.
Check out our full analysis of 3 argumentative essay samples to help you write your own. Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 ... then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side. ... The continent's ...
When writing in third person, speak with authority. Show your reader that the narrator's voice is trustworthy. Give them the inner thoughts of at least one character. The main narrator voice you use will give them the idea that you are in-the-know and can carry them well through the events to come. 2.
academic writing is generally written in in the third person. Academic writing is also formal in tone and is meant to be objective. This means that the focus is on the writing rather than the writer, so the voice you adopt is "this essay", "this literature review" or "this report". Objectivity requires that the paper you are writing ...
In a story, narrators use the third person if they are not part of the story themselves. Third-person narratives show us a person's actions, feelings, and thoughts. Example of how to write in third person: Nadia dreamt about being a gymnast her entire life. Ever since she can remember, she's worked hard, sacrificed a lot, and hoped someone ...
The use of the third person is crucial in an argumentative essay as it helps maintain distance from the reader and focus on logical arguments rather than emotions. đ. It is important to carefully read the exam notice to understand the specific requirements, such as whether a reflective analysis or an intervention project is needed. đ€.
Describe a character's eyes and expressions to reveal character development, tension, and plot-building. 8. Write with authority. Create an authoritative, trustworthy narrator. Writing from third-person stations the narrator above the action, creating a bird's eye view of the story.
In literature, third-person point of view follows multiple characters and narrative arcs, zooming in and out of a story the way a camera does in a movie. A third-person narrator can be all-knowing (aware of every character's thoughts and feelings) or limited (focused on a single character, or aware only what certain characters say and do). <br> ## What Is Third-Person Point Of View in ...
Source:Many times, high school students are told not to use first person ("I," "we," "my," "us," and so forth) in their essays. As a college student, you should realize that this is a rule that can and should be brokenâat the right time, of course. By now, you've probably written a personal essay, memoir, or narrative that ...
Three different points of view exist: first person, second person and third person. First person reflects the writer's voice with pronouns such as: I. me. we. us. Second person speaks directly to a reader, using pronouns such as "you" and "your." Third person uses a more general voice that reflects neither the writer nor reader specifically ...
Below, we've rounded up over 300 of those argumentative prompts, organized by topic, all in one place. They cover everything from parenting and schools to music and social media. Each one, drawn ...
The purpose of an expository essay is to __. thesis statement. The __ should summarize all the ideas of the essay. third-person. An argumentative text is written in formal language using __ point of view. supported the proposed U.S. Constitution. The Federalists were those who __.