Keslande
08 Feb 2023
We have been taught many rules about writing different types of papers. Argumentative essay, persuasive, analytical and so on. One of those rules happened to be whether or not we should use I when writing. I like to believe that the jury is still out on that question because there are different reasons, and opinions; depending who you ask. For instance, Kate McKinney Maddalina states many reasons why it is important to use I in your paper; while Sister Molina shares a different opinion.
When Is It Okay To Say “I”?
Individuals such as Sister Molina who claim that first person should not be used agree that it should be obvious to the readers who the words on the pagers belong to since the paper is written by you. On the other hand, for Kate McKinney Maddalina, she believes that there are times when it is necessary to use first person. For example, “Citing scholarship contextualizes and strengthens your arguments; you want to defer to “experts” for evidence of your claim when you can. As a student; you might feel like an outsider-unable to comment with authority on the concept you’re reading and writing about.”
Should We Or Should We Not Use “I”
Based on my previous experience I have to agree with Maddalina. Up until college I was never limited to using first person. I remember what a nightmare it was the first time I had to write a literary analysis with the restriction of using I. Very difficult to freely, and openly express my opinion, or even state the facts I discover during my research. I felt like I was hiding behind my paper. I know that it can be challenging to remove some rules that have been practicing for so long, but there should be a revision on this rule of not being able to use I when we write. Perhaps a petition, or a survey can assist in achieving some conclusion on the topic.
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