Something that I see often when editing essays are issues with Point of View (POV). Oftentimes, this is just something that students are not aware of or may have just forgotten (I get it). Let's talk about this.

Point of View describes the direction from which the author is speaking. There are 3: First, second, and third (actually there are more, but we really only need to discuss these, unless we want to get into a discussion about literature).

First-personuses the pronouns I, me, and my. This means you are included in the content you are writing about.This is ok for reflections because you are writing about yourself.

Second-personuses the pronouns you, you're. This should only be used when giving directions. It is so very easy to use the pronoun you when writing because it feels natural. It is very conversational. Try to avoid it. Instead of you, refer to the noun that you would be.

Third-personuses the pronouns he, she, them. This is the most appropriate point of view to use in most instances. Typically, when you are writing persuasive (which is 95% of what you will write in college), you are using your research to support your ideas so it is appropriate to refer to someone else.

It can be challenging to change this mindset when you are writing.

For a fun practice. Change the noun Bill in this short paragraph to pronouns using each of the POV types. When you're done, discuss how the sentences changed.

Bill has really worked hard to get to graduation. Bill set aside plenty of time every night to study. Bill practiced boundaries with Bill's family to give Bill enough time to get his schoolwork done. This really paid off for Bill; Bill will be graduating with honors this fall.

FIRST PERSON:

SECOND PERSON:

THIRD PERSON:

So now my question is - how has the meeting of the sentences changed? Did this help you to recognize the changes you may need to make in your writing?

Did you review the media piece on the writing process, yet? How will scholarly research enhance your writing?

 

Please review the attached document, How to Write in 3rd Person. Let me know what questions you have.