An issue that many students face today is being able to balance the expectations of their professors with their own personal voice. It has been ingrained in our minds since grade school that the use of “I” and “we” is only acceptable in personal narratives. John M. Swales, a linguist known for his genre analysis, points out that in regards to audience and participants, an “appropriate role for the authorial persona…requires reflection and negotiation.”
While the audience is a vital aspect of the writing process, the rhetor must remain true to him/herself and express his/her opinions in the way that he/she wishes to, without hesitating because of the intended audience.
As a result, I have set up a survey to get the scoop on how students really feel about the issue. I would like to also survey professors to reveal how they, having been on both sides, feel about the matter. I ask that both provide personal examples of previous writing experiences and your thoughts on the current “standards” and expectations for academic writing.
Through this research, students and professors will gain a new perspective on the matter and possibly find a way to achieve balance between what is expected and what is genuine.
If you have 15 minutes to spare, please help us out and tell us what you think.
Students please click here.
Professors/Instructors please click here.
