ACADEMIC WRITING REQUIRES AN ASSERTIVE TONE

1. ACADEMIC WRITING REQUIRES AN ASSERTIVE TONE

2. TOO AGGRESSIVE: • Of course prayer should be discouraged in public schools. Only foolish people think that organized prayer is good for everyone.

3. TOO PASSIVE • I might be wrong, but I think that organized prayer should be discouraged in public schools.

4. ASSERTIVE TONE: • Organized prayer should be discouraged in public schools because it violates the religious freedom guaranteed by the first amendment.

5. HOW DO I ESTABLISH ASSERTIVE TONE IN MY WRITING? • Avoid phrases like “In my opinion,” or “I think.” • Avoid phrases like “Of course,” or “Obviously.” • Make a straightforward claim and back it up with reasons or evidence. • Avoid any sort of name-calling, ridicule, or judgmental language—this includes words like “good,” “bad,” etc.

6. What is wrong with “good” and “bad?”

7. They are non-specific • They limit analysis by dismissing the reasoning behind your judgment

8. If you find yourself writing that something was “good” or “bad” pause and consider WHY you think that? What is good or bad about it? Rewrite your sentence to be more specific.

9. It is a good idea to limit organized prayer at public schools. • WHY? • Organized prayer at public schools violates the religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment.

10. Angela Carter did a good job writing “The Fall River Axe Murders.” WHY do you think so? “The Fall River Axe Murders” is both entertaining and informative.