Writing: Expository Writing (Explaining/Informing) (B2) - Lesson 3: Presenting Factual Information Objectively
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Hello B2 Informers! 👋
When you write to inform or explain (expository writing), it's often very important to present information objectively. This means focusing on facts and evidence, and avoiding personal feelings, opinions, or biases from influencing your presentation.
Objective writing is crucial in academic texts, news reports, scientific papers, and many types of professional communication.
In this lesson, you will:
- Understand the difference between objective and subjective writing.
- Learn the characteristics of objective language.
- Practice identifying subjective language and rewriting sentences for objectivity.
Objective vs. Subjective Writing
Objective writing aims to present information based on facts, evidence, and observable data. It is neutral and avoids expressing the writer's personal feelings, opinions, or biases.
Example (Objective): The Earth revolves around the Sun, completing one orbit approximately every 365.25 days.
Subjective writing, on the other hand, is influenced by personal feelings, tastes, opinions, and interpretations. It often includes emotional language and personal judgments.
Example (Subjective): I think it's absolutely amazing how the Earth gracefully dances around the Sun each year; it's such a beautiful cosmic ballet!
Why is Objectivity Important?
- Credibility: Objective information is generally seen as more trustworthy and reliable.
- Clarity: It focuses on presenting facts without the confusion of personal bias.
- Professionalism: Essential in academic, scientific, and many professional fields.
- Fairness: Allows the reader to form their own opinions based on the information presented, rather than being swayed by the writer's feelings.
Characteristics of Objective Language
- Focus on Facts & Evidence: Information should be verifiable and supported by data, research, or direct observation, not personal beliefs.
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Neutral Word Choice (Diction):
- Avoid emotionally loaded words (e.g., "terrible," "amazing," "disgusting," "wonderful") unless quoting someone.
- Choose words with neutral connotations. For instance, instead of saying a policy was a "disaster," you might say it had "several negative outcomes."
- Third-Person Perspective: Often uses "he," "she," "it," "they," or refers to people by their roles or names, rather than "I" or "you" (though "you" can be used in instructional objective texts). Avoid phrases like "I think," "I believe," "In my opinion" when the goal is purely objective reporting of facts.
- Formal Register: Typically avoids slang, colloquialisms, and contractions. Sentence structures may be more complex and precise.
- Balanced Presentation (when applicable): If discussing an issue with multiple viewpoints, present them fairly without strongly favoring one, especially in informative reports (less so in scientific reporting of one's own findings).
- Attribution of Sources (Important in Academic/Formal Contexts): Clearly state where information comes from (e.g., "According to a study by X...", "Research indicates that..."). This adds to objectivity and credibility. (Detailed citation methods are a separate topic).
Examples: Subjective vs. Objective
| Subjective Statement (Expresses feelings, opinions, biases) | Objective Statement (Focuses on verifiable facts) |
|---|---|
| That new restaurant is awful; the food was terrible and the service was shockingly bad. | The new restaurant received a 2-star rating in the local newspaper review. Several online comments mentioned slow service. |
| I think solar power is the only sensible solution to our energy crisis. It's fantastic! | Solar power is a renewable energy source that converts sunlight into electricity. Its adoption has increased by 20% in the last five years. |
| The movie was so boring, I almost fell asleep. The ending was stupid. | The film has a runtime of 150 minutes and its plot concludes with the main character leaving the country. Critical reviews have been mixed. |
Practice Presenting Information Objectively!
Activity 1: Objective or Subjective?
Read each sentence. Is it primarily Objective (factual) or Subjective (opinionated/emotional)?
Activity 2: Rewrite for Objectivity
The following sentences contain subjective language. Rewrite them to be more objective. Focus on removing personal opinions and emotionally charged words. You might need to imagine simple facts to replace opinions.
✨ Tips for Writing Objectively ✨
- Stick to the Facts: Base your statements on evidence, data, or observable information.
- Choose Neutral Words: Avoid words that express strong emotion or judgment unless you are quoting someone directly.
- Avoid "I think," "I feel," "In my opinion": When the goal is pure objectivity, these phrases signal subjectivity.
- Attribute Opinions to Others: If you need to mention an opinion, make it clear whose opinion it is (e.g., "Critics argued that...", "According to the survey participants...").
- Focus on "What" and "How," not "Good" or "Bad": Describe what happened or how something works, rather than judging its quality without evidence.
- Proofread for Bias: Reread your work specifically looking for any words or phrases that might reveal your personal feelings or an unfair bias.
Writing with Factual Clarity! 🎉
Presenting information objectively is a key skill for academic and professional writing. It builds trust with your reader and allows them to focus on the facts you are presenting.