B2 Lesson 3: Presenting Factual Information Objectively
You have learned how to structure an informative text logically. Now, we will master one of the most important skills in academic and professional writing: objectivity1.
To be credible, expository writing must present factual2 information in a neutral3 way, without being influenced by the writer's personal feelings or opinions.
Techniques for Maintaining an Objective Tone
To remove your personal bias from your writing, you can use several key techniques.
1. Use Neutral Language
Avoid emotional or exaggerated adjectives and adverbs. Stick to words that are precise and unbiased.
Subjective ❌: The amazing Angkor Wat is a wonderful temple.
Objective ✅: Angkor Wat is a large and historically significant temple complex.
2. Attribute Information to a Source
Instead of presenting information as your own thought, state where it came from. This builds credibility.
Subjective ❌: I think the population is growing.
Objective ✅: According to the latest census data, the population has grown by 5%.
3. Avoid Personal Pronouns
In formal expository writing, avoid using "I," "you," and "we." Phrases like "I believe" or "In my opinion" signal subjectivity and should be avoided.
Revising for Objectivity: Before and After
Let's look at how to revise a subjective paragraph to make it objective and suitable for a report.
Before (Subjective & Opinionated ❌):
I think the traffic in Phnom Penh is a complete disaster. It's totally awful how millions of crazy moto drivers fight for every inch of space. The government should do something about this horrible situation immediately.
After (Objective & Informative ✅):
Traffic congestion is a significant challenge in Phnom Penh. The high volume of vehicles, particularly motorcycles, often leads to slow-moving traffic, especially during peak hours. This situation puts considerable pressure on the city's existing infrastructure and has been identified by municipal reports as a key area for future development.
✍️ B2 Objectivity Checklist
When editing your expository writing, ask yourself:
- ✔️ Have I stated facts without including my personal feelings or opinions?
- ✔️ Have I used neutral and unbiased vocabulary instead of emotional or exaggerated words?
- ✔️ Where appropriate, have I attributed information to a source (e.g., "According to the report...")?
- ✔️ Have I avoided using personal pronouns like "I" or "you"?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Most Objective Sentence
Which of the following sentences is the most objective and appropriate for a formal report?
- The decision to build the new airport was a terrible idea.
- I believe the new airport will be fantastic for Cambodia.
- The construction of the new airport is expected to be completed in 2026.
Answer: C. It is a neutral statement of fact that can be verified. Sentences A and B are both subjective opinions.
📝 Homework: Write an Objective Paragraph
Your homework is to practice presenting information factually and objectively.
Topic: The Mekong River in Cambodia.
Your Task: Write a short, objective, expository paragraph (3-5 sentences) about the Mekong River. Do not give your opinions about whether it is beautiful or important. Instead, focus on facts.
You can research simple facts online, or write about facts you already know. Focus on:
- Its geographical location (e.g., what provinces it flows through).
- Its importance for transportation or fishing.
- The types of animals that live in it (e.g., the Irrawaddy dolphin).
Use the B2 Objectivity Checklist to ensure your paragraph is neutral and informative.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Objective: (Adjective) - កម្មវត្ថុ - Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; presenting facts neutrally. ↩
- Factual: (Adjective) - ផ្អែកលើការពិត - Concerned with what is actually the case; based on facts. ↩
- Neutral: (Adjective) - អព្យាក្រឹត - Having no strong or positive-to-negative characteristics; not taking a side. ↩
- Bias: (Noun) - ការលំអៀង - A prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. ↩
- To attribute: (Verb) - បញ្ជាក់ប្រភព - To state the source of a piece of information.