Question

can you create a formal, academic thesis (no first-person perspective) on the topic?

Answer 1

Formal Academic thesis meant to be objective, using cited sources to support an argument or position. This assumes the focus is not the author, but rather the writing ("this essay"; "this report", this literature review").

Examples of objective statements supported by fact:

The first person point of view is considered informal, and is not encouraged in academic writing. First person can appear to weaken the credibility of the writer in research and argument, as it reads as the writer's personal opinion.

Examples of personal opinion:
"I believe." I think." "In my opinion." "I would say that."

The third person point of view is often used as an alternative to first person as the "voice" in academic writing.

Examples of using effective alternatives to first person:

• Original example: I am writing this paper to discuss how I believe climate change is a major problem. (1 person)

• Stronger example: Climate change is a significant issue and over time may result in glaciers melting and the accelerated rise of sea level. (3 person)

The original example presents a personal opinion of climate change with no supporting facts. The stronger example is more assertive and direct supporting the claim that

"climate change is a significant issue" with facts that can be cited.

• Original example: I was reading a study about the rise of feudalism in medieval Europe, and I noticed that social class structure seemed to be clearly determined.(1 person)

• Stronger: This study about the rise of feudalism in medieval Europe reveals that social class structure was clearly determined.(3 person)

The original example focuses on the reader of the study, whereas the stronger example refers directly to the study and its findings.