Avoiding first person

Ring · **Posted:** August 10th, 2012, 5:16 pm

This is ***** me off. We are supposed to formally answer questions about a summer reading book, and that means first person should be avoided..

But some of the questions are difficult if not impossible to write without using first person or sounding like a retard. How do I answer questions like

"If you were a teacher, would you let your class read this book"
" Do any of the characters remind you of somebody you know"
" Are you like any of the characters"
"If you could be any character in the book, what would you be"

I'm going to ask about these specific when she returns to class, but it is just ***** me off. I'm probably going to just write them in the first person because I don't see any other way that actually makes sense in english.

Adbot · **Posted:** August 10th, 2012, 5:16 pm

Bonsai99 · **Posted:** August 10th, 2012, 10:05 pm

Welcome to the school system, enjoy your stay!

blethorskite · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 5:30 am

Funny, but not really.

There isn't any other way to answer those questions other than first person. Badly worded questions if the intent was otherwise.

trekkie · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 11:54 am

it's call critical thinking.

It's when you read something and you actually think about it.

Flash · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 1:15 pm

I know that you're not supposed to use first person in persuasive essays and things like that, but it's ridiculous that you have to use it when you're being asked a question about YOU. That's just stupid, what else are you supposed to use? For example, "Ring would let the class read this book" sounds so dumb.

Evelyn · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 3:00 pm

Flash wrote:

I know that you're not supposed to use first person in persuasive essays and things like that, but it's ridiculous that you have to use it when you're being asked a question about YOU. That's just stupid, what else are you supposed to use? For example, "Ring would let the class read this book" sounds so dumb.

That there is the problem. Requiring 3rd person formal writing on such subjective questions is just ridiculous.

Adbot · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 3:00 pm

Hic142 · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 4:13 pm

Bonsai99 wrote:

Welcome to the school system, enjoy your stay!

So true

Earth · **Posted:** August 11th, 2012, 4:37 pm

Wait, it was explicitly stated to use the third person for these questions?!

Southrend · **Posted:** August 13th, 2012, 2:24 am

It's actually really easy. All the questions you listed can all be answered with a single word. No first person used at all

Ring · **Posted:** August 13th, 2012, 4:41 pm

Southrend wrote:

It's actually really easy. All the questions you listed can all be answered with a single word. No first person used at all

Yeah but then it tells you to explain, I didn't include that part because I deemed it unnecessary info for people trying to help me with the first person problem.

Uncle Dano · **12 99's on 12/12/12!**

Ring wrote:

But some of the questions are difficult if not impossible to write without using first person or sounding like a retard. How do I answer questions like

"If you were a teacher, would you let your class read this book"
" Do any of the characters remind you of somebody you know"
" Are you like any of the characters"
"If you could be any character in the book, what would you be"

Can you answer similar to the following?:

Yes, teachers should allow students to read a wide variety of literature as it gives students the opportunity to be exposed to styles which they may not have been exposed to before.
Yes, one character in particular has many familiar characteristics. The characteristics and mannerisms of the lead character include chivalry, honesty and courtesy.
Etc.

Its been a long time since I studied english, however am I on the right track here?