3.11 Self-Test G on Impersonal Writing

I. Read the following two passages and identify the language features which are typical of the type of writing.

Passage One

When you start uni, you’ll find it a bit overwhelming at first. There’s so much to do and learn. I was totally stressed out to begin with, but then my friends in 2nd year started me thinking about a study timetable. It’s made such a difference, and now I don't get into a panic every time an assignment’s due. I even have time to go out and have fun on the weekends as well. Would you believe it?!

Passage Two

It seems that during the initial period at university, many students face difficulties in adjusting to the competing demands of study. However these can be addressed through the development of a study timetable. This approach to time management allows for the effective allotment of time for study periods and the minimisation of stress when assignments are due. It also enables students to engage in their preferred leisure activities.

1. Contractions
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

2. Long complex noun groups
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

3. Emotive vocabulary
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

4. Passive voice
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

5. Personal pronouns: ‘I’; ‘you’
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

6. Colloquialisms and clichés rights and can respect others’ property.
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

7. Reference to particular people and situations
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

8. Impersonal expressions
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

9. Direct questions
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

10. Subjective assessments/judgements
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

11. Modal verbs to moderate statements
a) Passage One b) Passage Two

12. Restrictions on or modifications to general statements
a) Passage One b) Passage Two


Score = /12
Correct answers:

Explanation to Part I

II. Below are 6 phrases written in a personal style. Write the numbers of the equivalent impersonal expressions in the space provided:

Impersonal
19. The topic for today’s presentation is ...
20. There are several examples of these ...
21. This paper focuses on ...
22. Therefore, it would seem that ...
23. The evidence shows ...
24. It was necessary to ...

Personal

13. You will see from this ...

14. Today I’m going to talk about ...

15. You can see lots of these ...

16. We had to ...

17. So I believe ...

18. In this essay, I will discuss ...