[SHepw]

Hello everyone,
For a question which begins "what do you think about the view..." or "to what extent do you agree" in the as level english lit exam (not sure if it's section A or B) should my answer be completely objective or can I put my own opinion in? One of my teachers says no and to remain unbiased and don't use phrases like "I think.." but that's essentially what the question is?! I'm thoroughly confused about how to respond to a question like this so anyone who has an idea, done the exam before or has a decent teacher I'd be grateful for advice. Thanks

[QuinStar]

I'd say that it's unnecessary to use phrases like 'I think' etc. as your whole essay is essentially your opinions, some being for the statement and others disagreeing with it. Everything you infer from the texts in relation to the question is basically your opinion. I know my teachers absolutely freak out at anyone using the first person in their essays! I'd guess when your teacher is saying to be unbiased they mean to see things from both perspectives, giving a balanced answer. Your conclusion is the bit where you can give a weighted/ one side summary. Hope that helps

[SHepw]

Yeah I see what you mean and do intend to give both sides but it's hard to be asked a question like "what do you think about the view..." then not actually start your answer with "I think that..." but I'll try to avoid first person as much as possible! Thanks

[pink pineapple]

my teacher always tells us to comment to give our opinion as it is asking about your own opinion after all however you should explore other interpretations.

[Flyteryder]

(Original post by SHepw)
Yeah I see what you mean and do intend to give both sides but it's hard to be asked a question like "what do you think about the view..." then not actually start your answer with "I think that..." but I'll try to avoid first person as much as possible! Thanks

You should give your own opinion by saying 'Some readers may feel/think/take the view that' etc, and then 'On the other hand, some readers may disagree/interpret differently' etc, and not refer to yourself.

[cosmobear92]

(Original post by SHepw)
Hello everyone,
For a question which begins "what do you think about the view..." or "to what extent do you agree" in the as level english lit exam (not sure if it's section A or B) should my answer be completely objective or can I put my own opinion in? One of my teachers says no and to remain unbiased and don't use phrases like "I think.." but that's essentially what the question is?! I'm thoroughly confused about how to respond to a question like this so anyone who has an idea, done the exam before or has a decent teacher I'd be grateful for advice. Thanks

For a question like the one in bold, I'd always try and give two sides of the argument, so maybe start with a contrasting word like 'whilst' so that way in the first sentence you can essentially present both sides of the arguments and IMO, I've found it helps my essay introduction flow better. You could use it for the other type of question as well, it should be fine, because tbh the first question is giving you a view which you can then argue both sides, so again staring with a contrasting word like 'whilst' or 'whereas'.

In a way your teacher is right, for Eng Lit exam we were told to not add our opinion in but for coursework it was encouraged and apparently the examiner would mark you down if you didn't have an opinion somewhere in the essay.

Also what exam board are you sitting for?

[looneylamb]

(Original post by SHepw)
Hello everyone,
For a question which begins "what do you think about the view..." or "to what extent do you agree" in the as level english lit exam (not sure if it's section A or B) should my answer be completely objective or can I put my own opinion in? One of my teachers says no and to remain unbiased and don't use phrases like "I think.." but that's essentially what the question is?! I'm thoroughly confused about how to respond to a question like this so anyone who has an idea, done the exam before or has a decent teacher I'd be grateful for advice. Thanks

It's basically you writing down the debate that you're thinking about inside your head when you think about the question ^_^ but be careful not to use "I think", instead use something like "some may interpret this as..." or "it could be argued that..."