Meaning of Authority
What does authority mean in academic writing?
Having confidence, a personal voice, and showing understanding — not power.
What is a common mistake students make when writing essays?
Just summarizing sources instead of taking a position.
What is cautious language?
Language that avoids absolutes and shows possibilities.
Why is “I” sometimes discouraged in academic writing?
Because it can sound too personal or informal.
What does it mean to evaluate your arguments?
To check if they’re strong, supported, and reasonable
Why can two essays with the same sources get different grades?
Because of how each writer organizes ideas and shows their own perspective.
What did the student who had a stronger essay do differently in the car example?
Started with their own opinion and found evidence to support it.
Give one example of a cautious expression.
“It seems that…”, “The data might suggest…”, “It could be argued that…”
When can using “I” or “we” be helpful?
When stating your argument or distinguishing your ideas from others.
Mention one common reasoning mistake.
Using personal experience as universal proof / being biased / speaking in absolutes.
What does it mean to “sound authoritative” without being “authoritarian”?
To write with clarity and confidence, not by imposing opinions.
Why is having a clear viewpoint important for authority?
Because it shows original thinking and critical reasoning.
Why does cautious language make writing stronger?
It shows fairness, credibility, and academic maturity.
What’s the risk of using too many personal pronouns?
The essay can sound subjective or too informal.
What makes an argument truly authoritative?
Evidence-based reasoning that considers other perspectives.