Expository vs argumentative: prof says my voice is too aggressive...

[FrankM]

I just got my first paper back, and ouch. The grade was okay (a B-), but the feedback stung: "This reads like a debate speech. Expository writing requires neutrality." I thought I was just being passionate about the decline of local journalism, but apparently, my passion comes off as bias.

The thing is, I find it so hard to just present information without wanting to convince the reader that my interpretation is the right one. How do you separate the facts from your own opinion on them? My professor said to let the evidence do the talking, but doesn't selecting the evidence already show my bias? I'm genuinely confused about where the line is between a strong thesis and a biased agenda.

Is it just about word choice, or do I need to fundamentally change how I approach research?

 

[Amelia]

Here's the difference in practice:

Argumentative: "Corporate buyouts are destroying local journalism, and we must regulate them immediately." (This picks a side and demands action.)

Expository: "Corporate buyouts have reduced local newsrooms by 25% since 2005, leading to decreased coverage of city council meetings and school boards. Some communities have responded with nonprofit models." (This presents facts and options without demanding agreement.)

Your professor wants you to inform, not persuade. Let readers see the evidence and reach their own conclusions. Your passion shows in what you choose to investigate and how thoroughly you present it. Trust your readers to think.