Objective Style in Expository Writing

Expository writing and reports must convey facts accurately while excluding the writer's emotions. An objective style avoids subjective expressions and centers on verifiable information.

Avoiding subjectivity

Refrain from subjective, colloquial expressions such as 'nae saenggageneun' (in my opinion), 'jeongmal' (really), and 'neomu' (too). Instead, secure objectivity through data and sources.

Passive and indirect forms

Use passive forms to emphasize the fact itself rather than the actor. Representative examples are '-(eu)ro natanatda' (was found to be) and '-(eu)ro bunseokdoenda' (is analyzed as).

Hedging and reservation

To avoid categorical assertions and acknowledge the limits of a finding, use '-(eu)l su itda' (may), '-(eu)l geoseuro boinda' (appears to), and '-(eu)l ganeungseongi itda' (there is a possibility that). These prevent overgeneralization and raise academic credibility.

Consistent terminology

Mark the same concept with the same term to reduce confusion, and add a definition for each technical term at its first appearance.

💡 Tip: Keep tense consistent in a report. By convention, completed surveys and experiments take the past tense ('-hayeotda'), while general facts and conclusions take the present tense ('-handa').