Can I use the word "I" in an argument essay if the prompt is asking what I would do in a situation?

Question

The prompt for my essay states " Imagine you've been asked to host a leadership workshop for your workplace, division, or community group. How would you use the examples of leadership shown in this chapter to teach your audience or to illustrate key points of your presentation? 

Would it be appropriate to use I in my essay since I am directly being asked what i would do in this situation?

If not what else could I do?

Answer 1

Yes, in this essay you should speak in the first person point of view. However, remember to use professional language--stay away from expressions like "I think" and "I feel", and instead use very clear, precise expressions of what you will do. Remember to back up your claims with evidence from the text, and use transition words like "first", "Next", etc. For example, you might say, "Second, I will need to gather materials for the project. On page 45 Mr. Smith recommends..."

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would also suggest you keep your essay in the conditional mood, I would ... Be careful, though, not to lapse into passive voice just to avoid first person.

Answer 3

Yes, of course, you can use "I." However, why would you want to? "I" can become very boring and egotistical.

On the other hand, as Miriam S, rightly explained, if you stay away from "I" and bring in lots of examples relating to others, the writing will have much more appeal.

Try it out.

Do well.

Howard S.