Essay advice

[Odie]

So...I have this friend who says that if you use "they"instead of "he or she" in a sentence that you get marks off for proper grammar. Don't know if it is true.

 

I have to admit I am more comfortable using they but would writing "he or she" be more appropriate?

[goose]

I've heard that the writing sample isn't graded on grammar unless improper grammar affects your clarity. That said, I use he or she when the subject is singular and they when plural. My problem is whether I should explicitly write "he or she" or just chose one when I use hypothetical examples.

[sbrugby]

I really doubt it matters much.

 

They are going to spend only a few minutes on your essay, and I doubt they will nit pick a ton.

[The Law]

Try not to get caught in having to continually say "he or she" in the same sentence or constantly throughout the paragraph. If you can phrase it in a way to avoid doing it repeatedly, it'll sound nicer. It certainly won't make or break your essay though.

 

Don't just use "she." It's incorrect. Better to have it correct than to incorrectly break the rule. Much better to phrase it in a way so that you don't get caught up in silly grammar rules though.

[Pantaloons]

I find that "s/he" is very useful.

 

It's gender neutral, it's not as clumsy as "he or she", and it's faster to type out.

 

All in all, though, this stuff isn't that important. It's your examples and explanations that matter.