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What is an Objectivity in Writing?
Grade Level:
Class 5
NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication
Definition
What is it?
Objectivity in writing means presenting facts and information without letting your personal feelings, opinions, or biases influence what you write. It's about showing things exactly as they are, like a camera capturing a scene, rather than how you feel about them.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine you are describing a cricket match. An objective statement would be: 'Rohit Sharma scored 50 runs.' A subjective statement would be: 'Rohit Sharma played a brilliant innings and deserved a century.' The first sticks to facts; the second adds personal judgment.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's say you need to write a report about the average price of chai in your city.
Step 1: Collect data from different chai stalls. (e.g., Stall A: ₹10, Stall B: ₹12, Stall C: ₹8, Stall D: ₹15).
---Step 2: Calculate the average price. (10 + 12 + 8 + 15) / 4 = 45 / 4 = ₹11.25.
---Step 3: Write your report stating the facts. Do not add comments like 'Chai is too expensive' or 'This is a fair price'.
---Step 4: Present the finding: 'The average price of a cup of chai in our city, based on four stalls, is ₹11.25.'
---Answer: The report is objective because it only presents the calculated average without personal opinions.
Why It Matters
Objectivity is crucial in fields like journalism, law, and scientific research. Journalists use it to report news fairly, lawyers use it to present facts in court, and scientists use it to share experiment results without bias. Learning this skill helps you become a trustworthy communicator and critical thinker, useful for careers in media, research, or even government service.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Including personal opinions or feelings in a factual report, like saying 'The new school uniform looks very stylish.' | CORRECTION: Stick to observable facts, such as 'The new school uniform is blue and white.'
MISTAKE: Using emotional language or loaded words, for example, 'The corrupt official stole money.' | CORRECTION: Use neutral language: 'The official was accused of taking money illegally.'
MISTAKE: Only presenting one side of an argument or story, even if there are other viewpoints. | CORRECTION: Present all relevant facts and different perspectives fairly, even if you don't agree with them.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: Which statement is objective? A) The new movie was boring. B) The new movie lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. | ANSWER: B) The new movie lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes.
QUESTION: Rewrite this subjective sentence to be objective: 'Our city has the best biryani in India.' | ANSWER: 'Our city is known for its biryani, which many people enjoy.' (or 'Many people believe our city has excellent biryani.')
QUESTION: You are writing a school report about the annual sports day. Which of these two sentences should you include to maintain objectivity? 1) 'The 100-meter race was incredibly exciting.' 2) 'The 100-meter race winner finished in 12.5 seconds.' | ANSWER: Sentence 2) 'The 100-meter race winner finished in 12.5 seconds.'
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of the following sentences best demonstrates objectivity?
The delicious food at the wedding was amazing.
The wedding venue had seating for 500 guests.
Everyone agreed it was the most beautiful wedding ever.
The bride's dress was stunning and perfect.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Option B states a measurable fact about the venue's capacity, which is objective. Options A, C, and D contain personal opinions and subjective judgments like 'delicious,' 'amazing,' 'most beautiful,' 'stunning,' and 'perfect.'
Real World Connection
In the Real World
When you read news on platforms like NDTV or The Hindu, good journalists try to be objective by reporting facts without bias. Even when you check product reviews online, like for a new mobile phone on Flipkart, you look for objective details (battery life, camera megapixels) rather than just someone's personal 'it's awesome' opinion.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
BIAS: A personal preference or prejudice for or against something | SUBJECTIVITY: Presenting information based on personal feelings or opinions | FACT: Something that is known to be true or proven | OPINION: A personal view or judgment not necessarily based on fact | NEUTRAL LANGUAGE: Words that do not show any bias or emotion
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Now that you understand objectivity, explore 'Subjectivity in Writing' to see how personal feelings are expressed. Then, learn about 'Bias in Media' to understand how opinions can sometimes creep into news and reports, and how to spot them. Keep practicing!
