According to Prof. Sockett, writers sometimes have a tendency to emphasize personal opinions instead of analyzing the problem presented. On the one hand, professors want to see students become engaged with the ideas learned in class, and reactions to ideas are good, in the right context. On the other hand, instructors such as Prof. Sockett and Prof. Hart-Nibbrig say that reactions in essays should not consist solely of your personal "feelings," but should reflect some understanding of the problem or how your reaction relates to your careful analysis. Prof. Hart-Nibbrig, in particular, notes that writers should avoid beginning statements with phrases like, "I feel" and instead, simply present an argument that is based on information previously introduced in the essay. How you think and feel about the subject is understood in the way you present your argument.

It is also important to realize that professors are not asking you to completely censor your personal reactions in essays, just to avoid introducing opinions that have no supporting evidence somewhere in the essay. You can also learn to present your opinions objectively by comparing them to the opinions of others, possibly the scholars who have discussed your topic in previous assigned readings. This strategy accomplishes two things. First, it shows your professor that you have been reading and that you understand what you have read. Second, it demonstrates to your instructor that you understand how your own reaction compares to those of others and that you are able to engage in a "dialogue" with other scholars.