In the past, if writers weren't sure of a person's gender, they simply used masculine pronouns. Today, however, as a handout on gender-inclusive language explains, writers must choose pronouns carefully. To promote the use of gender neutral language, the installment of a larger series discusses strategies such as alternating genders and pronouns and using more than one pronoun. It also offers examples of each strategy to better solidify the concept.

Concepts

gender, personal pronouns, pronouns, subject pronouns

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

english language arts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Practice making sentences with singular nouns and pronouns plural to avoid the use of gender-specific pronouns
• Read articles on the acceptance of they as a singular pronoun

Classroom Considerations

• At higher grade levels, Common Core State Standards do not address pronoun usage
  

Pros

• Addresses the issue of not knowing someone's gender and explains how to refer to that person
  
• Includes a section to highlight the relevance of paying attention to the use of pronouns in writing

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.1.a W.9-10.3.a W.11-12.1.a W.11-12.3.a L.6.1.a