Sexist: Give each students his paper as soon as he is finished.
Alternative: Give students their papers as soon as they are finished.
Sexist: The average student is worried about his grades.
Alternative: The average student is worried about grades.
Sexist: If the student was satisfied with his performance on the pretest, he took the posttest.
Alternative: A student who was satisfied with her or his performance on the pretest took the posttest.
Better: Students who were satisfied with their performance on the pretest, took the posttest. RayS. When in doubt use the plural.
Sexist: Let each student participate. Has he had a chance to talk? Could he feel left out?
Alternative: Let each student participate. Has she had a chance to talk? Could he feel left out?
Better: Let all students participate. Has everyone had a chance to talk? Could anyone feel left out? RayS.
Sexist: Anyone who wants to go to the game should bring his money tomorrow.
Alternative: Anyone who wants to go to the game should bring their money tomorrow.
Better: All who want to go to the game should bring their money tomorrow. The NCTE’s alternative is technically incorrect. The singular “Anyone” is followed by the plural “their.” RayS.
Sexist: NCTE convention-goers and their wives are invited….
Alternative: NCTE convention-goers and their spouses are invited….
Title: “For the Members.” Prepared by Headquarters Staff of NCTE. English Journal (March 1976), pp. 23-26.
Next blog: And more examples.
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