Read your assignment instructions carefully. Thoroughly read your assignment instructions before you begin to make sure that you can use "I" and that your essay allows for opinion. Even if your essay is persuasive or argumentative, your instructor might not want you to use the first person.
Use the first person to discuss research steps if you are writing a scientific paper reporting your activities. Make sure to use the right first-person pronoun: if you are writing a paper with a group, make sure that you give them credit by using "we."
Use first-person pronouns only when you are referring to your own personal opinions or actions. Avoid using "we" when describing a large, general group, such as "Americans" or "students."
Add quotation marks to any first-person opinions from outside sources. It's important that your reader knows when you are giving your own opinions or the opinions of your sources. Apply APA rules about direct quotes and attribution of ideas when you want to address the opinion of others.