Comparing and Contrasting Points of View
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4th Grade ELA › Comparing and Contrasting Points of View
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Who is telling the story in Passage 1?
Passage 1: I set my science project on the table and tried not to bump it. My model volcano looked shaky, and I worried it might fall. When the judge smiled and asked a question, I answered the best I could. I felt calmer after that.
Passage 2: Harper set the science project on the table and tried not to bump it. The model volcano looked shaky, and Harper looked worried. When the judge smiled and asked a question, Harper answered clearly. Harper seemed calmer after that.
The author, because the author always uses I to tell the story.
The judge, because the story mentions the judge smiling and asking questions.
No one, because first-person stories do not have a narrator.
Harper, because the narrator uses I and tells what happens to me.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically identifying first-person vs third-person narration and understanding the narrator's role in the story. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, meaning the narrator is a character inside the story sharing personal experiences. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like the and Harper, so the narrator is outside the story describing events and naming the character. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies the POV and narrator in Passage 1; specifically, the use of 'I' shows the narrator is Harper, telling what happens to 'me' like 'I worried it might fall.' Choice C is incorrect because it confuses the narrator with the author; this error occurs when students think the narrator and author are the same person. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Both passages describe the same event; how are they different?
Passage 1: I sat on the soccer bench and watched the coach point at me. Please don’t put me in yet, I thought, because my legs felt tired. The coach said, “You’re up, Sam!” I jogged onto the field and tried my best to stay calm. After I kicked the ball once, I felt braver.
Passage 2: Sam sat on the soccer bench while the coach looked down the line of players. The coach pointed at Sam and said, “You’re up!” Sam jogged onto the field and took a deep breath. He kicked the ball once and then ran to get open again. The coach watched and nodded.
Passage 1 is third-person and tells what the coach thinks, while Passage 2 is first-person.
They are different because Passage 2 changes the event from soccer to basketball.
Both passages are the same point of view because they both use Sam’s name.
Passage 1 is first-person and includes Sam’s thoughts, while Passage 2 is third-person and shows actions.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically comparing how POVs affect sharing thoughts vs actions in the same event. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I, allowing the narrator to share personal thoughts like 'Please don’t put me in yet' and feelings of tiredness. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and the name Sam, focusing on observable actions like jogging onto the field without internal thoughts. Choice A is correct because it accurately states Passage 1 is first-person including Sam’s thoughts, while Passage 2 is third-person showing actions, as seen in the thought about legs feeling tired in Passage 1. Choice C is incorrect because it claims both are the same POV due to using Sam’s name, but Passage 1 uses I, an error from confusing character names with narrator pronouns. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences. THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts). Practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share. Watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Who is telling the story in Passage 1?
Passage 1: I set my science project on the table and tried not to bump it. My model volcano looked shaky, and I worried it might fall. When the judge smiled and asked a question, I answered the best I could. I felt calmer after that.
Passage 2: Harper set the science project on the table and tried not to bump it. The model volcano looked shaky, and Harper looked worried. When the judge smiled and asked a question, Harper answered clearly. Harper seemed calmer after that.
The author, because the author always uses I to tell the story.
No one, because first-person stories do not have a narrator.
Harper, because the narrator uses I and tells what happens to me.
The judge, because the story mentions the judge smiling and asking questions.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically identifying first-person vs third-person narration and understanding the narrator's role in the story. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, meaning the narrator is a character inside the story sharing personal experiences. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like the and Harper, so the narrator is outside the story describing events and naming the character. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies the POV and narrator in Passage 1; specifically, the use of 'I' shows the narrator is Harper, telling what happens to 'me' like 'I worried it might fall.' Choice C is incorrect because it confuses the narrator with the author; this error occurs when students think the narrator and author are the same person. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. What information does Passage 2 provide that Passage 1 does not?
Passage 1: I ran to the playground and saw a new sign by the swings. I felt curious, so I read it twice. Then I told my friend, "We have to take turns now." My friend just stared at the sign.
Passage 2: Ava ran to the playground and saw a new sign by the swings. She read it twice and told Ben, "We have to take turns now." Ben frowned because he wanted to swing right away. He crossed his arms and sighed.
What happened at the playground, because Passage 1 does not describe any event.
Ava’s private thoughts, because third-person always uses I and my.
Ben’s reaction, because third-person can describe what Ben does and how he looks.
The exact words on the sign, because first-person cannot include details.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically understanding how different POVs affect the story by revealing different information. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, so the narrator is inside the story sharing personal curiosity but limited to their own perspective. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like she and he with names Ava and Ben, meaning the narrator is outside and can describe multiple characters' actions and reactions. Choice A is correct because it shows understanding of what each narrator can share; specifically, Passage 2 uses third-person to describe Ben's reaction like 'Ben frowned because he wanted to swing,' which Passage 1 does not reveal. Choice B is incorrect because it confuses third-person with first-person pronouns and roles; this error occurs when students mix up pronouns and don't understand POV limitations. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. How does the narrator’s perspective change what you know?
Passage 1: I hurried to the bus stop and saw my friend Lina waving. I felt relieved because I thought I was late. When the bus turned the corner, I realized I forgot my bus pass. I whispered, "Oh no," and searched my pockets.
Passage 2: Theo hurried to the bus stop and saw Lina waving. Lina noticed Theo pat his pockets and look worried. When the bus turned the corner, Theo froze for a second. Lina asked, "Did you forget something?"
Both passages are third-person because they both include dialogue in quotation marks.
Passage 1 is first-person and tells Theo’s feelings, but Passage 2 is third-person from outside.
Passage 1 is third-person and can share everyone’s thoughts, but Passage 2 cannot.
Passage 2 is first-person because it uses Theo and Lina instead of I and me.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically understanding how different POVs affect the story by changing what information narrators can share. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, so the narrator is inside the story and shares Theo's personal feelings and limited knowledge. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and she with names Theo and Lina, meaning the narrator is outside the story and can describe multiple characters' actions and observations. Choice B is correct because it correctly explains how the POVs differ in perspective; specifically, Passage 1 uses 'I' to share Theo's feelings like 'I felt relieved,' while Passage 2 describes from outside, showing Lina noticing Theo's worry. Choice D is incorrect because it confuses the POVs and misunderstands what third-person can share; this error occurs when students don't understand that third-person can be omniscient and reveal multiple thoughts. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Which choice best compares the narrators’ points of view?
Passage 1: I opened my locker and saw a shiny keychain inside. I didn’t put it there, so I felt puzzled. I asked, "Did someone drop this?" My friend grinned but didn’t answer.
Passage 2: Nia opened her locker and saw a shiny keychain inside. She asked if someone dropped it. Her friend grinned because he had left it as a small surprise. Nia still looked puzzled.
Both passages are third-person, so they both use I, me, and my.
Passage 1 is first-person, but Passage 2 is third-person and reveals the friend’s reason.
Both passages are first-person because they both show Nia speaking out loud.
Passage 1 is third-person, but Passage 2 is first-person because it uses Nia’s name.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically comparing what different narrators can share based on their perspectives. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, so the narrator is inside the story sharing personal puzzlement but limited to their own knowledge. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like she and her with name Nia, meaning the narrator is outside and can reveal additional details like the friend's reason. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies the POVs and their effects; specifically, Passage 2 uses third-person to reveal 'he had left it as a small surprise,' which Passage 1 cannot share. Choice D is incorrect because it misidentifies both as third-person and cites wrong pronouns; this error occurs when students confuse pronouns and don't pay attention to who's telling the story. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Which choice best compares the narrators’ points of view?
Passage 1: I opened my locker and saw a shiny keychain inside. I didn’t put it there, so I felt puzzled. I asked, "Did someone drop this?" My friend grinned but didn’t answer.
Passage 2: Nia opened her locker and saw a shiny keychain inside. She asked if someone dropped it. Her friend grinned because he had left it as a small surprise. Nia still looked puzzled.
Passage 1 is first-person, but Passage 2 is third-person and reveals the friend’s reason.
Both passages are first-person because they both show Nia speaking out loud.
Passage 1 is third-person, but Passage 2 is first-person because it uses Nia’s name.
Both passages are third-person, so they both use I, me, and my.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically comparing what different narrators can share based on their perspectives. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, so the narrator is inside the story sharing personal puzzlement but limited to their own knowledge. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like she and her with name Nia, meaning the narrator is outside and can reveal additional details like the friend's reason. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies the POVs and their effects; specifically, Passage 2 uses third-person to reveal 'he had left it as a small surprise,' which Passage 1 cannot share. Choice D is incorrect because it misidentifies both as third-person and cites wrong pronouns; this error occurs when students confuse pronouns and don't pay attention to who's telling the story. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Which passage is third-person, and how can you tell?
Passage 1:
I forgot my library book at home, and my face got hot. I told Mr. Grant the truth because I didn’t want to lie. He nodded and said I could bring it tomorrow. I felt relieved and thanked him. On the way back to my seat, I promised to remember next time.
Passage 2:
Carlos forgot his library book at home and looked embarrassed. He told Mr. Grant the truth and waited for the answer. Mr. Grant said Carlos could bring it tomorrow. Carlos thanked him and returned to his seat. He walked more calmly after that.
Passage 1 is third-person because the narrator is the author.
Passage 2 is first-person because it tells what Carlos did.
Passage 2 is third-person because it uses Carlos, he, and his.
Passage 1 is third-person because it uses I, me, and my.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically identifying first-person vs third-person narration. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, which means the narrator is inside the story experiencing events. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and his along with the character's name Carlos, so the narrator is outside the story observing and describing events. Choice B is correct because it accurately identifies Passage 2 as third-person; specifically, it uses 'Carlos, he, and his' to describe actions from an external view. Choice A is incorrect because it confuses Passage 1 as third-person and cites first-person pronouns; this error occurs when students mix up I vs he/she. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences. THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts). Practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share. Watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. How does third-person point of view affect Passage 2?
Passage 1: I dropped my coin on the cafeteria floor and heard it roll away. I felt embarrassed and looked under the table. When my friend handed it back, I whispered, "Thanks." I was glad no one laughed.
Passage 2: Malik dropped a coin on the cafeteria floor and heard it roll away. He looked under the table while other kids kept eating. His friend picked up the coin and handed it back. Malik whispered thanks and sat up straighter.
It describes Malik from the outside using he/his, without directly telling his thoughts.
It changes the setting from cafeteria to classroom, because POV changes the place.
It proves the author is Malik, because third-person means the author is the character.
It lets the narrator use I/my to tell Malik’s private thoughts the whole time.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically understanding how third-person POV affects the story compared to first-person. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, allowing direct sharing of thoughts like 'I felt embarrassed.' Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and his with name Malik, describing actions from an external view without internal thoughts. Choice B is correct because it explains the effect of third-person in Passage 2; specifically, it uses 'he/his' to describe Malik externally, like 'He looked under the table,' without directly telling thoughts. Choice A is incorrect because it describes first-person effects, not third-person; this error occurs when students confuse the POV types and their pronouns. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).
Read Passage 1 and Passage 2. Passage 1 is written in ___ point of view, and Passage 2 is ___.
Passage 1: I opened my lunchbox and gasped. My sandwich was missing, and I felt confused. Then I saw a note that said, "Check your backpack." I reached inside and laughed when I found it.
Passage 2: Eli opened his lunchbox and gasped. His sandwich was missing, and he looked confused. Then he saw a note that said, "Check your backpack." He reached inside and laughed when he found it.
first-person; first-person
third-person; first-person
third-person; third-person
first-person; third-person
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically identifying first-person vs third-person narration through pronouns and narrator position. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, so the narrator is inside the story experiencing and reacting to events personally. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and his along with the name Eli, meaning the narrator is outside the story observing actions. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the POV of each passage; specifically, Passage 1 uses 'I' for direct personal reactions like 'I felt confused,' while Passage 2 uses 'Eli/he' to describe events externally. Choice C is incorrect because it misidentifies both as third-person, ignoring the pronouns; this error occurs when students focus on content like the missing sandwich instead of perspective. To help students understand point of view: Teach the two main types—FIRST-PERSON: narrator is IN the story, uses 'I, me, my, we, us, our,' shares personal thoughts and feelings directly, limited to what that character knows and experiences; THIRD-PERSON: narrator is OUTSIDE the story, uses 'he, she, they, him, her, them' and character names, describes characters from external view, may know one character's thoughts (limited) or all characters' thoughts (omniscient). Create a comparison chart: First-Person | Third-Person | Pronouns (I, me, my | he, she, they) | Narrator's position (inside story | outside story) | What narrator knows (only what I see/think/feel | what characters do, may know thoughts); practice by: (1) Identifying POV from pronouns; (2) Rewriting a passage changing POV; (3) Comparing same event told from different POVs; (4) Explaining what each POV can/cannot share; watch for: confusing pronouns (thinking 'you' is first-person, or mixing up I vs he/she), not understanding that first-person narrator is limited to their own knowledge, thinking narrator and author are same person, and focusing on content (what story is about) instead of perspective (who's telling it and how).