Comparing and Contrasting Points of View
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4th Grade Reading › Comparing and Contrasting Points of View
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 third-person, but Passage 2 is first-person because it uses Nia’s name.
Passage 1 is first-person, but Passage 2 is third-person and reveals the friend’s reason.
Both passages are third-person, so they both use I, me, and my.
Both passages are first-person because they both show Nia speaking out loud.
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. 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.
Ben’s reaction, because third-person can describe what Ben does and how he looks.
Ava’s private thoughts, because third-person always uses I and my.
What happened at the playground, because Passage 1 does not describe any event.
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 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 lets the narrator use I/my to tell Malik’s private thoughts the whole time.
It describes Malik from the outside using he/his, without directly telling his thoughts.
It proves the author is Malik, because third-person means the author is the character.
It changes the setting from cafeteria to classroom, because POV changes the place.
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. 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. 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 2 is first-person because it uses Theo and Lina instead of I and me.
Passage 1 is third-person and can share everyone’s thoughts, but Passage 2 cannot.
Passage 1 is first-person and tells Theo’s feelings, but Passage 2 is third-person from outside.
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 pronouns best show Passage 1 is first-person?
Passage 1: I carried the class pet to the reading corner. My hands were careful because the hamster was tiny. I whispered, "It’s okay," and it stopped squirming. I felt proud that it trusted me.
Passage 2: Serena carried the class pet to the reading corner. Her hands were careful because the hamster was tiny. She whispered, "It’s okay," and it stopped squirming. Serena looked proud.
they, them, their
she, her, Serena
I, me, my
he, him, his
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically identifying first-person vs third-person through key pronouns. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, meaning the narrator is inside the story sharing personal pride and actions. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like she and her with name Serena, so the narrator is outside describing observations. Choice C is correct because it accurately identifies the pronouns showing first-person in Passage 1; specifically, 'I, me, my' are used to share direct experiences like 'I felt proud.' Choice D is incorrect because it cites third-person pronouns and a name, which apply to Passage 2; this error occurs when students don't pay attention to pronouns in each passage. 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. Why does Passage 1 include the narrator’s thoughts but Passage 2 does not?
Passage 1: I opened the class pet’s cage and saw the hamster’s water bottle was empty. What if he gets thirsty? I worried. I filled the bottle at the sink and put it back carefully. My friend Tasha said, “Good catch!” I smiled because I was glad I noticed.
Passage 2: Ben opened the class pet’s cage and saw the hamster’s water bottle was empty. He filled the bottle at the sink and put it back carefully. Tasha told him, “Good catch!” Ben smiled and closed the cage door. The hamster started drinking right away.
Because Passage 2 is third-person, it must include every character’s thoughts.
Because Passage 2 is first-person, it cannot describe actions like filling water.
Because Passage 1 is first-person, the narrator can share I/my thoughts directly.
Because Passage 1 is third-person, it can show the hamster’s thoughts.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically understanding how POV affects what information like thoughts can be shared. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I, allowing the narrator to share internal worries directly, such as 'What if he gets thirsty?' Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and the name Ben, so it describes actions externally without revealing thoughts. Choice A is correct because it explains that Passage 1's first-person allows sharing I/my thoughts directly, like the worry about the hamster, which Passage 2 omits. Choice B is incorrect because it misstates third-person requirements, as third-person doesn't have to include every character's thoughts and here it's limited, an error from not understanding 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 is the point of view different between them?
Passage 1: I hurried into the library and saw a blue notebook on the floor. My stomach fluttered because it looked important. I picked it up and read the name on the front: “Maya Lopez.” I walked to the desk and told the librarian, “I found this.” I hoped Maya would get it back soon.
Passage 2: Jordan hurried into the library and saw a blue notebook on the floor. He picked it up and read the name on the front: “Maya Lopez.” Jordan walked to the desk and told the librarian he had found it. The librarian nodded and placed the notebook in the lost-and-found box. Jordan smiled and went to find his book.
Passage 1 is told by the author, and Passage 2 is told by the librarian.
Passage 1 is third-person using he/she, while Passage 2 is first-person using I/my.
Passage 1 is first-person using I/my, while Passage 2 is third-person using he/his.
Both passages are first-person because they tell the same event in the library.
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 and sharing personal feelings, such as hoping Maya would get it back. Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and character names like Jordan, so the narrator is outside the story observing and describing events without internal thoughts. Choice C is correct because it accurately identifies the POV of each passage, with Passage 1 using I/my to show the narrator's direct involvement and Passage 2 using he/his to describe Jordan's actions from an external perspective. Choice A is incorrect because it confuses first and third person by swapping the passages, an error that occurs when students don't pay attention to pronouns like I vs he. 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.
No one, because first-person stories do not have a narrator.
The author, because the author always uses I to tell the story.
The judge, because the story mentions the judge smiling and asking questions.
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. How would Passage 2 change if it were told in first-person?
Passage 1: I sat at the piano and played the song I practiced all week. My fingers slipped once, and I felt my heart jump. I kept going anyway and finished strong. Afterward, I felt brave.
Passage 2: Carlos sat at the piano and played the song he practiced all week. His fingers slipped once, but he kept going and finished strong. The audience clapped, and Carlos bowed. He walked off the stage smiling.
It would use I/me/my instead of Carlos/he, and it could share my feelings directly.
It would use they/them, and it would stop being a story and become a poem.
It would use he/him more often, because first-person uses he and she.
It would change the event, because first-person always changes what happened.
Explanation
This question tests comparing and contrasting points of view (CCSS.RL.4.6), specifically understanding how changing POV affects narration and what can be shared. Passage 1 is written in first-person point of view, using pronouns like I and my, allowing direct sharing of feelings like 'I felt my heart jump.' Passage 2 is written in third-person point of view, using pronouns like he and his with name Carlos, describing actions externally without internal thoughts. Choice A is correct because it explains how switching to first-person would change Passage 2; specifically, it would use 'I/me/my' instead of 'Carlos/he' and could share feelings directly like 'I felt brave,' similar to Passage 1. Choice D is incorrect because it wrongly assumes POV changes the events; this error occurs when students focus on content 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).