Point of View Practice Test

Read the passage, then answer: What can be inferred about the narrator based on their point of view?

I keep my debate notes in a folder that is probably too organized. Tomorrow is my first real debate round, and I cannot stop rewriting my opening statement. My sister says I act like a printer that will not turn off. I told her that printers are useful, so it was not an insult. She laughed and said, “You’re proving my point.”

At practice today, Mr. Keene reminded us to speak slowly. I tried, but my words still rushed out when I got nervous. I watched other students sound calm, and I wondered if they were faking it. I asked Lila how she stays steady. She said, “I imagine I’m explaining something to a friend.” That sounded easy, but my brain does not always listen.

When I got home, I timed myself with my phone. I did the speech three times, and each time I found a new sentence to fix. I know that sounds annoying. I also know I feel better when I prepare, even if I overdo it. Mom told me to take a break and eat dinner. I said, “One more minute,” and then I worked for ten.

Now my folder is on my desk, and my hands finally feel still. I am not sure I will win tomorrow. I am sure I will show up ready. That has to count for something, even if my voice shakes.

Read the passage, then answer: What is the point of view of the passage?

I wrote this in my diary so I would not forget today. Our science teacher, Mr. Duran, announced the egg-drop challenge after lunch. I felt my stomach flip, because I always worry about messing up. Maya smiled fast and whispered, “We can do this.” I nodded, even though I was not sure. I chose the cardboard box because it looked sturdy. Maya wanted a paper cup, but I thought that sounded flimsy. We argued quietly until Mr. Duran walked by our table. He raised one eyebrow, and I suddenly remembered we were supposed to test ideas. I suggested we try both designs, but we only had one egg. That made me feel trapped, like every choice mattered too much.

While we worked, I kept watching the other groups. Jonah taped on so many straws that his project looked like a porcupine. I could not tell if he was confident or just joking around. Across the room, Kayla measured everything with a ruler, and I wished I was that calm. Maya folded tissue paper into soft layers, and I copied her moves. I told myself I was helping, but I mostly followed.

When it was our turn, I held the box with both hands. Mr. Duran carried it to the ladder, and the room got quiet. I tried to read his face, but he looked the same as always. The box fell, bounced once, and slid across the floor. I held my breath as Maya opened the lid. The egg had a tiny crack, like a hairline.

Maya said, “That is basically a win.” I wanted to believe her. I wrote this down because I still do not know if we succeeded.