Identifying Point of View in Passages

Understanding Point of View in Writing

Point of view in writing refers to the perspective from which a story is told. There are three main types of point of view: first person, second person, and third person. First person point of view is when the narrator is a character in the story and uses pronouns like "I" and "we" to tell the story. Second person point of view addresses the reader as "you" and is not commonly used in narrative writing. Third person point of view is when the narrator is not a character in the story and uses pronouns like "he," "she," and "they."

Identifying the First-Person Point of View Passage

Which passage is written in the first-person point of view?

A. Susan came up with the idea to organize a surprise birthday party for her great-aunt. Together with her cousins, she made a cake and decorated the living room.

B. Squirrels are taking over, he thought. Indeed, they were hopping about the lawn like they owned the place.

C. They weren't sure which way to go. Janelle thought they should go around the mountain, but her friend thought they should turn back.

D. My sister's cat Marbles was stuck in the tree, so I went to look for a ladder. I borrowed one from a neighbor, leaned it against the tree trunk, and climbed.

Answer

Answer: D

Explanation: It's the only option that uses the word "I," which is first person.

Which passage is written in the first-person point of view?

D. My sister's cat Marbles was stuck in the tree, so I went to look for a ladder. I borrowed one from a neighbor, leaned it against the tree trunk, and climbed.