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Exercises - Using Points of View in Writing

It is important to learn about the points of view, but it even better to know how to put them in good use. These exercises are meant to help student writers remember which pronouns are used for each point of view and how to use them in future works.

A. Questions & Answers

  1. How does the point of view in a story help the reader?
  2. What are the pronouns used for first person singular? First person plural?
  3. What are the pronouns used for third person singular? Third person plural?
  4. Which point(s) of view is/are rarely used in narratives?
  5. Should the point of view of a story change over and over again? As in, start with first person singular, then switch to second person plural?

B. “Five Words”

Directions: Read the five words given to you. Write down which point of view you are going to use for your story using the five words provided. The first one has been done for you.

Example: 1. Allison, George, camping, windy, s’mores

Point of View: Third person singular

Story: Hi! My name is Allison Greenly. I am 12 years old and live in Vermont. I like singing, doing arts and crafts, and camping. I love camping, especially with my friends. In my school, there is this huge camping trip this weekend. I told my mom about the trip and she gave me permission to go. How exciting! I packed my things up already and called my best friend, George. George and I have known each other since kindergarten. George knows that I love camping. I love sitting around the fire, eating s’mores, and singing songs. I hope it doesn’t get windy this weekend. I wouldn’t want the wind blowing out the fire or blowing down my tent!


2. Thomas, Linda, church, parents, prayer

Point of View: _________________________________________

Story:_______________________________________________________________________________
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3. Dannie, Kyle, garden, sunny, flowers

Point of View: _________________________________________

Story:_______________________________________________________________________________
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4. Victoria, Harrison, park, dog, trees

Point of View: _________________________________________

Story:_______________________________________________________________________________
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5. Michael, Janet, party, dancing, eating

Point of View: _________________________________________

Story:_______________________________________________________________________________
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C. Story Titles

Directions: Choose five stories and write down which point of view each one is using. Write down sentences from these stories to support your answer.

Story 1:
Title of story: _______________________
Point of view: _______________________
Sentence #1 that supports answer: __________________________________________
Sentence #2 that supports answer: __________________________________________


Story 2:
Title of story: _______________________
Point of view: _______________________
Sentence #1 that supports answer: __________________________________________
Sentence #2 that supports answer: __________________________________________


Story 3:
Title of story: _______________________
Point of view: _______________________
Sentence #1 that supports answer: __________________________________________
Sentence #2 that supports answer: __________________________________________


Story 4:
Title of story: _______________________
Point of view: _______________________
Sentence #1 that supports answer: __________________________________________
Sentence #2 that supports answer: __________________________________________


Story 5:
Title of story: _______________________
Point of view: _______________________
Sentence #1 that supports answer: __________________________________________
Sentence #2 that supports answer: __________________________________________