Point of View Worksheets | Reading Activities - Free Printable

Let’s go through each passage one by one to figure out the point of view (narrator’s perspective). We’ll look for clues like pronouns (“I”, “you”, “he/she/they”) and whether we can hear characters’ thoughts or feelings.

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Passage 1:

> The birds were chirping and the sun was shining. Kevin and Juno were sitting on a park bench together. Neither of them was smiling. After a long period of silence, Kevin said, "This isn't going to work. I mean, you're a dog person and I'm a cat person." Juno nodded. A tear rolled down her face. Kevin went on, "If we got married and bought a house, what kind of pet would we get? Some kind of cat-dog? Somebody's going to be unhappy." Juno began sobbing and said, "Ok, let's just end it now. Have fun with your slobbery dogs." She jumped off the bench and ran into the woods.

- We don’t see anyone saying “I” — so not first-person.
- We’re not being told “you did this” — so not second-person.
- We know both Kevin’s and Juno’s feelings: Kevin is unhappy about their differences; Juno is crying and sobbing. We also know she’s sad (“a tear rolled down her face”) and that she’s upset enough to run away.
- Since we know the inner feelings of more than one character, this is third-person omniscient.

✔ Narrator’s Perspective: Third-person omniscient
✔ Explain how you know: The narrator tells us what both Kevin and Juno are feeling — like when Juno cries and sobs, and when Kevin worries about pets if they marry. That means the narrator knows everyone’s thoughts and feelings.

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Passage 2:

> The dew on the grass made my running shoes damp. It didn't bother me. The sound of my feet hitting the street formed a rhythm, a steady pattern of light thumps. I timed my breathing with the rhythm. These sounds filled my head. I thought of nothing other than the next step and keeping my tempo. I soared over the sidewalks like concrete clouds.

- The narrator uses “my” and “I” — so it’s from their own experience.
- We only know what *this one person* is thinking and feeling — no one else’s thoughts.
- This is classic first-person.

✔ Narrator’s Perspective: First-person
✔ Explain how you know: The story uses words like “my” and “I” — like “my running shoes,” “I timed my breathing.” That means the narrator is telling their own story.

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Passage 3:

> Red looked across the prairie. He didn't see anything concerning. He wondered why Texas Joe had hollered like that. Texas Joe turned to him. The ghost that Texas Joe had just seen was gone. Texas Joe swatted at the air. Now he felt crazy. "You have to believe me, Red. It was just here," said Texas Joe. Red scowled at him in disbelief. "What was just here, Joe?" he asked. Red was angry with Texas Joe for disturbing his sleep for no apparent reason.

- Narrator uses “he” for both Red and Texas Joe — so third-person.
- We know Red’s thoughts: “He wondered why Texas Joe had hollered...” and “Red was angry...”
- We also know Texas Joe’s feelings: “Now he felt crazy.”
- So again, we get inside both characters’ minds → third-person omniscient

✔ Narrator’s Perspective: Third-person omniscient
✔ Explain how you know: The narrator tells us what Red is thinking (“wondered why...”) and what Texas Joe is feeling (“felt crazy”). Knowing both characters’ inner thoughts means it’s omniscient.

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Passage 4:

> If you are confused about something in class, don't wait. Raise your hand and ask for help immediately. Do it while your teacher is still explaining the material. Your teacher will probably be happy that you are taking an active part in your education and should attempt to explain the material in a different way. If you are still confused, ask your teacher if he or she is available after class to give you additional instruction. You are worth it. Don't give up on yourself.

- The narrator is talking directly to “you” — giving advice.
- This is second-person — like a guide or coach talking to the reader.
- No one’s thoughts are revealed except maybe implied (“you are worth it”), but it’s still addressing “you.”

✔ Narrator’s Perspective: Second-person
✔ Explain how you know: The passage uses “you” over and over — like “if you are confused,” “raise your hand,” “you are worth it.” That means the narrator is talking directly to the reader.

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Final Answer:
1. Third-person omniscient — because the narrator shows feelings of both Kevin and Juno.
2. First-person — because the narrator uses “I” and “my” to tell their own story.
3. Third-person omniscient — because the narrator reveals thoughts and feelings of both Red and Texas Joe.
4. Second-person — because the narrator talks directly to the reader using “you.”