Daily Reading Practice

Day 4 of 10
Grade 7 ELA | Point of View | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.7.R.1.3 - Explain the influence of narrator's point of view on the reader's understanding of a text.
IXL Skills: Identify the narrator's point of view, Analyze how point of view influences the reader
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Directions: Read the passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to who is telling the story and how that perspective shapes your understanding of events.
The New Student

I noticed him the moment he walked into third period, hunched over like he was trying to disappear into his oversized hoodie. He chose the seat in the back corner, the one nobody wanted because it was right next to the air conditioning vent that either froze you solid or broke down completely. Classic new kid move.

Ms. Patterson introduced him as Jordan, recently moved from Chicago. A few kids nodded in his direction, the bare minimum of acknowledgment. I knew exactly what he was feeling because I'd been there myself two years ago. The hollow stomach. The hyperawareness of every glance. The desperate hope that invisibility was actually possible.

During the group activity, I watched my classmates form their usual clusters, leaving Jordan stranded at his corner desk. He pretended to be deeply absorbed in his textbook, but I caught him sneaking glances at the laughing groups around him, his jaw tight.

I remembered how Sofia had been the first person to talk to me when I was new, how she had invited me to sit with her at lunch even though I couldn't speak English very well yet. That small act of kindness had changed everything for me.

I gathered my things and walked to the back corner. "Hey," I said, sliding into the seat next to him. "Want to be partners for this project? I'm warning you, though, I'm terrible at summarizing. I always want to include everything."

The relief that washed over his face told me everything I needed to know.

Questions 1-2: Point of View
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the first-person point of view MOST influence the reader's understanding of this passage?
A
It allows readers to understand Jordan's thoughts directly.
B
It helps readers understand the narrator's empathy through their shared experience.
C
It provides an objective view of what happened in the classroom.
D
It focuses primarily on Ms. Patterson's perspective as the teacher.
Part B
Which detail from the passage BEST supports your answer in Part A?
A
"Ms. Patterson introduced him as Jordan, recently moved from Chicago."
B
"I knew exactly what he was feeling because I'd been there myself two years ago."
C
"He chose the seat in the back corner."
D
"A few kids nodded in his direction."
Questions 3-4: Effect of Point of View
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What information would readers MOST likely gain if this passage were told from Jordan's point of view instead?
A
The narrator's past experiences as a new student
B
Jordan's internal thoughts and feelings about being the new student
C
The memory of Sofia helping the narrator
D
Ms. Patterson's reasons for seating arrangements
Part B
Which sentence shows information the narrator INFERS about Jordan rather than knows directly?
A
"I noticed him the moment he walked into third period."
B
"He pretended to be deeply absorbed in his textbook, but I caught him sneaking glances at the laughing groups around him."
C
"I gathered my things and walked to the back corner."
D
"'Want to be partners for this project?'"
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Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: B - It helps readers understand the narrator's empathy through their shared experience.
The first-person POV reveals the narrator's similar past experience, creating understanding of their motivation to help Jordan.
Question 1 Part B: B - "I knew exactly what he was feeling because I'd been there myself two years ago."
This sentence directly shows how the narrator's personal experience shapes their understanding and response.
Question 2 Part A: B - Jordan's internal thoughts and feelings about being the new student
Jordan's POV would give readers direct access to his thoughts rather than the narrator's inferences.
Question 2 Part B: B - "He pretended to be deeply absorbed in his textbook, but I caught him sneaking glances..."
The narrator is interpreting Jordan's behavior; they don't actually know he was pretending or what he was feeling.