TABE Author's Point of View (POV)

The TABE Reading section tests your ability to identify the author's point of view (POV), which is the perspective from which a story or text is told. Understanding the POV helps you know who the narrator is and how much they know.

First Person

In first person POV, the narrator is a character in the story. They tell the story using "I," "me," and "we." You only know what this character thinks, feels, and experiences.

Example: "I went to the store, and I couldn't believe what I saw."

Second Person

Second person POV is rare in narratives. It addresses the reader directly using "you." It's often used in instructions, recipes, or "choose your own adventure" books.

Example: "First, you will mix the ingredients together. Then, you will bake the cake for 30 minutes."

Third Person

Third person POV uses "he," "she," and "they." There are two main types of third person POV:

Third Person Limited: The narrator is outside the story but only knows the thoughts and feelings of one character. You see the world through the eyes of that single character.
- Example: "He walked down the street, wondering where his friends were. He felt nervous as he approached the corner."
Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is all-knowing. They are outside the story but have access to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of all characters. This narrator can also provide background information that no single character would know.

Example: "He walked down the street, wondering where his friends were. She, on the other hand, was hiding around the corner, waiting to surprise him."