POINT OF VIEW

POINT OF VIEW

FIRST, SECOND, or THIRD

PERSON

Which Notice Grabs You?

Things to do today:

1.Floss

2.Call your dentist.

It’s time for your dental checkup, so call 555-336-6000 for an appointment.

OR It is the custom of this office to notify

patients on record for periodical examination of the mouth. This service is rendered to safeguard previous work and to ensure future good health and appearance. The office phone number is 555-336-6000.

The Winner: Second PersonThings to do today:

1.Floss2.Call your dentist.

It’s time for your dental checkup, so call 555-336-6000 for an appointment.This version speaks directly to patients, in a friendly second point of view voice, encouraging them to pick up the phone and call for an appointment.

For a research paper arguing against the reopening of a nuclear power plant, which point of view is more effective--the first person or the third person?

I am strongly opposed to reopening the local nuclear power plant because I know that there is no way this area could be evacuated in an emergency.

OR

The local nuclear power plant should not be reopened because all of the proposed emergency evacuation plans are unrealistic.

THE WINNER: Third Person

The local nuclear power plant should not be reopened because all of the proposed emergency evacuation plans are unrealistic.

The third-person point of view places attention on the subject matter, not on the writer’s opinion.

Which point of view--the third person or the first person--seems to be working better for this writer?

A social life can be difficult to arrange when one is on short layovers or working different shifts. The flight attendant may fly to exotic places; however, very often the plane must make the return trip immediately. So if the attendant is on a “run” to Paris, they may never see it. Nor are they likely to get to know many Parisians.

OR The most lonely times were the layovers. Usually I

would spend the night in a motel, eat cold sandwiches for dinner, and wash out a dirty uniform for the next day’s flight. Sometimes I wasn’t lucky enough to make it to a motel. I recall spending my first Christmas Eve away from home sleeping on a bench in the Dansas City airport. Of course, if I got really lonely, I could always refer to the stack of calling cards passed out by deplaning men: “When you’re in Chicago, give me a call and I’ll show you around.”

THE WINNER: First Person The most lonely times were the layovers. Usually I

would spend the night in a motel, eat cold sandwiches for dinner, and wash out a dirty uniform for the next day’s flight. And so forth...

First person (I) point of view allows the writer to provide convincing details from her own experience, such as washing a dirty uniform, spending Christmas Eve on a bench in an airport, and being propositioned by passengers.

For a business report summarizing market research, which point of view--the second person or the third person--would be more appropriate?

Market research indicates that the new scooter will have appeal if you are a male aged twelve to seventeen. You will benefit from the product because if offers mobility and independence and can be operated without a driver’s license.

OR

Market research indicates that the new scooter will appeal to males aged twelve to seventeen. The scooter offers mobility and independence to these consumers, and they can operate it without a driver’s license.

THE WINNER: THIRD PERSON

Market research indicates that the new scooter will appeal to males aged twelve to seventeen. The scooter offers mobility and independence to these consumers, and they can operate it without a driver’s license.

The tone of the report should be objective, not personal. In the other version, you seems odd because the word you doesn’t refer to readers of the report.

For a research paper in a psychology class, which sentence would you write?

The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents not to allow children under two years of age to watch television.

OR

The American Academy of Pediatrics urges you not to allow children under two years of age to watch television.

THE WINNER: Third Person

The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents not to allow children under two years of age to watch television.

A research paper in a psychology class should not offer direct advice to readers (by using you). It should focus on the subject matter in an objective, scientific tone.

In a textbook showing readers how to teach language to a deaf child, which point of view works better--the second person or the third person?

When teaching a deaf child even one word, you will need a lot of patience and a ready smile. Since deaf children cannot hear your tone of voice, they will “listen” to your facial expression and depend on your pleased response for reinforcement.

OR

When teaching a deaf child even one word, the teacher will need a lot of patience and a ready smile. Since deaf children cannot hear the tone of voice, they will “listen” to the facial expression of the teacher and depend on their pleased response for reinforcement.

THE WINNER: Second Person

When teaching a deaf child even one word, you will need a lot of patience and a ready smile. And so forth....

Since the writer’s purpose is to show how to do something, the second-person (you) point of view is more natural than the third-person point of view.

Which point of view--the first person or the third person--seems to be working better for this writer?

Before moving to the country, I fantasized about blue skies and pine-scented air. Once I moved, reality intruded. Firewood had to be stacked, a dirt road needed plowing in winter, and intruded. Firewood had to be stacked, a dirt road needed plowing in winter, and the nearest movie theater was far away. When friends visited, I begged them to extend their stay and wept when they left. Country life sound romantic, but isolation and hard work can take a heavy toll on those who choose it.

OR People who leave urban life to get close to

nature may not know what’s in store for them. Firewood must be stacked, dirt roads need plowing in winter, and the nearest movie theater might be hours away. Also, one’s social life is restricted when one lives in the country. Country life sounds romantic, but isolation and hard work can take a heavy toll on those who choose it.

THE WINNER: First Person Before moving to the country, I fantasized

about blue skies and pine-scented air. Once I moved, reality intruded. And so forth...

Since the writer’s knowledge about the subject is based on personal experience, the first-person (I) point of view works well. The version with I contains realistic details.

POINT OF VIEW WRITE IN THE APPROPRIATE VOICE

1st = I 2nd = You 3rd = One or They (Objective)

Professor Nichols’ ENC1101 Class