The Whispering Creek - Author's Point of View and Perspective (Grade 6)

At the beginning of the story, what name does the narrator, Aleah, use for the creek?

• Whispering Creek

• The Muddy Ditch

• The Trash Trench

• The Secret World

Answer explanation

The narrator states in the first paragraph, 'I called it the Trash Trench.' This shows her initial negative point of view.

How does the author show that Aleah's point of view is changing after talking to Doris?

• Aleah immediately asks her friends to help clean up.

• Aleah starts to see the creek as a 'place that had been lost' instead of just a ditch.

• Aleah argues with Doris about what the creek used to be like.

• Aleah decides to move to a new house with a cleaner backyard.

Answer explanation

The passage shows Aleah's thoughts shifting in paragraph 5: 'I wasn't just looking at a dirty ditch anymore. I was looking at a place that had been lost.' This internal thought demonstrates her change in perspective.

According to Doris, what was one type of animal she used to see at the creek?

• Frogs

• Dragonflies

• Turtles

• Ducks

Answer explanation

In paragraph 4, Doris says, 'We once found a family of turtles sunning themselves on that big flat rock over there.' This detail from her memory helps Aleah see the creek differently.

The author ends the story with Aleah seeing a 'bright blue dragonfly'. What does this moment most likely represent from the author's point of view?

• A sign of hope and the beginning of the creek's recovery.

• A sign that the creek is still too polluted for animals.

• A random event that has no special meaning.

• A memory that Doris had shared with Aleah earlier.

Answer explanation

The dragonfly appears after Aleah and Doris have started cleaning. This event makes Aleah smile and think they can 'help the creek whisper again,' symbolizing that their efforts are making a positive difference and showing the author's optimistic viewpoint on restoration.

What is the main reason the author includes Doris's character in the story?

• To have someone to do the physical work of cleaning.

• To show that older people don't care about nature.

• To provide a historical point of view that contrasts with Aleah's initial view.

• To create a conflict between two neighbors.

Answer explanation

Doris's memories of 'Whispering Creek' provide a completely different perspective from Aleah's 'Trash Trench' view. This contrast is what causes Aleah's point of view to change, which is central to the author's message.

The author develops two different points of view about the creek. Categorize the following descriptions based on whether they support Aleah's initial point of view or Doris's point of view.

Groups:

(a) Aleah's Initial Point of View

,

(b) Doris's Point of View

• Plastic bags clung to branches

• We'd see tiny silver fish

• A place that had been loved

• The Trash Trench

• Guardians of a secret, wonderful world

• An old tire peeked out of the muddy water

Answer explanation

The author establishes Aleah's initial negative viewpoint with descriptions of trash. In contrast, Doris's viewpoint is developed through her memories of a clean, lively creek, which are described with positive and wondrous language.

The author uses different techniques to develop the narrator's point of view. Match the example from the text to the technique the author is using.

• Using dialogue to show an initial negative opinion.

• "It's so gross."

• Using internal thoughts to show a change in perspective.

• "When I was a girl, this was Whispering Creek."

• Using a natural detail as a symbol of hope.

• "A bright blue dragonfly zipped past my head."

• Using a contrasting memory to introduce a new perspective.

• "I wasn't just looking at a dirty ditch anymore."

Answer explanation

Each example is a specific tool the author uses: Aleah's blunt dialogue shows her initial disgust; Doris's dialogue introduces the history and a respectful viewpoint; Aleah's internal thought marks the exact moment her perspective shifts; and the dragonfly symbolizes the positive results of their actions, reinforcing the author's theme.

In the story, Doris's memories help change Aleah's point of view about the creek. Think about a place in your own community, like a park or a street, that could be improved. Based on the passage, how could sharing stories or memories about that place inspire people to take care of it? Use at least one detail from the passage to support your answer.

Answer explanation