The Backyard Stage - Third person narrative (he, she, they) (Grade 8)
Passage
•
English
•
8th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
How does the third-person narrator first establish Brayden's anxious point of view about the contest?
By describing his internal feelings of doubt and clumsy physical actions.
By having Elena describe how nervous Brayden looks.
By stating that Brayden has not practiced his speech enough.
By showing Brayden arguing with his sister about the contest.
Answer explanation
The narrator provides direct access to Brayden's perspective by stating 'the words felt clumsy' and 'a chill of doubt ran through him,' combined with the action of kicking 'at a loose patch of dirt.' This technique establishes his internal state for the reader.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
When Elena first comes outside, a difference in point of view is created. What information does the narrator provide to the reader that Elena does not yet know?
That Brayden is practicing for a contest.
The specific internal feelings and physical symptoms of Brayden's anxiety.
That Elena is bringing two glasses of lemonade.
That Brayden is frustrated with his note cards.
Answer explanation
The reader knows from the narration that Brayden feels a 'chill of doubt.' When he speaks, he reveals more details to Elena ('my voice is shaking and my palms are sweaty'). Initially, Elena only sees his posture and the scattered cards, while the reader has deeper insight into his feelings, creating a gap in perspective.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
The narrator signals a shift in Brayden's perspective near the end of the story primarily by...
shifting the point of view to show what Elena is thinking about his progress.
describing Brayden's internal thoughts moving from his fear to the emotional importance of his topic.
having Elena explicitly state that he looks and sounds more confident.
showing Brayden decide to choose a new, easier topic for his speech.
Answer explanation
The narrative stays in a third-person limited point of view focused on Brayden. The shift is shown internally: 'He thought about the dogs... A new feeling started to replace the fear.' This direct access to his thoughts shows the reader the change in his perspective before he even acts on it.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
How does Elena's story about the science fair primarily function to shift Brayden's point of view?
It makes him realize his problem is not as serious as hers was.
It proves that their science teacher is very forgiving.
It reframes 'failure' from a source of public embarrassment to a normal part of putting in effort.
It distracts him from his anxiety by reminding him of a funny memory.
Answer explanation
Brayden's point of view is focused on the fear of messing up ('What if I mess up?'). Elena's story, culminating in the teacher's comment that 'the effort was what mattered,' directly challenges this perspective. It offers him a new way to view his performance, shifting the goal from perfection to passionate effort.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the main effect of the narrator limiting the story to Brayden's point of view?
It makes Elena seem unhelpful because we do not know her true intentions.
It allows the reader to experience Brayden's anxiety and growing confidence directly, creating empathy.
It creates suspense because the reader does not know if Elena's science fair story is true.
It makes the story feel objective and unbiased, like a news report.
Answer explanation
By using a third-person limited point of view focused on Brayden, the narrator lets the reader access his internal 'chill of doubt' and the 'new feeling' that replaces it. This creates a strong connection and allows the reader to follow his emotional journey closely.
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
The story is told from a third-person limited point of view. Categorize the following details based on how they are revealed to the reader.
Groups:
(a) Revealed by Narrator's Insight into Brayden's Mind
,
(b) Revealed through a Character's Dialogue or Action
"Tough crowd out here?"
"It’s not about being perfect, Brayden"
A new feeling started to replace the fear
He thought about the dogs he had walked
"a chill of doubt ran through him"
"I was so embarrassed."
Answer explanation
The third-person limited narrator gives the reader special access to Brayden's private thoughts and feelings. Other information, including Elena's feelings and advice, is revealed externally through her actions and what she says out loud.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each character's point of view at a specific moment in the story to the description that best defines it.
Perfection is the goal, and the risk of public failure is overwhelming.
Brayden's initial point of view
Personal experience with failure can be a useful and empathetic teaching tool.
Elena's point of view in her final piece of advice
Perseverance is possible when motivated by purpose instead of fear.
Elena's point of view when sharing her story
Connecting with personal passion is more important than flawless execution.
Brayden's final point of view
Answer explanation
Brayden begins with a POV focused on fear of failure. Elena's story demonstrates a POV where failure is a tool. Her advice shifts to a POV valuing passion over perfection. By the end, Brayden adopts a new POV where purpose gives him the strength to persevere.
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