Tutor profile: Andrea B.

How do you know which point of view is used in a book?

First person point of view typically uses the two pronouns 'I' or 'we.' Below are some examples for reference. Example 1: I was going to fall in love with her. Example 2: We were going to the park before I found out I had to babysit. Second person point of view uses the pronoun 'you.' Example 1: If there is an opportunity to tell her you love her, don't do it. You will only end up hurting yourself. Third person point of view uses pronouns like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'they,' or a name. Example 1: Mia got into the car and cut on the engine. Example 2: He didn't have to tell her he cared. She knew it just by the silence in the car. It should be noted that this is used during the narration of story, not the dialogue.

What is code-switching?

This usually occurs when a person from an oppressed group changes his/ her language, enunciation, speaking pattern, and/ or tone to better assimilate within a social group. However, this can occur with any cultural group. A common scenario in which code-switching is practiced is at work. Say, for instance, a Black woman is socializing with a group of predominately White coworkers. She will more than likely try to distinguish herself from her own cultural group, not because she dislikes her cultural group, but because she feels as though this is the way to make a positive impression on her coworkers. If she uses the tone and speaking pattern that she often uses with other Black people, then her attitude, message, and/ or feelings may be misconstrued.

How do I use 'woman' and 'women' in a sentence?

Woman is the singular noun for a female, and is used to show that you are describing or referring to one woman in a sentence. Women, on the other hand, is used when you are describing or referring to more than one woman in a sentence (usually be a group of at least 2 or more). An example of the singular 'woman' would be: A woman was at the museum today. The woman was wearing nice shoes. An example of the plural 'woman' would be: Many women were at the museum today. The women were wearing nice shoes. Other terms to look at in a similar way: man/ men, child/ children, freshman/ freshmen, mouse/ mice