Integrating Technology into Developmental Writing

Creating a Consistent Point of View

Lesson Objectives

• To understand how verb tense and pronouns create consistency in writing

• To revise sentences without shifts in verb tense and pronouns

Consistency with Verbs

• Switching from past to present tense or from present tense to past can confuse readers. Unless you have a good reason for changing, keep the tense consistent.

• Example:When I browsed through the videos, I find several good films and I don’t know which to choose.

• Revision:When I browsed through the videos, I found several good films and I didn’t know which to choose.

Sentence for Revision

• Revise the following to create consistent verb tense:

We discover the break-in moments after it happened. The front of the store looks no different, but the thieves had trashed the entire storage area.

Revision:We discovered the break-in moments after it happened. The front of the store looked no different, but the thieves had trashed the entire storage area.

Pronouns

Type of Pronoun Singular Plural

First-person I (my, mine, me) we (our, us) pronouns

Second-person you (your) you (your) pronouns

Third-person he (his, him) they (their, them)

pronouns she (her)it (its)

Type of Pronoun Singular PluralType of Pronoun Singular Plural

First-person I (my, mine, me) we (our, us) pronouns

Type of Pronoun Singular Plural

First-person I (my, mine, me) we (our, us) pronouns

Second-person you (your) you (your) pronouns

Consistency with Pronouns• In writing a paper, avoid switching pronouns. Be

consistent in using first, second, or third person.Example of shift:

When someone applies for a job, you need to show initiative.

Revision:When you apply for a job, you need to show

initiative.OR

When applying for a job, a person needs to show initiative.

Sentence for Revision

• Revise the following to create consistent pronouns.

I feel isolated at work because you can’t converse with anyone.

Revision:I feel isolated at work because I can’t converse with anyone.

Review

• Reread your writing to recognize any shifts in verb tense and pronouns.

• Revise sentences by Using either present or past tense

consistently.Using first, second, or third person

consistently.

Writing Sample for Revision

I sifted through my belongings to prepare for the move and discover some items I think I lost. This makes you feel that you can adjust to the change more easily. I feel less anxious, knowing I could decorate my new apartment with familiar things.