Here are some key indicators:
* Direct address: The writing speaks directly to the reader as if they are present in the story or being given instructions.
* Use of "you" and its variations: The text consistently uses "you," "your," and "yours" to refer to the reader.
* Focus on the reader's experience: The writing focuses on how the reader would feel, think, or act in the situation.
Examples:
* Second person: "You walk down the street, and you see a cat sitting on the porch."
* First person: "I walked down the street and saw a cat sitting on the porch."
* Third person: "She walked down the street and saw a cat sitting on the porch."
Common uses of second person:
* Instructions: Recipes, tutorials, user manuals
* Interactive fiction: Games where the reader makes choices that affect the story
* Personal essays: To create a sense of intimacy and direct connection with the reader
* Poetry: To create a sense of immediacy and address the reader directly
Important note: While "you" is the main indicator, sometimes the text can use other pronouns, like "we" or "our," to address the reader as part of a group. This is still considered second person if the focus is on the reader's experience or action.