PencilGoPencilGo

Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 2 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-434IKH-12I5

Children investigate a leaf and a frog with a caregiver beside a pond.
1.

Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. What is the author's main purpose?

2.

Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. How is this text mainly organized?

3.

Owls hunt at night. Large eyes gather light, and soft feathers help them fly quietly. What is the author's main purpose?

4.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?

Answers and teaching notes

Use the answers to check the work after the learner finishes. For writing prompts, the guide describes what a strong response should include.

Show answers for version 8
  1. Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. What is the author's main purpose?To tell why Leo completed a form
  2. Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  3. Owls hunt at night. Large eyes gather light, and soft feathers help them fly quietly. What is the author's main purpose?To inform readers about owl adaptations
  4. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  5. A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?To compare ponds and lakes
  6. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  7. A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. What is the author's main purpose?To persuade visitors to stay on the path
  8. A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast

Worked example

Use the author's choices and relationships between ideas to identify purpose and organization.

Common mistake

Choosing a structure from one transition word alone.

Helpful hint

Summarize how ideas relate across the whole passage.