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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 2 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1EUSFH8-NLIB

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

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

2.

A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. How is this text mainly organized?

3.

The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. What is the author's main purpose?

4.

Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

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

7.

During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?

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 10
  1. 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
  2. A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  3. The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. What is the author's main purpose?To describe a fair test
  4. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  5. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how ocean temperature affects storms
  6. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  7. During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how fur helps a fox in winter
  8. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?To show how Mina evaluated information

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.