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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1IYB8Y3-R4TK

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

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

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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?

6.

The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. 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 3
  1. 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
  2. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  3. 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
  4. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  5. 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
  6. The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  7. A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how a lever works
  8. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?To explain the difference between weather and climate

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.