PencilGo

Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1JSA210-R4TK

Free printable
1.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?
2.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?
3.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?
4.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
5.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?
6.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?
7.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?
8.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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 6
  1. 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
  2. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. 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
  4. Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?To compare methods of seed dispersal
  5. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description

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.