PencilGoPencilGo

Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1K29NPZ-R4TK

1.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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.

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?

4.

During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

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?

6.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

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

8.

A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. 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 7
  1. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?To explain benefits of city trees
  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. 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
  4. During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. 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
  6. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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. 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

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.