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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1JXMKO7-16IP

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

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

2.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?

3.

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?

4.

A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

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?

7.

A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. 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 5
  1. 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
  2. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. 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
  4. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?To distinguish primary and secondary sources
  6. 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
  7. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. What is the author's main purpose?To explain why people use budgets
  8. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence

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.