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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-A83PTN-1F8T

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.

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

3.

Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. 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.

Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

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

7.

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

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 18
  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. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  3. 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
  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. 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
  6. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  7. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  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.