PencilGoPencilGo

Grade 3 · Reading · On Level

Free Author's Purpose & Text Structure worksheet - version 5

Grade 3 author's purpose & text structure practice with original questions, explanations, and difficulty-matched printable versions. This printable version includes 8 grade-appropriate questions and a separate answer sheet.

Download free PDF

Author's Purpose & Text Structure

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

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

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?

2.

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

3.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?

4.

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

5.

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

6.

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

7.

Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

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

Worksheet PDFAnswer keyCustomize

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. 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. 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
  3. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?To describe how the council made a decision
  4. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  5. 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
  6. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  7. 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
  8. The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. 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.