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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-10HOAB2-1RPJ

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1.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. 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.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?
6.During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?
7.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?
8.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. 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 12
  1. 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
  2. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  3. 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
  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. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect

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.