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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-JGUA8-1RPJ

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

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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.

The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. 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 pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

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

8.

The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. 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 9
  1. 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
  2. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. 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
  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 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
  6. Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  7. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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.