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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1HQWA8J-1P1G

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

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

2.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. 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.

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

5.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

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

8.

A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. 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 17
  1. 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
  2. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how ocean temperature affects storms
  6. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  7. 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
  8. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast

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.