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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-8V5TTU-1P1G

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

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. What is the author's main purpose?

2.

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

3.

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

4.

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

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

6.

A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?

7.

Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. 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 5
  1. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. What is the author's main purpose?To show how testing improves a design
  2. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. 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
  4. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?Problem and solution
  5. 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
  6. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  7. 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
  8. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. What is the author's main purpose?To explain the importance of pollinators

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.