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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-JC89K5-1WUV

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

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

2.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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.

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

5.

Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. 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.

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

8.

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. 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 11
  1. 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
  2. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  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. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. 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
  6. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  7. 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
  8. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?Problem and solution

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.