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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-LA5HEY-1WUV

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.

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

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

5.

A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. 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.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?

8.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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 18
  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. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. 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. 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. 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
  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. 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
  8. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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.