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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-1SQE058-1WUV

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

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

A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. What is the author's main purpose?

4.

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

5.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?

6.

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

7.

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

8.

A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. 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 7
  1. 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
  2. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how a lever works
  4. 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
  5. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect

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.