PencilGoPencilGo

Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-1UEBMB2-1WUV

1.

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

2.

Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?

3.

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

4.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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.

A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. 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.

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 9
  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. 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
  3. 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
  4. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  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. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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. 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.