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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1DFOBAL-1BG6

1.

Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. 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.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?

4.

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?

5.

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

6.

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

7.

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

8.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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 7
  1. 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
  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. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  4. 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
  5. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  6. 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
  7. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  8. 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

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.