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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1SPKK9O-XSZ0

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

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

2.

Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. 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.

Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. What is the author's main purpose?

6.

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

7.

A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?

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 11
  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. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  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.