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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

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

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.

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

3.

The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?

4.

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

5.

Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. 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 lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. How is this text mainly organized?

8.

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. 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 12
  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. 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. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  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. Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?To compare methods of seed dispersal
  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 lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point. Moving that point changes the effort needed. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  8. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?Problem and solution

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.