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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-18DEYBP-MSEZ

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

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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 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.

Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?

5.

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?

6.

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

7.

A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?

8.

City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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 18
  1. 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
  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 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. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?Problem and solution
  5. 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
  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. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  8. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description

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.