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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 2 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-257APO-12I5

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1.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?
2.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?
3.The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. What is the author's main purpose?
4.A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. What is the author's main purpose?
5.During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?
6.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
7.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?
8.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. 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. A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?To compare ponds and lakes
  2. A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  3. The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. What is the author's main purpose?To describe a fair test
  4. A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. What is the author's main purpose?To persuade visitors to stay on the path
  5. During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  6. 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
  7. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  8. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?To explain the difference between weather and climate

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.