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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 2 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1DQU0PC-NLIB

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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.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?
3.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?
4.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?
5.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
6.During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. How is this text mainly organized?
7.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?
8.The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. 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 14
  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. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  8. 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

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.