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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 2 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1H2P910-NLIB

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1.During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?
2.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. 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.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?
6.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?
7.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?
8.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. 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 18
  1. During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how fur helps a fox in winter
  2. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  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. 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
  6. 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
  7. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?To describe how the council made a decision
  8. 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

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.