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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-1V5LLXO-R4TK

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1.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?
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.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
5.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?
6.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?
7.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. What is the author's main purpose?
8.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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 15
  1. 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
  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. 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
  5. 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
  6. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.