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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1YEUFWA-16IP

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1.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?
2.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?
3.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?
4.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. 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.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?
7.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?
8.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. 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 20
  1. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?To show how Mina evaluated information
  2. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  3. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?To distinguish primary and secondary sources
  4. 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
  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. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  7. 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
  8. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. What is the author's main purpose?To explain the importance of pollinators

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.