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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1KHLS25-16IP

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1.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
2.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?
3.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?
4.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
5.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?
6.Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?
7.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?
8.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?

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. 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
  2. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  3. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. How is this text mainly organized?Problem and solution
  7. 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
  8. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect

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.