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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-1KSPK9G-1F8T

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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.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?
3.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. 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.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?
6.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
7.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?
8.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?

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 6
  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. 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
  3. 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
  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. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  6. 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
  7. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  8. 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

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.