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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 3 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-1I0TJBQ-1F8T

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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.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?
3.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
4.A pond is smaller than a lake, but both are freshwater habitats that support living things. How is this text mainly organized?
5.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?
6.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?
7.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?
8.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. 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 8
  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. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  7. 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
  8. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence

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.