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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-1LCR496-1P1G

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1.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. What is the author's main purpose?
2.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?
3.Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. 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.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
6.A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. 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.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. 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 18
  1. 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
  2. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  3. Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. What is the author's main purpose?To show how testing improves a design
  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. 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
  6. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. 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. 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

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.