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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-7787O0-1P1G

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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.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?
3.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?
4.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?
5.A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. What is the author's main purpose?
6.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?
7.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?
8.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. 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 3
  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. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  3. 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
  4. Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. What is the author's main purpose?To explain why people use budgets
  6. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  7. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  8. 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

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.