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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 4 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-II9GH8-1WUV

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1.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. What is the author's main purpose?
2.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?
3.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?
4.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?
5.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?
6.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?
7.A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. What is the author's main purpose?
8.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. 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 12
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. What is the author's main purpose?To distinguish primary and secondary sources
  4. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  5. The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. What is the author's main purpose?To describe how the council made a decision
  6. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.