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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · Building confidence · 8 questions · Version PG-14GS0FY-1BG6

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1.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. 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.Engineers revised a bridge model after its center bent. They added supports and tested again. What is the author's main purpose?
4.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?
5.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
6.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. How is this text mainly organized?
7.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?
8.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. 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 11
  1. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how ocean temperature affects storms
  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. 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. City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. How is this text mainly organized?Description
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  8. 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

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.