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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-18XE5PN-MSEZ

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1.The council compared three playground plans for cost, safety, and accessibility before voting. 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.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. What is the author's main purpose?
4.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?
5.Pollinators move pollen between flowers. Without this transfer, many plants make fewer fruits. 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.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
8.A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. 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 16
  1. 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
  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. 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
  4. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  5. 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
  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. 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
  8. 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

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.