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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Grade 5 · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-3V6C5I-MSEZ

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1.City trees shade sidewalks, absorb rainwater, and provide shelter for birds and insects. What is the author's main purpose?
2.Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. 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.Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?
5.A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?
6.Some seeds travel on fur, while others float on wind or water. Each method spreads seeds. What is the author's main purpose?
7.A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?
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 20
  1. 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
  2. Mina read two reports about one event. She checked their sources before trusting the details. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  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. Warm ocean water adds energy to tropical storms. Cooler water usually weakens them. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  5. A primary source comes from the time studied. A secondary source interprets evidence later. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  6. 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
  7. A budget lists expected income and expenses. Comparing them helps a family plan spending. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  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.