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Author's Purpose & Text Structure

Kindergarten · On-level practice · 8 questions · Version PG-TB5EC8-11WA

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1.During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?
2.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?
3.Owls hunt at night. Large eyes gather light, and soft feathers help them fly quietly. What is the author's main purpose?
4.The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. How is this text mainly organized?
5.First Ana rinsed a cup. Next she filled it with soil. Last she planted one bean. How is this text mainly organized?
6.Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. What is the author's main purpose?
7.A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. How is this text mainly organized?
8.Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. 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. During winter, a fox grows a thicker coat. The extra fur traps air and helps it stay warm. What is the author's main purpose?To explain how fur helps a fox in winter
  2. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. How is this text mainly organized?Compare and contrast
  3. Owls hunt at night. Large eyes gather light, and soft feathers help them fly quietly. What is the author's main purpose?To inform readers about owl adaptations
  4. The class tested paper towels using equal water, measured each result, and recorded the data. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  5. First Ana rinsed a cup. Next she filled it with soil. Last she planted one bean. How is this text mainly organized?Sequence
  6. Leo wanted a library card, so he brought proof of his address and completed the form. What is the author's main purpose?To tell why Leo completed a form
  7. A garden sign says, Please stay on the path so new plants can grow. How is this text mainly organized?Cause and effect
  8. Weather can change in hours, but climate describes patterns measured over many years. What is the author's main purpose?To explain the difference between weather and climate

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.