RDEC6 Author's Purpose and Message

1

Grade 4 Read/Write

Teacher Facing
December 3, 2024

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to
Independence

Materials

Student

Teacher

● NOTES

● The Problem With Plastic Straws

● Worksheet questions 1 - 4

● Response Cards

● Slide Deck

2

3

Suggested Agenda

Component

Slide #s

Time*

Do Now/Lesson
introduction

17-18

5 min

Direct teach

19-32

15 min

Skill practice

33-44

24 min

Closing

44

1 min

*These times are

a suggestion.
Please change
and prioritize as
needed for your

students.

4

Do Now

1. He tugged at three thin ropes that were
knotted to the seat. Then he followed their
length, checking for tangles and twists, until he
reached the kite that was fastened to the
basket. Its enormous wings drooped flat on the
ground like a wearied eagle’s. Surely, even the
strongest wind would not lift this tired beast.

Excerpt from “The Kite Man’s Daughter” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Which words from the paragraph help the
reader understand the meaning of drooped?

A.enormous wings
B.flat on the ground
C.even the strongest wind
D.fastened to the basket

2. Then, an amazing thing happened: her
brothers let go and the kite climbed. Her father
let out some rope, and then some more. The
kite climbed higher. Every face turned upward.
Hands protected eyes against the sun.
Martha’s chair jerked, bumped once more
against the ground, and rose. The crowd
gasped. Martha took flight. The kite dragged
her up and up, strong as a horse pulling a
wagon.

Excerpt from “The Kite Man’s Daughter” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Which words from the paragraph help the
reader understand the meaning of rose?

A.Martha took flight
B.bumped once more
C.The crowd gasped
D.strong as a horse

Multiple Choice

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of drooped?

The words that help me understand the meaning of the drooped are ...

• a

• b

• c

• d

Multiple Choice

Which words from the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of rose?

The words that help me understand what rose means are -

• a

• b

• c

• d

5

LO: SWBAT explain the author's
purpose and message within an
argumentative text.

DOL: Given an argumentative text, students
will correctly explain the author's purpose and
message in at least 4 of 5 questions.

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text Fri Dec 6

6

Academic Vocabulary

author's purpose

(noun)

message

(noun)

refers to the fundamental
idea explored or expressed

by an author in a writing

piece

the reason an author

writes about a particular

topic

argumentative text

(noun)

a text written to

demonstrate to an

audience that a certain
position is valid and that

others are not

Match

Match the academic vocabulary to its definition.

• argumentative text

• author's purpose

• message

a text written to demonstrate to an audi

the reason an author writes about a part

refers to the life lesson in a text

• a text written to demonstrate to an audi

• the reason an author writes about a part

• refers to the life lesson in a text

12

HOT Question: What is
the difference between
author’s purpose and
author’s message?

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text Fri Dec 6

13

Real Life Connection:

Unit 3: American Revolution: The Road to Independence

Ⓡ ELA 4.10A explain the author’s purpose and message within a text Fri Dec 6

14

Texts

ARGUMENTATIVE

The writer states

his/her opinion

They are
about a

specific topic

The main

purpose is to
persuade the

reader

They include

text and
graphic
features

They use words

to make the
reader agree

with them

They have a
strong and
formal tone

The writer

provides reasons

and uses

facts/examples

15

Author’s Purpose

Refers to main
reason the author
wrote a text
❖ to persuade
❖ to inform
❖ to entertain
❖ to suggest
❖ to share an

experience

Is the life lesson that
you learn in your real
life from a text.
❖ be kind because you

never know what
someone is going
through

❖ always lend a hand
❖ food brings family

together

Author’s Message

Dropdown

​

Select answer

refers to the main reason an author writes a text while ​

Select answer

is the life lesson you lean in your real life after reading a textr.

16

Readers can determine the
author’s purpose when
reading a text by…

“Author’s Purpose” Anchor Chart from HMH Into Reading! Texas with permission © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

How can readers

determine the author’s
purpose when we read

a text?

What do you know about

argumentative text?

I know that argumentative
texts…

What is the author’s purpose in
writing an argumentative text?

The author’s purpose in
writing an argumentative text
is…

How is the author’s purpose in these texts alike and different?

Persuasive

Opinion

Argumentative

Purpose: Convince the
reader to agree with a
position because it is
the “right” position on
the issue.

Type of Evidence:
Blend personal
feelings with facts

Purpose: Share a
personal preference or
individual point of
view.

Type of Evidence:
Blend personal
feelings with facts

Purpose: Get the
readers to accept the
claim as truth.

Type of Evidence:
Statistics, facts, data,
and expert opinions

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose? How do you know?

The author's purpose is -

• persuasive

• opinion

• argumentative

19

Persuasive

Purpose: Convince the reader to
agree with a position because it
is the “right” position on the
issue.

Purpose: Share a personal
preference or individual point of
view.

Purpose: Get the readers to
accept the claim as truth.

In my opinion, the school lunches should include a wider variety of
fruits and vegetables. I believe that providing more options for
students to choose from will not only promote healthier eating
habits but also make lunchtime more enjoyable. As a teacher, I've
noticed that students are more likely to eat nutritious foods when
they have a say in what they're served. It's a simple yet effective
way to encourage healthier choices among our students.

What is the author’s purpose? How do you know?

In my opinion, the school lunches should include a wider variety of
fruits and vegetables. I believe that providing more options for
students to choose from will not only promote healthier eating
habits but also make lunchtime more enjoyable. As a teacher, I've
noticed that students are more likely to eat nutritious foods when
they have a say in what they're served. It's a simple yet effective
way to encourage healthier choices among our students.

Opinion

Argumentative

Multiple Choice

What is the author's purpose and how do you know?

The author's purpose is ... I know this because ...

• persuasive

• opinion

• argumentative

20

Persuasive

Purpose: Convince the reader to
agree with a position because it
is the “right” position on the
issue.

Purpose: Share a personal
preference or individual point of
view.

Purpose: Get the readers to
accept the claim as truth.

What is the author’s purpose? How do you know?

The implementation of a school uniform policy is essential for fostering
a positive learning environment. Studies have consistently shown that
uniforms reduce distractions, minimize socio-economic disparities, and
create a sense of equality among students. By adopting a uniform
policy, we can create a more focused and inclusive atmosphere that
promotes a sense of unity and belonging. The evidence strongly
supports the claim that school uniforms contribute to a better overall
educational experience.

Opinion

Argumentative

Multiple Choice

What is author's purpose and how do you know?

The author's purpose is ... I know this because ...

• persuasive

• opinion

• argumentative

21

Persuasive

Purpose: Convince the reader to
agree with a position because it
is the “right” position on the
issue.

Purpose: Share a personal
preference or individual point of
view.

Purpose: Get the readers to
accept the claim as truth.

What is the author’s purpose? How do you know?

I strongly believe our school district would greatly benefit from extending
the students' recess period. Numerous studies indicate that regular breaks
improve concentration and overall classroom productivity. Extending
recess wouldn't just mean more playtime; it's about providing our students
with a chance to rejuvenate their minds and participate in physical
activities, which, in turn, can significantly enhance their academic
performance. Creating an environment that prioritizes longer recess
periods contributes to fostering the ideal learning conditions for our
children.

Opinion

Argumentative

22

Go to slide

deck

Let us look at other types of authors purpose and remember that author’s purpose is the most likely

reason the author writes a text.

Authors Purpose can be –
❖To persuade
❖To assert
❖To advocate
❖To establish
❖To reason
And many more!

23

to persuade

to assert

to argue

to convince

to illustrate

to justify

to advocate

to defend

to support
to

demonstrate
to prove

to establish

to reason

to counter

to claim

to emphasize

24

to persuade

to assert

to argue

to convince

to illustrate

to justify

to advocate

to defend

to support
to

demonstrate
to prove

to establish

to reason

to counter

to claim

to emphasize

To assert: To state a
fact or belief confidently
and forcefully.

To argue: To present
reasons and evidence in
order to persuade someone
to accept or agree with a
particular point of view.

To convince: To bring
someone to a belief or
opinion through
reasoned argument or
evidence.

To illustrate: To provide
examples or evidence
that make an idea
clearer and more
understandable.

To justify: To show or
prove that something is
right or reasonable
through logical
reasoning or evidence.

To advocate: To
publicly support or
recommend a particular
cause or policy.

To defend: To support
and protect a particular
idea, argument, or
position from criticism or
opposition.

To support: To provide
evidence, reasons, or
examples to strengthen
a claim or argument.

To demonstrate: To
show or make evident
through examples,
evidence, or reasoning.

To prove: To establish
the truth or validity of
something through
evidence or logical
reasoning.

To establish: To set up
or create a basis for a
particular argument or
point of view.

To reason: To think
logically and present
sound arguments to
support a claim.

To counter: To respond
to an opposing
argument or viewpoint
with evidence or
reasoning.

To claim: To state that
something is true, often
without providing
extensive evidence.

To emphasize: To give
special importance or
prominence to a
particular point or idea.

To persuade: To
convince the reader to
adopt a particular point
of view or take a
specific action.

25

Author’s Purpose

Refers to main
reason the author
wrote a text
❖ to persuade
❖ to inform
❖ to entertain
❖ to suggest
❖ to share an

experience

Is the life lesson that
you learn in your real
life from a text.
❖ be kind because you

never know what
someone is going
through

❖ always lend a hand
❖ food brings family

together

Author’s Message

26

Author’s Message

The author's message in a text is not directly stated, but

readers can figure it out by looking closely at the text.

𝥷 What does the author want the reader to learn?

𝥷 How does the author feel about the topic?

𝥷 What are details that support our
understanding?

27

Fast food restaurants create too much
plastic waste in our town. Every day, the
trash cans at City Park overflow with
plastic containers and cups from nearby
restaurants. According to the cleanup
crew, they collect over 100 plastic
straws from the park each week. My
dad, who works at the recycling center,
says most of these containers can't even
be recycled. Therefore, fast food places
should switch to using paper or other
eco-friendly containers.

What does the
author want the
reader to learn?

The author

wants the reader

to learn…

Multiple Choice

Which sentence best states a message in a text?

The sentence that best describes the message is -

• a

• b

• c

• d

28

Which sentence best states a message in the text?

A. Working together makes cleaning up our community

possible.

B. Plastic waste from restaurants is damaging to our

environment.

C. Recycling centers cannot process most restaurant

containers.

D. Our local parks deserve to be kept free from harmful

waste.

O?

This is incorrect because it focuses on collaboration

which isn't discussed in the text.

This is correct because it represents the message of

the text.

This is incorrect because it is a detail mentioned not

the message of the text.

This is incorrect because it’s an opinion not directly

stated in the text.

29

Readers can determine the author’s PURPOSE

and MESSAGE in argumentative text by…

30

recycle

(verb)

to put through a

process that allows

used things to be

reused

pollute

(verb)

to make dirty or

harmful to health by
mixing in or adding

waste material

reef
(noun)

a ridge of rock, sand, or

coral at or near the

surface of ocean waters

Content Vocabulary

Match

Match the content vocabulary with its definition.

• recycle

• reef

• pollute

to put through a process that allows use

a ridge of rock, sand, or coral at or ne

to make dirty or harmful to health by mi

• to put through a process that allows use

• a ridge of rock, sand, or coral at or ne

• to make dirty or harmful to health by mi

31

The

Problem

with Plastic

Straws

Read

Stop

Jot!

Paragraphs 1-3

●What is happening in the
text?

●What is the author’s
purpose and message?

●Which details from the text
support your understanding

This is important!

Underline key words

or details.

I don’t understand.

Readers are expected to…

1

2

3

33

Why are the details

in paragraph 1
important to the

reader’s

understanding?

The details in paragraph 1 are important to

the reader’s understanding because…

Multiple Choice

The most likely reason the author includes paragraph 1 is to -

• a

• b

• c

• d

34

A. explain how the school takes steps to protect the
environment

B. provide information about daily activities in the school
building

C. explain how students can participate in lunchroom
activities

D. describe the different ways students clean up after
themselves

The most likely reason that the author includes

paragraph 1 is to –

38

“The Problem with Plastic Straws” Vocabulary

Definition
Examples

Image
Synonym

something breaks down
because of the action of
things like bacteria and fungi
(verb)

But they do not biodegrade, or get
broken down by living things such
as bacteria.

● environment- friendly
● ecological
● environmental

biodegrade

Multiple Select

Read the information in paragraph 2 and 3. Which sentences highlight the harmful effects of plastic straws?

The sentences that highlight effects of plastic straws is -

• a

• b

• c

• d

• e

40

Ⓐ You may be wondering why plastic drinking straws are harmful to Earth.
Most plastic straws degrade, or come apart into smaller pieces. But they do
not biodegrade, or get broken down by living things such as bacteria. Ⓑ This
means that if you use a straw, it will remain on Earth forever. The National
Park Service says that Americans throw out about five hundred million
plastic straws every day.

Most drinking straws are known as “single-use plastics.”Ⓒ These are
plastics that are used once and thrown away. Ⓓ Other examples are plastic
wrap, forks, knives, spoons, and water bottles—none of which our school
offers. Many of these goods end up in oceans. Ⓔ One news report noted
that about eight million tons of plastic reaches the oceans every year. By
2050, the oceans might contain more plastic than fish!

Read the information in paragraph 2 and 3. Which sentences highlight
the harmful effects of plastic straws?

Select TWO correct answers.

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason the author thinks Birch Tree School should stop using plastic straws?

The main reason the author thinks the school should stop using plastic straws is because -

• a

• b

• c

• d

41

A.The school already has

other ways to help the
environment

B. Plastic straws will stay on

Earth forever and harm the
oceans

C. Paper towels are worse for

the environment than hand
dryers

D. Students enjoy picking up

trash from the playground

What is the MAIN
reason the author
thinks Birch Tree

School should stop

using plastic

straws?

Read

Stop

Jot!

Paragraphs 4-7

Stop and ask yourself:

●What is happening in the
text?

●What is the author’s
purpose and message?

●Which details from the text
support your understanding

This is important!

Underline key words

or details.

I don’t understand.

Readers are expected to…

1

2

3

43

What does the
author want the
reader to learn?

The author wants

the reader to

learn…

Multiple Choice

PART A: Which sentence best states a message in the article is?

The sentence that best states a message is -

• a

• b

• c

• d

Multiple Choice

PART B: Which sentence from the selection supports your answer to PART A?

The sentence that supports my answer is -

• a

• b

• c

• d

44

A. Schools must stop using plastic

straws to protect our
environment.

B. Ocean animals suffer greatly

from plastic waste in their
homes.

C. Many types of plastic straws

cannot be properly recycled.

D. Companies should make

straws from different materials.

Part A
Which sentence best states a
message in the article?

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then answer Part B.

A. Birch Tree School gives us many chances

to care for our planet. (paragraph 1)

B. One news report noted that about eight

million tons of plastic reaches the oceans
every year. (paragraph 3)

C. People all over the world have started

working to solve this problem.
(paragraph 5)

D. [...] it is time for Birch Tree School to

catch up with Earth-friendly people
everywhere and stop providing plastic
straws. (paragraph 7)

Part B
Which sentence from the selection
supports the answer to Part A?

45

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

SCR

Look-fors in SCR responses:
❏ A complete response will provide

one of the possible responses.

❏ Evidence is accurately used to

support the response.

❏ The response and the evidence to

support it are based on the text.

1 point

2 points

46

The author most likely wrote "The Problem with Plastic
Straws" to convince Birch Tree School to stop using plastic
straws in the lunchroom. The author gives evidence about
how plastic straws harm our planet by explaining that
they "do not biodegrade" and that "Americans throw out
about five hundred million plastic straws every day.." By
sharing these facts about plastic straw waste, the author
hopes to persuade her school to make this eco-friendly
change.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

46

The author most likely wrote "The Problem with Plastic
Straws" to

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

46

The author most likely wrote "The Problem with Plastic
Straws" to convince Birch Tree School to stop using plastic
straws in the lunchroom.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

46

The author most likely wrote "The Problem with Plastic
Straws" to convince Birch Tree School to stop using plastic
straws in the lunchroom. The author gives evidence about
how plastic straws harm our planet by explaining that
they "do not biodegrade" and that "Americans throw out
about five hundred million plastic straws every day.."

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

46

The author most likely wrote "The Problem with Plastic
Straws" to convince Birch Tree School to stop using plastic
straws in the lunchroom. The author gives evidence about
how plastic straws harm our planet by explaining that
they "do not biodegrade" and that "Americans throw out
about five hundred million plastic straws every day.." By
sharing these facts about plastic straw waste, the author
hopes to persuade her school to make this eco-friendly
change.

What is the most likely reason the author wrote the selection “The
Problem with Plastic Straws”? Support your answer with evidence
from the text.

47

Closing

48

DOL: Given an
argumentative text,
students will
correctly explain
the author's
purpose and
message in at least
4 of 5 questions.

10 MINUTE TIMER - COUNTDOWN TIMER (MINIMAL)

This 10-minute countdown timer is made for professional use and has some minimal sound effects in the last 5 seconds.

Demonstration of Learning