Author's Purpose & Text Structure

In a text with a sequence text structure, the author

• describes a topic and its characteristics.

• tells about events in the order they happened.

• explains how things are similar and different.

• describes a problem and then explains how someone solved it.

In a text with a compare and contrast text structure, the author

• explains something that happened and the reasons why

• tells about events in the order they happened.

• explains how things are similar and different.

• describes a problem and then explains how someone solved it.

Identify the main text structure use in the passage below.

A river is a large natural stream of flowing water. The source of a river is the place where the river starts. This is usually the highest point in the river. Many rivers begin in springs, places where underground water flows to the Earth's surface. Some rivers begin in melting glaciers high up in the mountains or in lakes.

• sequence

• description

• cause and effect

• problem and solution

Identify the main text structure used in the passage below.

A current is a steady flow of water in the ocean. In the Pacific Ocean, garbage from the shore and ships gets trapped by ocean currents. The currents move the trash into a large area in the middle of the ocean. This has created a swirling mass of plastics and seawater called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

• cause and effect

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

• description

Choose the author's main purpose(s) in the passage below.

"Run to your nearest toy store and buy the Lazy Crazy Scooter today! Give your tired feet a rest as you zip through town in style on this motorized scooter. It's the best, craziest scooter around!"

• to persuade

• to inform

• to entertain

Choose the author's main purpose(s) in the passage below.

Many people believe that the world's largest desert is the Sahara. However, the world's largest desert is actually Antarctica.

• to persuade

• to inform

• to entertain

• to persuade, inform and entertain

Choose the author's main purpose(s) in the passage below.

The evil monster loomed above Ella, Joe, and John. It was taller than the Empire State Building, and it had green, scaly skin. Sparks flew out of its ears as it raised its fist. Ella, took a deep breath. "Are you ready?" she asked her friends.

• to persuade

• to inform

• to entertain

• to persuade, inform and entertain

When an author's main purpose is to inform, the text will include mostly ____________.

• opinions

• facts

• characters and a setting

• funny or imaginary details

True or false: An author can only use one letter of PIE when writing.

• True

• False

What do the letters of PIE stand for?

• persuade, investigate, examine

• program, interpret, entertain

• persuade, inform, experiment

• persuade, inform, entertain