6th Grade - Author's Purpose & Message

What is an author's purpose?

• The reason the author started writing

• The reason the author wrote this particular text

• The reason the author enjoys writing

• The purpose of life

What does an author's message refer to?

• The main idea of the text

• The topics of the text

• The universal message or lesson

• Supporting details

Katina and her brother, Jess were playing with the water hose outside one day. Jess was hiding from Katina so she wouldn't squirt him with the water. The back door opened and Katina pointed the water hose toward the door. It was Mom and she was dripping wet!

The purpose of this selection is mainly to -

• show kids how fun a water hose fight can be

• encourage kids to be careful when playing pranks

• teach kids to think before they act

• share with kids a fun summer activity

"Gabby! Run!" the zookeeper yelled. A baby hippo was running full speed toward Gabby.

Why does the author use exclamation marks?

• To show the importance of hippo health

• To describe the speaker's thoughts

• To emphasize the danger of the situation.

To scuba dive, a diver must first be an excellent swimmer. Then there is much gear to learn about. After that, the diver needs to practice wearing a mask and an oxygen tank. Finally, some dive lessons are required.

The reader can tell this paragraph is written to -

• Show the reader the steps in learning to scuba dive

• Persuade the reader that scuba diving is a worthwhile activity

• Emphasize the importance of scuba diving

Jose and Trevor were stuck on their project. They were trying to create a walking robot just like everyone else. But then Jose said,"Why don't we just do something differently? We could create a water robot! Soon the boys figured out their own ideas to make the water robot a success.?

What is the main message of the story?

• Thinking creatively helps people achieve their goals.

• Showing respect to the boss is an important part of any job.

• People who have courage will find that there is nothing to fear.

Makayla, Izzie, and Gabbie were having a hard time completing their math project. Then the teacher said the project could be completed in groups, and the best group would win. After joining together, the three girls had a much easier time completing the work.

What is the main message of the story?

• Winning does not matter as long as you try hard.

• Working with others can be better than working on your own.

• The best ideas come to those who are patient.

• Taking a risk is more important than making a mistake.

Would you like to come home after a long day and walk into an elephant? You would if you lived in The Elephant House in Margate, New Jersey, which was built in 1881 by James Lafferty. Herbert Green built a chicken-shaped house in 1962. Sarah Winchester spent 38 years building a ghost proof house with fake chimneys, doors that opened into walls, and stairs that led nowhere. And a man named Baldasera spent forty years building an underground house with ninety rooms for about $300. If you think your plans for your house are too unusual, think again!
7. This author believes that- 

• No house plans are too unusual.

• People should stick with traditional designs. 

• Underground homes are impractical. 

• Homes should be built quickly. 

Evan loved to roast his friends. He would come up with great jokes that'd make everyone laugh, but sometimes his friends would get mad or sad because of what he had said. Whenever they tried to talk to him about it he'd say, "Bruh, learn to take a joke!" One day Evan's friend Brisa roasted him so bad that it got the whole class laughing. Evan could feel his face turn red with shame. When he tried to talk to Brisa about how hurt he was, Brisa responded, "Bruh, learn to take a joke!"

• A good joke is worth the pain.

• Treat others as you want to be treated.

• Don't let things hurt your feelings.

• Choose your friends carefully.

Jenny helped the elderly lady across the street and held the door open for her as she slowly walked into the grocery store. What does this passage tell us about Jenny?

• She is impatient.

• She is tired.

• She is caring and considerate.

• She is frustrated.