Worked example
To plant a bean, fill a small pot with soil. Make a shallow hole, cover the seed and add water.
What is the main purpose?
Answer & why
Answer: To explain a process.
The ordered steps explain how to carry out a task.
Grade 7 · Reading & language
Identify a text’s purpose
Infer an author's main purpose from language and structure.
8 authored questions + worked example
Add to plan
All questions
All 8 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
Wet paint: do not touch the handrail until the sign is removed.
What is the main purpose?
- To explain a process.
- To warn about a hazard.
- To invite participation.
- To persuade readers to support a change.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To warn about a hazard.
The message identifies a danger and tells readers how to avoid it.
Question 2
Join our Saturday seed swap at ten. Bring spare seeds and exchange growing ideas with neighbors.
What is the main purpose?
- To persuade readers to support a change.
- To entertain with a story.
- To explain a process.
- To invite participation.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To invite participation.
The text asks readers to attend and contribute.
Question 3
To plant a bean, fill a small pot with soil. Make a shallow hole, cover the seed and add water.
What is the main purpose?
- To explain a process.
- To entertain with a story.
- To report an event.
- To persuade readers to support a change.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To explain a process.
The ordered steps explain how to carry out a task.
Question 4
Our school should add a bike rack. More secure spaces could help families choose cycling.
What is the main purpose?
- To report an event.
- To entertain with a story.
- To compare two options.
- To persuade readers to support a change.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To persuade readers to support a change.
The text asks readers to support a proposal and gives a reason.
Question 5
The little cloud refused to rain until a passing kite taught it a dance.
What is the main purpose?
- To report an event.
- To describe a place.
- To compare two options.
- To entertain with a story.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To entertain with a story.
The imaginary event and character form a story.
Question 6
On Friday, the school team completed its park clean-up. Twenty volunteers collected litter along two paths.
What is the main purpose?
- To report an event.
- To describe a place.
- To compare two options.
- To warn about a hazard.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To report an event.
The text states what happened, when and who took part.
Question 7
The bus costs less, but the train takes less time. Both routes reach the museum before noon.
What is the main purpose?
- To invite participation.
- To warn about a hazard.
- To describe a place.
- To compare two options.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To compare two options.
The text sets out differences between two choices.
Question 8
A narrow lane bends between stone walls. At its end, a bright red door faces a quiet courtyard.
What is the main purpose?
- To invite participation.
- To describe a place.
- To warn about a hazard.
- To explain a process.
A hint
Look at what the text asks the reader to know, feel or do.
Answer & why
Answer: To describe a place.
Sensory and spatial details describe the setting.