Author's Purpose & Perspective | Practice Worksheet

Directions: Read each passage carefully. Then answer the questions about the author's purpose and perspective. Remember: Purpose = WHY the author wrote. Perspective = HOW the author FEELS about the topic.

Passage 1: The Amazing Public Library

Every child in our community should have a library card. The public library is an incredible resource that offers thousands of free books, movies, and educational programs. Libraries help students succeed in school by providing quiet study spaces and homework help. The friendly librarians are always eager to help you find exactly what you need. Getting a library card is easy and completely free. Don't wait another day - visit your local library and discover the wonderful world of reading!

Questions About Passage 1

1. What is the author's MAIN purpose for writing this passage?

O A. To entertain readers with a funny library story O B. To inform readers about library history O C. To persuade readers to get a library card O D. To explain how libraries organize books

2. What is the author's perspective on libraries?

O A. Libraries are boring and old-fashioned O B. Libraries are valuable and helpful resources O C. Libraries are too quiet for children O D. Libraries should charge for books

3. Which words from the passage show the author's positive perspective? Write TWO examples.

Passage 2: How Hurricanes Form

Hurricanes are large, rotating storm systems that form over warm ocean water. For a hurricane to develop, the ocean water must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm, moist air rises from the ocean surface, creating an area of low pressure below. As more air rushes in to fill this space, it begins to spin due to Earth's rotation. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on wind speed. Category 1 hurricanes have winds of 74-95 miles per hour, while Category 5 hurricanes have winds exceeding 157 miles per hour.

Questions About Passage 2

4. What is the author's purpose for writing this passage?

O A. To persuade readers to prepare for hurricanes O B. To inform readers about how hurricanes form O C. To entertain readers with a hurricane adventure O D. To convince readers that hurricanes are dangerous

5. Which sentence from the passage is a FACT?

O A. "Hurricanes are the most terrifying storms." O B. "Everyone should be afraid of hurricanes." O C. "Category 1 hurricanes have winds of 74-95 miles per hour." O D. "Hurricanes are unfortunately very common."

Passage 3: The Problem with Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are an environmental disaster that we must stop using immediately. These harmful bags take over 500 years to decompose in landfills. Even worse, millions of plastic bags end up in our oceans every year, where they kill sea turtles, fish, and birds who mistake them for food. Using plastic bags is wasteful and irresponsible when reusable bags are so easy to find. It's time for everyone to make the smart choice and switch to reusable bags. Our planet's future depends on it!

Questions About Passage 3

6. What is the author's perspective on plastic bags?

O A. Plastic bags are convenient and useful O B. Plastic bags are harmful and should not be used O C. Plastic bags are similar to paper bags O D. Plastic bags are too expensive

7. Which word from the passage shows the author's NEGATIVE perspective?

O A. "reusable" O B. "environmental" O C. "disaster" O D. "future"

8. Which sentence from the passage is an OPINION?

O A. "Plastic bags take over 500 years to decompose." O B. "Millions of plastic bags end up in our oceans every year." O C. "Using plastic bags is wasteful and irresponsible." O D. "Reusable bags are available in stores."

Passage 4: The Day My Dog Became a Detective

My dog Max has always been curious, but last Tuesday he became a full-time detective. It started when my little sister's favorite teddy bear went missing. Max sniffed around the house with his nose to the ground, looking very serious. He paused at the kitchen, then the bathroom, then suddenly bolted toward the laundry basket. There, buried under a pile of socks, was the teddy bear! We cheered and Max wagged his tail proudly. Now he wears a tiny detective hat and insists on solving every "mystery" in our house - including who ate the last cookie (it was me).

Questions About Passage 4

9. What is the author's purpose for writing this passage?

O A. To inform readers about dog behavior O B. To persuade readers to get a dog O C. To entertain readers with a funny dog story O D. To explain how to train a dog

10. How can you tell this passage is meant to entertain? Give one example.

Passage 5: Year-Round School

Some people believe year-round school would benefit students. Supporters say students forget too much over long summer breaks, and shorter, more frequent breaks would help them retain information better. However, others argue that children need extended summer time for family vacations, summer camps, and unstructured play. Critics also point out that year-round schedules create problems for working parents and increase school air conditioning costs. Both sides have valid points, and communities must weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Questions About Passage 5

11. What is the author's perspective on year-round school?

O A. Year-round school is definitely the best choice O B. Year-round school is a terrible idea O C. The author presents both sides without taking a side O D. Summer breaks should be longer

12. How is the author's approach in Passage 5 DIFFERENT from the author in Passage 3 (plastic bags)?