Grade 4 · Reading · Informational

4th Grade Author's Purpose worksheets

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Author's Purpose

Grade 4 Reading Worksheet

NameDate

Read each text. Circle the author's purpose.

1.
Everyone should walk to school. It is good for your body, and it is better for the air. Leave the car at home tomorrow and try it!
- persuade
- entertain
- inform
2.
A giraffe is the tallest animal on land. An adult can grow to about eighteen feet. Its long neck helps it reach leaves high in the trees.
- inform
- persuade
- entertain
3.
Once upon a time, a sleepy turtle tried to win a race against a hare, and he stopped to take three naps. The crowd was laughing so hard that the hare woke up.
- persuade
- inform
- entertain
4.
To make a paper boat, fold a sheet of paper in half. Then fold the top corners down to the middle. Fold up the bottom edges and open the middle.
- persuade
- inform
- entertain
5.
You need the new Zoom Sneakers! They are the lightest shoes you will ever wear, and every kid should have a pair.
- persuade
- inform
- entertain

4th Grade Author's Purpose worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Authors write to persuade, to inform or to entertain. Each sheet has five short texts, and under each one your child circles persuade, inform or entertain. Persuade tries to change what you think or do, inform gives facts, and entertain is meant to be fun to read.

Building Confidence offers two choices and the other levels three.

What your child will learn

Tell persuade from inform and entertain
Find clues in the words an author chooses
Know that facts inform and stories entertain

Common Core standard: RI.4.8

Worked example

Everyone should walk to school, so leave the car at home tomorrow. The author wants you to do something, so the purpose is to persuade.

Common mistake

Calling a text with a few facts inform when the author is really asking the reader to do something.

Helpful hint

Persuade tries to change what you think or do. Inform gives facts. Entertain is meant to be fun to read.

Next skill: Fact and Opinion Earlier: Explain Events, Procedures, and Ideas

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with author's purpose?

Calling a text with a few facts inform when the author is really asking the reader to do something.

How can I help my child with author's purpose?

Persuade tries to change what you think or do. Inform gives facts. Entertain is meant to be fun to read.

Are these 4th grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 4th grade informational

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