Grade Level
One great thing about making art is that you can use almost any supplies. In this project, you will create animal silhouettes from three simple supplies: old magazines, cardboard, and glue.
First, find a picture of an animal that you like. Copy its outline onto a piece of cardboard, and cut out the cardboard silhouette. Next, cut narrow strips from the magazines. The pages you choose will determine what colors the animal will be.
Now, glue the strips side by side onto the cardboard shape, with the ends extending beyond the cardboard's edges. Trim the strips carefully along the edges. Ta-da! Your colorful animal art piece is finished.
Which author's purpose?
A. To teach readers how to make animal silhouette art
B. To persuade readers to make art at home
C. To entertain readers with an interesting story about art.
A. To teach readers how to make animal silhouette art
We spot the long, daunting head as it emerges just above the dark river surface, only the dark eyes and nostrils showing. Then, the creature half-slides, half-lumbers onto the bank, its gray scales stacked, armor-like, along its body and mighty tail.
The only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators coexist is here in the Florida Everglades. This animal's sleek dark-gray skin, rather than tan or olive green, indicates that it is an alligator. In addition, it has a broad U-shaped nose, while most crocodile noses are V-shaped. It appears to be approximately eight feet long, typical for a female American alligator.
The mighty creature settles quietly into the spiky grass, stretching out its muscular body under the warmth of the afternoon sun.
What is the author's purpose?
A. to describe an alligator moving from the water to a bank
B. to describe the rivers and grasses in the Florida Everglades
C. Persuade readers of the dangers of the Florida Everglades
A. to describe an alligator moving from the water to a bank
I was very concerned by the school board's recent announcement that lunch breaks will be shortened next year. This may seem like a good idea now, but in the long run it will only hurt students.
The current lunch break gives students a chance to exercise and breathe fresh air. More importantly, it lets them take a break from their hard work. Shorter lunches don't give students enough time for a real break. For the sake of all students, contact the school board today and let them know that breaks matter!
What is the author's purpose?
A. To inform readers why lunch breaks are being shortened
B. To describe how students feel about shorter lunch breaks
C. To persuade readers to speak out against shorter lunch breaks
C. To persuade readers to speak out against shorter lunch breaks
Good study habits train your brain for success. Applying effective learning methods will not only improve your grades but, more importantly, increase your long-term knowledge.
Cramming at the last minute is ineffective. Instead, try to create a study routine. Schedule specific blocks of time to study every day. Next, find the best environment that helps you concentrate. Some students do better with the silence of a library, while others need the background noise or music of a public space.
Now that you have a time and a place, you need a strategy. Look at your tasks and make a list. Setting small, manageable goals for your study session will help you work efficiently. Do the most difficult assignments first, while your mind is fresh. Finally, do not be afraid to take limited breaks to restore your motivation.
What is the author's purpose?
A. to explain some productive study techniques to the readers
B. to inform the readers about the results of good study habits
C. to argue why cramming is bad for learning
A. to explain some productive study techniques to the readers
Butterflies perform one of nature's most spectacular tricks: metamorphosis. A butterfly begins life in its larval stage. After the larva, or caterpillar, eats huge amounts of food, it is ready for its awe-inspiring feat.
Commonly, the larva suspends itself from a branch and forms a hard cocoon from its own silk. Inside, the insect dissolves into a gooey liquid that still contains some organized cells that will form the new butterfly. Those cells divide and create the wings, antennae, legs, and other parts. Then, as if by magic, a complete butterfly emerges!
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
A. to inform readers about butterfly metamorphosis
B. to convince readers butterflies are magical
C. to describe the appearance of a new butterfly
A. to inform readers about butterfly metamorphosis
Voting age is a complex issue, but there are clear reasons why the age should be lowered from eighteen in the United States. First, many people younger than eighteen are employed and pay taxes. This is what early Americans called "taxation without representation." Also, many laws impact citizens under eighteen, and that could be called "regulation without representation."
Some people argue that young people lack the maturity or knowledge to vote responsibly. However, many young people are informed about and active in politics. Additionally, adult voters are not required to have specific knowledge or experience.
A number of nations already allow sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds to vote. This policy justly recognizes the rights of younger people. The U.S. should not be left behind.
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
A. To persuade readers the voting age should be lowered in the U.S.
B. To convince readers that young people lack the maturity to vote
C.To inform readers about the laws that impact younger U.S. citizens
A. To persuade readers the voting age should be lowered in the U.S.
A surprising number of health professionals recommend knitting for their patients' well-being. Yes, knitting!
Knitting is a fun way to improve your health. It focuses the body and mind on an activity. Its rhythmic movements often create a calm, meditative feeling that can help relieve stress and reduce pain.
Knitting keeps you healthy in other ways, too. Creating beautiful, useful products boosts confidence. Knitting can also help build social connections, which are known to benefit health. Many knitters enjoy meeting others in knitting groups.
Knitting is not too complicated to learn, so why not add it to your daily health routine?
What is the author's purpose?
A. to explain the steps it takes to focus the mind and body
B. to inform readers about the popularity of knitting
C. to persuade readers that knitting can improve health
C. to persuade readers that knitting can improve health
Preparing for a job interview requires some simple steps. First, be informed. Read the job description and individual requirements carefully. Prepare one or two specific questions to ask the interviewer about the position.
Next, know your strengths. Think about what you do well, what your skills are, and what experience you have that is most relevant to the job. Ask others what your best attributes are as well. Are you prompt and reliable? Well organized and resourceful? This step will help you to be confident and precise when asked about your assets.
One final consideration is what to wear. Different levels of formality may be appropriate for different job types. However, clothing should always be in good condition and free of conspicuous designs. Finally, before the interview starts, remember to take a breath and try to relax. Good luck!
What is the author's purpose?
A. To inform readers about experiences to highlight in an interview
B. to persuade readers to interview for a new job
C. to explain to readers what to do before an interview
D. To entertain readers with a story of someone failing an interview
C. to explain to readers what to do before an interview
Many musical instruments were invented so long ago that no one knows who invented them. However, the saxophone has a different, more recent history.
In the 1840s, a Belgian instrument maker, Adolphe Sax, wanted to improve the tone and range of the clarinet. He ended up inventing a new instrument. It had a mouthpiece like a clarinet's but a curved, cone-shaped metal body.
The instrument was featured at the 1844 Paris Industrial Exhibition. In 1846, Sax got a patent for his invention, which would eventually be named after him. He created fourteen different versions. Today, the main types, with different pitch ranges, are the tenor, soprano, alto, and baritone saxophones.
What is the author's purpose?
A. to persuade the reader to play a saxophone
B. to introduce the history of the saxophone
C. to describe the saxophone's range of tones
B. to introduce the history of the saxophone
Surfing is a rewarding sport to learn, but new surfers should learn how to stay safe in the water before they jump in. First-time surfers should begin by taking a lesson from an experienced instructor who knows the sport and ocean safety. Checking the weather and tides will help surfers know what to expect. They should learn how to handle different types of waves and surf only at sites appropriate to their level. Posted signs help surfers by indicating hazards such as dangerous currents.
Before leaving for the beach, surfers should always check that their equipment—surfboard, leash, and swimwear—is in good condition. In the water, awareness is the key to safety. Surfers should be alert to other surfers' positions and know surfing etiquette. Learn more in Safe to Surf or another surfing guidebook.
What author's purpose is suggested by the text?
A. to convince readers to buy surfing books or magazines
B. to teach readers important safety precautions surfers should take
C. to persuade readers that surfing is a tricky but fun sport to learn
B. to teach readers important safety precautions surfers should take