Author’s Purpose Tracker

This worksheet supports students in Grades 6-8 as they practice critical reading, author’s purpose identification, evidence-based reasoning, vocabulary analysis, and close reading using an excerpt inspired by Rachel Carson. Students analyze language choices and ideas to determine whether the author’s purpose is to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain, building strong comprehension and analytical skills.

Skills Reinforced

• Determining Author’s Purpose (Grades 6-8) – Identify and distinguish between informing, persuading, entertaining, and explaining.
• Evidence-Based Reasoning – Support conclusions by underlining phrases and recording clear textual evidence.
• Informational Text Analysis – Examine how structure and ideas work together to communicate meaning.
• Word Choice & Vocabulary in Context – Analyze how specific language signals intent and influences readers.

Instructional Support

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with middle-grade ELA standards.
• Annotation & Chart-Based Tasks – Combines active reading with organized evidence tracking.
• Reflection Questions Included – Encourages students to justify their thinking and explain reasoning clearly.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for independent practice, guided instruction, small groups, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen purpose identification, critical thinking, and analytical reading by focusing on how authors communicate intent through language and ideas. It builds skills in evidence use, explanation, and reader awareness while reinforcing careful attention to word choice and meaning. Whether used in a classroom or a homeschool setting, this resource supports confident, thoughtful reading of informational and literary texts.

This worksheet is part of our author studies worksheet collection.