Purpose Appraisal

This worksheet helps students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 strengthen informational and analytical writing by comparing the purposes of two tools: a compass and a map. Rather than focusing on appearance, students analyze how each tool is used, identify similarities and differences in function, and organize their observations into a clear, well-structured paragraph that explains how the tools help users navigate and understand environments.

Learning Goals

• Compare and Contrast Based on Purpose (Grades 4-6) – Identify similarities and differences in how tools are used.
• Informational Writing Skills – Communicate factual information clearly and accurately.
• Analyzing Functional Text – Focus on use and purpose rather than surface features.
• Structured Paragraph Development – Organize ideas into a coherent, explanatory paragraph.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support informational writing and compare-and-contrast standards.
• Real-World Application – Helps students connect reading and writing skills to practical tools.
• Clear Focus on Function – Reinforces analytical thinking beyond visual description.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for writing workshops, small groups, independent practice, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students understand that compare-and-contrast writing can focus on how things work, not just how they look. By analyzing and explaining the purposes of a compass and a map, learners build confidence in functional analysis, paragraph organization, and clear informational writing. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens analytical reasoning and real-world literacy skills.

This worksheet is part of our Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheets collection.