Study Guide

The following items will be tested on the assessment for the story, My Brother Martin..

1.  Vocabulary- Found in HAB

2.  Spelling words- Found in HAB

3.  Skill- Author’s Purpose

An author writes for many reasons. An author may give you facts or true information about a subject. Some authors write fiction stories or stories that are not true. They write these stories to entertain you. Other authors may write to persuade or to try to get you to do something.

Directions:

READ EACH OF THE FOLLOWING WRITINGS AND DECIDE WHETHER THE AUTHOR'S PURPOSE IS TO:

·  persuade

·  inform

·  entertain

1. HAMSTERS FOR SALE: Braxton Pet Store, Northwood Mall: We have a large selection of hamsters for sale this week. They are interesting pets and you will enjoy having one. They are only $ 17.99 this week. Come and buy yours today!

What is the author's purpose of this writing? ______

2. Calligraphy is a form of handwriting. A special pen must be used. Letters are formed using up and down strokes. Old documents are usually written in this form. Diplomas, certificates and other awards are written in calligraphy. It is an interesting form of handwriting.

What is the author's purpose of this writing? ______

3.Katina and her brother, Jesse, were playing with the water hose outside one day. Jesse was hiding from Katina so she wouldn't squirt him with the water. The back door opened and Katina pointed the water hose toward the door. It was Mom and she was dripping wet!

What is the author's purpose of this writing? ______

4.  Verb Tenses:

Past tense- tells about an action that has already happened.

Ex: Yesterday we went to the mall.

Last night he watched T.V.

Key words: Yesterday, Last Night

Hint: most past tense verbs end in -ed

Present tense- tells about an action that is taking place now.

Ex: He takes the mail down to the office.

He hurries to get to class on time.

Hints: most verbs just add –s

Some verbs drop the y and add –ies

Future tense-tells about an action that is going to happen.

Ex: Next year we will be in the play.

A week from now the students will work in pairs.

Key words: next year, a week from now

Hints: to write in the future, use the special verb will