Broken Beliefs

About This Worksheet

This worksheet focuses on author’s purpose, which means understanding why the author wrote the text. It uses a powerful example from Elie Wiesel’s Night. Your child will explore how a person’s beliefs can change during hard times. In simple terms, they are learning that authors write to teach, show feelings, or share important messages.

Curriculum and Grade Alignment

This is a Grade 11-level activity that builds strong reading and thinking skills. Students are expected to understand not just what happens in a text, but why it matters. This aligns with Common Core standards about analyzing purpose and meaning.

Student Tasks

Your child will:

• Identify the author’s main purpose
• Find details that show that purpose
• Think about why the author focuses on certain ideas
• Look at how tone prepares the reader
• Explain the message in their own words

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

Students often mix up purpose and main idea. Purpose is the reason for writing, while main idea is the message. Some may also focus only on events instead of deeper meaning.

Implementation Guidance

At home, you can ask, “Why do you think the author shared this story?” or “What lesson is the author trying to teach?” These simple questions help build understanding.

Details and Features

• Based on real historical writing
• Focus on purpose and tone
• Encourages emotional and thoughtful reading
• Helps students connect ideas to meaning