About This Worksheet
This worksheet is a reading analysis activity that focuses on understanding purpose in business writing. It is designed for 12th-grade students and helps them identify both primary and secondary intentions in a memo. Students learn how specific words and phrases reveal why a message is written. For example, a sentence like “this change is designed to reduce delays” clearly shows a purpose behind the message.
Curriculum and Grade Alignment
This worksheet aligns with Common Core standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.6, which focuses on analyzing author’s purpose. It also supports CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.1 by requiring evidence from the text. Students should already understand basic informational reading before completing this activity. This prepares them for analyzing workplace communication. It also connects to TEKS ELAR 12.5, which focuses on analyzing purpose and audience.
Student Tasks
On this worksheet, students will read a business memo about a new process. They identify the main purpose and any secondary purpose. Students also underline or copy phrases that show intent. In the final questions, they explain why the memo is more informative than persuasive.
Common Challenges and Misconceptions
Students may confuse main purpose with supporting details. Some might struggle to find clear evidence in the text. Others may not recognize that a message can have more than one purpose. Teachers can help by guiding students to focus on key phrases.
Implementation Guidance
Teachers can use this worksheet during lessons on workplace writing. It works well as guided practice or independent work. Parents can use it to help students understand real-world communication. This worksheet builds practical reading skills.
Details and Features
The worksheet includes a realistic memo and structured questions. It provides space for written responses. The format encourages evidence-based thinking. It is printable and easy to use in different settings.