Smile Sleuths

About This Worksheet

Smile Sleuths helps students identify an author’s purpose within an informational health passage. The text explains why brushing teeth is important and provides supporting facts. Students must underline clue words and determine the author’s purpose. This worksheet emphasizes evidence-based reasoning.

At this level, students are expected to support their answers with text evidence. This worksheet requires them to find specific phrases that reveal purpose. Students learn that informational texts often include facts, explanations, and instructions. This strengthens their ability to recognize informative writing.

The activity also connects reading with real-life habits. Students engage with meaningful content while practicing comprehension skills. This increases motivation and retention.

Curriculum and Grade Alignment

Aligned with Common Core RI.3.1 and RI.3.6, this worksheet focuses on using evidence and identifying author’s purpose. It also supports RI.3.2 for understanding main ideas. TEKS standards for informational text analysis are also supported.

Students practice evidence-based reading. This strengthens comprehension skills.

Student Tasks

Students read the passage carefully. They underline at least five clue words or phrases. They identify the author’s purpose and explain their reasoning.

Students use text evidence. This builds reasoning skills. The task reinforces comprehension.

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

Students may identify the purpose but struggle to find supporting evidence. Others may underline irrelevant details. Teachers should model how to find meaningful clues.

Guided practice improves accuracy.

Implementation Guidance

Use this worksheet during lessons on informational texts. Model how to identify key phrases. Encourage students to justify their answers.

Discussion deepens understanding.

Details and Features

Informational health topic.
Focus on evidence identification.
Includes written explanation.