18 passages to help students practice identifying the author's purpose and the reasons the author gives to support his/her purpose. The skills included are appropriate for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students.The topics of the passages include: Sharks, colors, keeping clean teeth, soccer, being a good owner, dogs versus cats, the beach, books, water versus soda, firemen, saving money, baseball, baking, camping, snow cones, birthday, the stuffed bear, and show and tell. (Persuade