11/18 Main Idea & Theme Mini-Review

A CROW perishing with thirst saw a pitcher, and hoping to find water, flew to it with delight. When he reached it, he discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he could not possibly get at it. He tried everything he could think of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain. At last he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until he brought the water within his reach and thus saved his life.

What is the theme in the passage above?

• If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again.

• Nobody is perfect.

• You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

• Physical activity will help you when you least expect it.

A Mule once found a Lion’s skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Mule that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then every one knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound beating for the fright he had caused. Shortly afterwards, a Fox came up to him and said: “Ah, I knew you by your voice.”

What is the theme in the passage above?

• Don’t judge a book by its cover.

• It is better to be called a fool quietly than to open your mouth and confirm suspicions.

• Be careful what you wish for as your wishes might come true.

• Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

A HEAVY WAGON was being dragged along a country lane by a team of Oxen. The wheels groaned and creaked terribly; whereupon the Oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels: “Hello there! Why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we, not you, ought to cry out.”

What is the theme in the passage above?

• The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

• Work now and play later.

• Those who do the least work complain the most.

• Do not attempt too much at once.

Some dogs famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping in a river. Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with drinking long before they reached the hides.

What is the theme in the passage above?

• If at first you don't succeed, try, and try again.

• Do not attempt the impossible.

• You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

• Don't be greedy.

A monkey put his hand into a jar of cookies. He grasped as many as he could possibly hold, but when he tried to pull out his hand, he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the cookie jar. Unwilling to lose the cookies, and yet unable to withdraw his hand, he burst into tears and bitterly lamented his disappointment.

What is the theme in the passage above?

• Choose the lesser of two evils.

• There is strength in unity.

• If men had all they wished, they would be ruined.

• Don't be greedy.

Making a healthy snack is easy. You can use fresh fruits or vegetables. One healthy snack is carrots with dip. You can make another healthy snack out of apple slices with peanut butter, or you could make a mix of grapes and strawberries. Some cereals can also be used to make a healthy snack. One of my favorites is Cheerios mixed with raisins and chocolate chips.

Which answer best states the main idea of the paragraph?

• Some cereals can also be used to make a healthy snack.

• One healthy snack is carrots with dip.

• Making a healthy snack is easy.

There are many good reasons for kids to exercise. Exercise helps your heart, lungs, and muscles stay healthy. A little exercise each day can help you stay fit, and not gain too much weight. Exercise can also be fun and help you make friends. Playing a game of soccer is not only good for your body, but it also helps you learn how to get along with others and follow rules.

Which answer best states the main idea of the paragraph?

• There are many good reasons for kids to exercise.

• Exercise can also be fun and help you make friends.

• A little exercise each day can help you stay fit.

The most important meal of the day is breakfast. Skipping breakfast can leave your body without enough fuel to get through the morning. Your stomach will growl, and your brain will feel tired. You will have trouble concentrating at school. But, when you eat breakfast, your body gets the fuel it needs to go through the day. You are alert and able to concentrate.

Which answer best states the main idea of the paragraph?

• Your stomach will growl, and your brain will feel tired.

• The most important meal of the day is breakfast.

• You are alter and able to concentrate.

What is the theme?

• The moral, life lesson, or message of a story.

• The main character of a story.

• The central idea or point of the story.

• The problem in the story.

What is the main idea?

• The moral, life lesson, or message of a story.

• The main character of a story.

• The central idea or point of the story.

• The problem in the story.