Identifying Theme

A long time ago there was a king who wanted nothing but gold. He wished that everything he touched would turn into gold. Then, one day, a magical fairy granted his wish. So, anything he tried to eat turned into gold, thus he starved to death.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't steal.

• Respect your elders.

• Work together.

• Don't be greedy.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

Which of the following is NOT an example of a theme?

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• The little boy lied to his mother.

• With hard work, you can accomplish anything.

• You shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.

What is the theme?

• Be honest.

• Always share with others.

• Be persistent.

• Respect your family.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

There once was an ugly duckling. The other ducks laughed at her, and she felt ashamed. Years later, she grew into a beautiful swan and far surpassed all of the other ducks that once shamed her.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't steal.

• Being beautiful is the most important thing.

• Swans are prettier than ducks.

• Don't judge others. You don't know what they are capable of.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

A lion was about to eat a mouse when the mouse pleaded, "Please, let me go, and someday I may help you." Laughing, the lion let the mouse go. Later, some hunters caught the lion in a trap. The mouse came along and chewed through the ropes and saved the lion's life.

What is the theme of this story?

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• Help others because what goes around comes around.

• Always tell the truth.

• It is okay to fail.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

What is the definition of theme?

• A life lesson, meaning, moral, or universal idea about life or human nature communicated in a story.

• The time and place of a story.

• The problem or issue in the story.

• The people, animals, or creatures who act out the action in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• Skim through the story.

• Read the beginning of the story.

• Think about what the character has learned.

• Read the end of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

Jared's best friend is having a party Friday night, but he also has a baseball game that's been scheduled since the start of the season.  This is going to be a tough decision.  If he does not go to the game, he will let his team down.

What is the theme?

• Being good at sports is the best way to get friends.

• It's important to never give up.

• It's important to be loyal and honor your commitments.

• Being a good friend is the first priority.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

Which of the following is an example of THEME?

• Carry your laptops with two hands at all times.

• Cereal is the healthiest breakfast food you can eat.

• It's dangerous to drive in severe thunderstorms.

• Life is short; make the most of it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.5

What is the main difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA. 

• Theme is a universal lesson and main idea is what a story is about.

• Theme is what a story is about and main idea is the universal lesson it teaches.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.2