Theme

Which of the following is true about a theme? Select TWO correct answers.

• theme is a short summary for a fictional text

• theme is the same in every text

• theme can be determined when the reader analyzes the conflict that is overcome

• theme can only be determined if there is a happy ending

• theme is a life lesson or message

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Jessica sobbed for hours trying to think of a way out of having to tell her father she wrecked her new car. After stewing over it for quite some time, she called her father on his cell phone. "Thank you," he said. Jessica sighed with relief. Although her father was disappointed with Jessica's carelessness, her father appreciated Jessica's honesty.

Which is the best theme?

• Crying heals the soul.

• Truth produces positive outcomes.

• Driving is a dangerous sport.

• A bad deed deserves a good punishment.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Kim had gone through her closet with her mom over the weekend. Kim wondered what she could do with her clothes. She remembered a new, sad-looking girl at school who always seemed to wear the same pants over and over. The next day, she handed the new girl a bag as she passed her in the hallway. The new girl was surprised, peeked in the bag, and smiled. Later that week, the new girl happily thanked Kim as she wore her new outfit. Kim instantly felt warmth in her heart and asked the new girl to join her for lunch.

Which is the best theme?

• Sacrifice is difficult sometimes.

• Thoughtfulness brings people together.

• Friendship is the most important thing in life.

• It's important to look good.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

"You can do it!" shouted her father, as he pushed Chloe and let go. She was going on her own, but suddenly fell. She cried, but said, "Again, daddy!" This time she went farther but fell into the ditch. A few moments later, she was riding down the street, smiling from ear to ear.

Which is the best theme?

• You should sacrifice for others.

• Your family will do anything for you.

• When you are greedy, you will fall.

• You should never give up.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Jim was stacking boxes at work. There was a certain height he had to reach. He stretched his body, but could not reach to place the final box at the top. Bill happened to see Jim struggling and came to his rescue, since he was a foot taller.

Which is the best theme?

• Teamwork can accomplish any goal.

• There are disadvantages to being short.

• One must work hard to reach a goal.

• Some jobs are just too hard.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Susie was waiting for Tina to arrive in the crowded lunch room. She looked through the crowd to see if she could spot Tina from afar. Tina was standing in an area all by herself. She had a perplexed look on her face, as there were no other seats available. Thankfully, Susie had saved her a seat, and all was well.

Which is the best theme?

• Some tasks can be achieved with persistence.

• Tardiness has its consequences.

• A good friend will look after you.

• Confusion gets you no where.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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

• Skim through the story
• Just read the beginning of the story
• Think about what the character has learned
• Read the ending of the story

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

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?

• A little persistence and intelligence can result in a positive outcome.

• Being honest has its benefits.

• You should always share with others.

• Life is easier for some while difficult for others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of the following quotes supports the theme: Being afraid can prevent us from doing what we are really capable of in life.

• "Due to her fear of public speaking, Anna passed up the opportunity to speak at a national conference.”

• "Each week, her sewing instructor helped her."

• "Ming's mother, and graphic designer, traded her time with our neighbor, Mr. Phillips, a music teacher, so he could get quality piano lessons.”

• "Joanna smiled and burst out laughing when Chip started dancing in the middle of the crowded store. She loved how he was not scared of making a fool out of himself.”

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

A dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow bridge, he looked down and saw his reflection in the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy dog thought he saw a real dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own. If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a foolish dog he had been. What is the theme?

• Being will bring you fortune.

• Greed never results in anything good.

• Always share your things with others.

• Be respectful to others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2