Theme Identification Quiz

Read the following passage from a story. Rohan triumphantly lifted the trophy above his head. Despite all the obstacles, he had won. Beneath his cheerful exterior, he felt a twinge of the constant pain he’d learned to live with. Almost unconsciously, Rohan removed one hand from the trophy and rubbed the thin red scar that snaked around his ankle. He thought back to the surgery and the weeks spent lying in his bed, unable to compete. The months of exercises to strengthen his leg. “Rohan!” he heard the crowd scream, as if in slow motion. A smile broke across Rohan’s face, shattering his thoughts. He returned his hand to his trophy, firmly grasping it. Which of the following is most likely a theme of the story?

• Some goals are too hard to achieve even if you try many times.

• Through determination, you can overcome big challenges.

• You need the support of your family to overcome challenges.

• When you achieve a goal, you shouldn’t brag about it.

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CCSS.RL.5.2

Themes are about universal topics. For example, a topic could be compassion, relationships or fate. A theme is often stated as a judgment about one of these topics. For example, a theme about the topic of relationships could be "relationships teach you important lessons." Which of the following could be the theme of a story?

• You can never turn your back on your family.

• A young girl returns to her family after moving far away.

• Most people have at least one brother or sister.

• “I’ll never speak to you again,” she said quietly to her mother.

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CCSS.RL.5.2

Read the following passage from a story. Eriene gazed across the field, noticing how peaceful Creature’s Cove seemed now. The only evidence of the battle were the scorched patches of earth dotting the landscape like a sunburn. Eriene clasped the jade pendant that dangled heavily under her robe. Her great-aunt’s words echoed in her head. "This necklace has always belonged to the protector of what is good and just in the kingdom. Now, it belongs to you." Eriene had passed her first test, the dragon no longer a threat to the kingdom’s way of life. Wisps of smoke drifted up from the land that its poisonous breath had burned. Soon, new grass would poke through, and memories of the battle would recede into the past. But Eriene knew this was not the end. This dragon lay slain in the Yonderland. But its spirit would return again and again in different forms. Which of the following is most likely a theme of the story?

• Evil can easily be defeated.

• Good people are difficult to find.

• Good and evil always exist together in the world.

• People often forget the things they don't want to remember.

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CCSS.RL.5.2

Read the following passage. The last time George saw Charity, they were eight years old, building forts of dirt and sticks in the corner lot. When Charity’s family moved to Texas, George was heartbroken. There were 500 miles between them, but to George, she may as well have moved to the moon. For a time, George mourned the loss of their friendship. But much to his surprise, a letter appeared in his mailbox the next week. It was the first of many sharp, funny letters in which Charity’s unique personality leaped off the page. Through this correspondence, George followed six years of events in Charity’s life: her family’s many moves, her struggles in school, her triumphs playing the violin. He hoped that she looked forward to his responses as much as he looked forward to hers. What is the main idea of the passage?

• People can remain good friends even if they are separated.

• A boy remains friends with a girl who's far away by writing letters.

• As people grow up and go through hard times, they lose their innocence.

• A boy's relationship with a good friend ends after she moves away.

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CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which detail from the passage provides the best clue that a theme of the story is "technology can have good effects"?

• The suspect had somehow entered the store, stolen the artwork and exited without any trace or fingerprints.

• Marta paced, her movements matching her storm of thoughts.

• Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the new technological device she had been given to use, which she'd been avoiding like the plague.

• She had been pondering for hours, but 30 seconds with this device, and she could find her answer!

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CCSS.RL.5.2

Which sentence from the passage provides the best clue that a theme of the story is "Courage can be found in the people you least expect it"?

• "Why don't you carry them the rest of the way?" he responded irritably.

• "How far had the samples gone?"

• "The wind roared angrily, churning flakes of snow that had newly begun to fall."

• "He was the smallest and youngest of the group, barely strong enough to carry his large backpack."

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CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.2

The sentence is an example of a

• plot.

• character.

• main idea.

• theme.

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CCSS.RL.5.2

Read the following passage. George and Charity were childhood friends who spent their days building forts and playing in the neighborhood. When Charity moved to Texas, George felt a deep sense of loss. Despite the distance, they maintained their friendship through letters, sharing their lives and experiences. Charity's letters were filled with humor and stories of her adventures, which George eagerly awaited. Over the years, their bond grew stronger through their written words. What does the passage suggest about George and Charity's friendship?

• Distance can strengthen friendships through consistent communication.

• Childhood friendships often fade away with time and distance.

• Writing letters is an outdated form of communication.

• George and Charity's friendship was based on their childhood games.

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CCSS.RI.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.2

Themes often reflect universal truths or insights. For instance, a topic might be love, courage, or destiny. A theme is usually expressed as a perspective on one of these topics. For example, a theme about the topic of courage could be "courage helps you overcome obstacles."

Which of the following could be the theme of a story?

• True friendship can withstand any challenge.

• A boy learns to ride a bicycle with his friends.

• Many people enjoy reading books in their free time.

• "I don't need your help," he said to his friend.

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CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Read the following passage.

George and Charity were childhood friends who spent their days building forts and playing in the neighborhood. When Charity moved to Texas, George felt a deep sense of loss. Despite the distance, they maintained their friendship through letters, sharing their lives and experiences. Charity's letters were filled with humor and stories of her adventures, which George eagerly awaited. Over the years, their bond grew stronger through their written words.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• Distance can strengthen friendships through consistent communication.

• Childhood friendships often fade away with time and distance.

• Writing letters is an outdated form of communication.

• George and Charity's friendship was based on their childhood games.