Theme and Motif

Mark any of the following terms that are motifs.

• a child

• family

• teamwork

• anger

• volcanoes

A motif is a big subject or concept explored in a story.

• True

• False

A theme is...

• one word.

• a sentence that summarizes what happens in a story.

• a sentence that applies to all people.

• a statement that uses details from the story.

A motif is used to ...

• write an essay.

• write a good theme statement.

• characterize a character.

• determine the conflict in the story.

A theme can be found in what kind of literature?

• informational

• persuasive

• nonfiction

• fiction

Which one of these is not a theme?

• moral of the story

• character perspective

• central message

• life lesson

How many themes can a piece of literature have?

• unlimited

• one or two

• only one

• a handful

What can a reader use to write themes in a piece of literature?

• Cliches, like:

  "Live life to the fullest." & "What goes around comes around."

• The behavior of the main characters.

• How the conflict is resolved and the story ends.

• Your opinion of the story.

A theme is based on motifs found in the reading.

• True

• False

A theme is one word long.

• True

• False