Difference Between Theme and Main Idea

This is a central message, lesson, or moral of the story.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

This tells what the story is mostly about. It's like a one-sentence summary.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• The tortoise and the hare had a race.

• The tortoise was a show-off.

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• The hare was determined.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Choose the main idea from the choices below.

• Teamwork makes the dream work.

• Working together makes you stronger.

• The team won the game when they worked together.

• Hard work pays off.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• Connor was a jerk and used to getting his own way.

• She smiled nicely but then turned around and spread rumors about the other girl.

• Actions speak louder than words.

• He made excuses for everything!

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Is this an example of theme or main idea?

George tries to take care of Lennie but eventually realizes that he can’t.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Is this an example of theme or main idea?

You can overcome obstacles in your life if you try hard enough.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

This provides specific details about the text.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

The reader makes an inference to figure this out.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Theme or Main Idea?

The choices you make always have consequences.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2