Understanding Theme

Which category best identifies the text pictured?

• universal THEME

• abstract TOPIC

• text DETAILS

Where can a reader find the theme?

• It stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

Which is it?

• Theme Topic

• Moral

• Main Idea

• Theme Statement

The best definition of theme is...

• The lesson the author is teaching. 

• The message the author is sending.

• A word that summarizes the story.

• The character's main problem.

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

Which of the following is an example of THEME?

• Carry your laptops with two hands at all times.

• Cereal is the healthiest food you can eat.

• How much wood a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.

• Life is short; make the most of it.

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.

• Don't brag. Be modest. 

• Don't talk to strangers. 

• What does the fox say?

What is the theme of this story? 

• Don't steal. 

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

• Being beautiful is the most important thing.

• Swans are prettier than ducks.

What is the theme of this story?

• Respect your elders.

• Don't steal.

• Don't be lazy.

• Help others because what goes around comes around.

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.