Writing Theme Statements

Themes are universal because ...

• all humans share common experiences

• authors add them to make the writing meaningful

• the entire universe enjoys them

• the stories go on forever

Select the theme statement that could be inferred from the paining.

• Bombs are blasphemies.

• When you're a soldier, you see some stuff.

• War often traumatizes those who experience its horrors.

• War traumatizes you.

Which of the following statements about theme is TRUE?

• Authors NEVER use the same theme twice

• Themes only repeat in short stories

• All poems have the same theme

• The same themes can occur in different stories/different authors

You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by ...

• evaluating how a character has changed

• sharing a character's experience

• determining how the conflict has resolved

• ALL of the above

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

• A 35-year-old woman named Essie and her brother.

• A small apartment in Marfa, Texas.

• Telling the truth may cause you pain, but in the end, it's better than lying.

• Essie lied to her brother about her identity for two years, but she finally decided to tell him the truth.

Read the following sentence: Friendship helps people get through hard times. The sentence is an example of a

• plot

• character

• main idea

• theme

Which of the following best defines a theme statement?

• A general statement about life or human nature that the author conveys through the story.

• A detailed summary of the plot.

• A description of the main character's personality.

• A list of the story's events in chronological order.

What is the primary purpose of a theme statement in literature?

• To summarize the plot.

• To provide a moral lesson or insight.

• To describe the setting.

• To introduce the characters.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good theme statement?

• It is specific to one character's experience.

• It is universal and can apply to many situations.

• It is a complete sentence.

• It reflects the author's message.

In the context of writing theme statements, what does 'universal' mean?

• Applicable to all people regardless of culture or time period.

• Specific to the author's personal experiences.

• Limited to the story's setting.

• Only relevant to the main character.