Theme and Summary Review

What is the best definition of THEME?

• A universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 

• The location and time of the story

• The events that occur in the story

• The author's reason for writing a story

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CCSS.RL.8.2

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

A theme is the big idea in a story. It's the message about people or the world that the author is trying to get across. Themes are universal, which means they are true in all times and all places. They apply to many different types of people.
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.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

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

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

Themes are about the big picture.

• TRUE

• FALSE

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

Restate the main points of the text in YOUR OWN WORDS.

• inferences

• plot

• resolution

• summary

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

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CCSS.RL.5.3

Which of the following best describes how a theme is conveyed through a story?

• Through the title of the story only

• Through the explicit opinions of the narrator

• Through a combination of character actions, dialogue, and story events

• Through the description of the setting only

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

What will help you determine the theme of a text?

• Analyzing the setting and how it impacts the characters.

• Thinking about the characters, their problems, and how they respond to those problems.

• Applying background knowledge to infer the characters' personalities.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

Themes in literature are important because they:

• Provide a simple summary of the plot.

• Help readers connect the story to broader, universal ideas.

• Focus only on the entertainment aspect of the story.

• Are explicitly stated to avoid confusion.

Answer explanation

Themes in literature are important because they help readers connect the story to broader, universal ideas.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

The theme of a story is often not directly stated but can be inferred by:

• The descriptions of the setting.

• The actions and decisions of the characters.

• The length of the story.

• The title of the story only.

Answer explanation

The theme of a story can be inferred by the actions and decisions of the characters, as they often reflect the underlying message or moral of the story.

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

• A

• B

• C

• D

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CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2