Theme Middle School

When writing theme statements, we should avoid . . .

• Using absolutes

• Using clichés

• Referencing specific characters or plot features from the story

• All of these answers

Which of the following theme statements does NOT use absolutes?

• There is always a way to compromise.

• Stand up for what is right even when it is difficult.

• Never give up.

• You should never doubt yourself.

What is a theme?

• a topic of a passage

• a unifying idea about life

• the main idea of the selection

• a summary that includes the major plot points

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

• Friendship

• Friendships can teach you important life long lessons.

• Sonja and Mariel were no longer friends due to a big misunderstanding.

• First Jean forgot to study, then he asked to cheat off his friend's test, the teacher caught them, and Jean received a zero.

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

• "Fear, you don't own me!”

• Some people are scared of heights.

• Self-esteem is something that is lacking in a lot of preteens.

• You should find your own self worth instead of relying on other people's opinions.

Which of the following quotes supports the theme: Being afraid can prevent us from doing what we are really capable of in life.

• "Due to her fear of public speaking, Anna passed up the opportunity to speak at a national conference.”

• "Sonya stepped back from the edge since she felt a little queasy when she looked down.”

• "Ming's mother, and graphic designer, traded her time with our neighbor, Mr. Phillips, a music teacher, so he could get quality piano lessons.”

• "Joanna smiled and burst out laughing when Chip started dancing in the middle of the crowded store. She loved how is was not scared of making a fool out of himself.”

Your past does not determine the person you can become in the future.

This sentence is most likely an example of:

• main idea

• summary

• theme

• topic

Israel caught the pass and ran towards the end zone like his life depended on it. He dodged and jumped over the opposing players who were coming towards him like heat guided missiles. Israel was 5 yards from the end zone and could see someone coming at him from the side. As the opponent dove towards him, Israel did a front flip into the end zone. He turned towards the score board and what he saw made his heart jump for joy. 21-18. They did it! Not only were they undefeated, they are now state champions. Israel triumphantly lifted the ball above his head. Despite the numerous obstacles he had last season, he had broken all of his school's rushing yards this year. Israel unconsciously rubbed his knee and thought back to the preseason game last year when he blew out his knee, had surgery, and spent months in rehab wondering if he would ever take the field again. He could almost feel the pain he had experienced. There were times he was close to giving up, but he pushed through by visualizing a moment just like this one. His teammates finally made it to the end zone to celebrate with him. As they lifted him up on their shoulders, he smiled out at the crowd cheering for them and held the football up in victory. Which of the following is most likely a theme of the passage?

• You need the support of your family to overcome the challenges.

• You should stay humble and avoid bragging about your accomplishments.

• Through determination and hard work, you can overcome challenges in order to achieve a goal

• Some dreams are unrealistic and should be kept to yourself if you want them to come true at some point in your life.

Which of the following is an example of a theme in literature?

• A) Love conquers all.

• B) The cat sat on the mat.

• C) The sun rises in the east.

• D) Water is wet.

What is the main purpose of a theme in a story?

• A) To entertain the reader.

• B) To provide a moral or lesson.

• C) To describe the setting.

• D) To introduce the characters.