Theme and Inference

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Cinderella was thoughtful and kind.

• Jack risked his life to save Jane.

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

• Happiness

Which is an example of theme?

• Connor overcame his obstacles with his mindset.

• Risa took a bad situation and made the most of it.

• People's decisions are often an indication of their true character.

• Jack is a follower.

A Dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow bridge, he looked down and saw his reflection in the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy Dog thought he saw a real Dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own. If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the Dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about the good bone he had lost, he realized what a foolish Dog he had been.
What is the theme?

• Be honest.

• Don't be greedy.

• Always share your things with others.

• Be respectful to others.

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.
What is the theme?

• Be persistent.

• Be honest.

• Always share with others.

• Respect your family.

In a narrative about a community that comes together to clean up a polluted river, what theme is most likely being explored?

• Pollution is inevitable in modern cities.

• Community action can lead to environmental change.

• Individual actions do not affect the environment.

• Technology will solve all environmental issues.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

You are given a short story where a young protagonist overcomes their fear of the dark by discovering the beauty of the stars. What could be a potential theme of this story?

• The importance of technology in modern society.

• Overcoming personal fears can lead to new discoveries.

• Friendship is necessary for personal growth.

• The impact of nature on human emotions.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Read the sentences below. Select TWO lines from the poem that BEST support each inference. At the start of the poem, the speaker thinks the bird is calm. At the end of the poem, the speaker thinks the bird is nervous.

In a piece of narrative text, what is the "theme"?

• What the story is about

• The topic of the text

• A message the author is trying to get across to the reader

• Where and when the story happens

In a story about a group of children who build a treehouse together, which theme is most supported by the narrative?

• The dangers of outdoor activities.

• The value of teamwork and collaboration.

• The importance of following instructions.

• The need for adult supervision.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

A novel features several characters from different backgrounds who come together to save a historic building. What theme is likely being explored?

• The inevitability of modernization.

• The preservation of history is crucial for community identity.

• Personal interests should always come first.

• Technology is superior to tradition.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking