How to Find the Theme

Read the paragraph below from the section "How To Identify Themes In Literature." Write down the main literary elements. Literary elements include the plot, how the characters are presented, where the story is set, the language style and so on. What were the conflicts in the story? What was the most important moment? Does the author resolve the conflict? How did the story end?       
What conclusion can the reader make based on this paragraph?

• Asking questions can help a reader understand theme.

• It is usually harder to identify the plot than the theme. 

• Authors always resolve conflicts in their stories.

• Important moments in stories always come at the end.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

Which option accurately compares HOW the author feels about symbols and plots?

• They both make it hard for readers to find the theme. 

• They can both help readers find the theme.

• Symbols are hard to find, but plots are an easy way to find the theme.

• Symbols are easy to find, but plots are a hard way to find the theme.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.6

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RL.6.6

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

An idea about life or human nature that an author is trying to share with readers

• Main Idea

• Theme

• Topic

• Hyperbole

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

What is the best definition of THEME?

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

• location and time of the story

• events that occur in the story

• author's reason for writing a story

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

What is the definition of theme?

• how an author reveals a character's traits

• time and place a story takes place

• character vs. self

• author's message about life or human nature

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

What is the best definition of THEME?

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

• location and time of the story

• events that occur in the story

• author's reason for writing a story

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RL.5.10

CCSS.RL.6.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

Which of these things is not related to the "theme" in a story?

• how a character is feeling

• a "life lesson" the main character learns

• a big idea that people from any culture or any place can understand

• the moral of the story

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which of these would be a good example of theme in a story?

• math is difficult

• if you steal, something bad will happen to you

• pets make people happy

• respect for others

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.4.2