Theme or Main Idea

This is a central message, lesson, or moral of the story.

• Main Idea

• Theme

This tells what the story is mostly about. It's like a one-sentence summary.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• The tortoise and the hare had a race.

• The tortoise was a show-off.

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• The hare was determined.

Choose the main idea from the choices below.

• Teamwork makes the dream work.

• Working together makes you stronger.

• The team won the game when they worked together.

• Hard work pays off.

Is this a main idea or theme?

When you aren’t sure of a solution, use creativity and your imagination to solve the problem.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• Connor was a jerk and used to getting his own way.

• She smiled nicely but then turned around and spread rumors about the other girl.

• Actions speak louder than words.

• He made excuses for everything!

Is this a main idea or theme?

George tries to take care of Lennie but eventually realizes that he can’t.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Is this a theme or main idea?

You can overcome obstacles in your life if you try hard enough.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Is this a main idea or theme?

The choices you make always have consequences.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.  Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball.  They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.  Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates.
What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.
• Soccer players learn how to dribble.
• They learn how to work together as teammates.
• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.