Distinguishing Main Idea and Theme

The video tutorial explains the difference between the main idea and theme, using examples from movies like Cinderella and The Truman Show. It emphasizes that the main idea focuses on who, what, when, and where, while the theme conveys a deeper message or lesson. The tutorial also includes exercises to identify these elements in different contexts, such as a beach-themed paragraph.

What is the main difference between the main idea and the theme of a story?

• The main idea is the setting, while the theme is the characters.

• The main idea is a summary of the plot, while the theme is the underlying message.

• The main idea is the title, while the theme is the genre.

• The main idea is the author's name, while the theme is the publication date.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In the movie Cinderella, what is the main idea?

• A girl learns to cook and clean.

• A girl becomes a princess with the help of her fairy godmother.

• A girl goes on an adventure to find her lost shoe.

• A girl befriends a group of talking animals.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What should you include when describing the main idea?

• Who, what, when, and where.

• Only the main character's name.

• The book's publication date.

• The author's biography.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is the main idea of The Truman Show?

• A man writes a bestselling novel.

• A man travels around the world.

• A man becomes a famous actor.

• A man discovers his life is a reality TV show.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the main idea of the paragraph about the beach?

• The beach is a place to find treasure.

• The beach is the best place to be in the summer.

• The beach is a dangerous place.

• The beach is only for children.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is a possible theme of Cinderella?

• Kindness and perseverance.

• The power of silence.

• The importance of wealth.

• The dangers of traveling alone.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is a possible theme of The Truman Show?

• The importance of exercise.

• The value of education.

• The joy of cooking.

• The power of media.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the theme of the paragraph about Edward?

• The hurtfulness of betrayal.

• The joy of winning.

• The excitement of travel.

• The importance of studying.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What does the theme of a story usually convey?

• The setting of the story.

• A deeper meaning or message.

• The number of pages.

• The author's favorite color.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• The importance of honesty.

• The power of friendship.

• The consequences of greed.

• The number of chapters.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2