Theme vs Main Idea

Front

Central message, lesson, or moral of the story.

Back

Theme

Front

Define topic:

Back

General subject of the text; one or two words

Front

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

Back

Main Idea

Front

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.

Back

Slow and steady wins the race.

Front

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.

Back

The team won the game when they worked together.

Front

When you aren’t sure of a solution, use creativity and your imagination to solve the problem. Is this a topic, main idea, or theme?

Back

Theme

Front

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!

Back

Actions speak louder than words.

Front

This provides specific details about the text.

Back

Main Idea

Front

Is this an example of theme or main idea? George tries to take care of Lennie but eventually realizes that he can’t.

Back

Main Idea

Front

Is 'Love' a topic, main idea, or theme?

Back

Topic