Theme vs Central Idea

Theme vs Central Idea

Similarities & Differences

Similarities

• Both focus on an idea the author is trying to get across to the reader through the text.

• The theme and central idea are usually not directly stated.

• Because the author usually does not directly state the theme or central idea, we must infer using clues in the text.

• Since there are clues in the text, you will be able to use text evidence to support your claim that something is either the theme or central idea.

• There can be more than one theme in a story and there can be more than one central idea of a text.

More similarities!

• Remember that a topic is just one or two words about the text.

• You can use the topic(s) to help you decide what the theme or central idea is.

• Theme and central idea should each be expressed in a complete sentence (or more).

• 
  

• 
  

Multiple Choice

There can be more than one theme in a story and there can be more than one central idea idea in a text.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Theme and central idea are not usually:

• supported by evidence

• directly stated

Multiple Choice

There will be clues in the text that help me infer the theme or central idea.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A topic is:

• usually a full sentence

• one or two words

Multiple Choice

You can use the topic(s) to determine a theme or a central idea.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

You do not have to write the theme or central idea as a complete sentence.

• True

• False

Differences...

Central Idea

• Think of it like the main idea of a text

• Usually informational text (articles, science or social studies textbooks, etc.)

• What is the text mostly about?

• What is the main message the author is trying to convey about the topic?

• What idea is prevalent throughout the text?

Multiple Choice

Central Idea usually applies to:

• stories and plays

• non-fiction text, such as articles

Fill in the Blanks

A question that helps identify the central idea is, "What is this text

about?"

Fill in the Blanks

Another question that helps identify the central idea is, "What is the main

the author is trying to convey about the topic?"

Theme

• Usually fiction or non-fiction stories (something that has a plot)

• The message the author wants you to learn about life and human behavior

• The deeper meaning to the story (author usually implies but does not state directly)

• What lessons do the characters learn about themselves, society, or life in general?

Multiple Choice

Theme is usually for:

• stories that have a plot

• non-fiction texts like articles

Multiple Select

Theme is the:

(select all that apply)

• message the author wants you to learn about life and human behavior

• deeper meaning to the story

• main idea of a text

Fill in the Blanks

A question I can ask myself about theme is, "What

do the characters learn about themselves, society, or life in general?"

Open Ended

Compare and contrast theme and central idea. Write at least two sentences that compare and two sentences that contrast.

(Do your best work. This will count for participation!)