Theme and Main Idea

True or false: A theme is a statement about something, not just a single word.

• True
• False

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 an example of THEME?

• Sodas are bad for you.
• Looking both ways before crossing the street is a good idea.
• The Bengal Tiger is an endangered species.
• Always share with others.

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 difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA?

• Theme is a universal lesson and the main idea is what the story is about.
• The theme is what the story is about and main idea is the universal lesson it teaches.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"Never give up on something that is important to you" is a...

• Theme
• Main idea

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Many people are not good listeners.

• Theme
• Main idea

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read the passage and tell me the theme:
"In his sophomore year of high school, Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.  But at five feet and eleven inches tall, the coach believed that Jordanwas too short to play at that level, so Jordan was cut from the team.  Jordan didn't let this obstacle defeat him.  In fact, it pushed him to work even harder.  He trained vigorously and grew another four inches the following summer.  When he finally made the varsity squad, Jordan averaged 25 points a game and went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history."

• It is better to do things right the first time.
• Treat others how you would like to be treated.
• Persistence pays off.
• Don't be greedy.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read the passage and tell me the MAIN IDEA:
"When one hears the term "reality" applied to a television show, one might expect that the events portrayed occurred naturally or, at the least, were not scripted, but this is not always the case.  Many reality shows occur in unreal environments, like rented mansions occupied by film crews.  Such living environments do not reflect what most people understand to be "reality."  Worse, there have been accusations that events not captured on film were later restaged by producers.  Worse still, some involved in the production of "reality" television claim that the participants were urged to act out story lines premeditated by producers.  With such accusations floating around, it's no wonder many people take reality TV to be about as real as the sitcom."

• Pandas are adorable.
• Reality television isn't always real.
• Reality television is always real.
• Television producers work very hard.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• Honesty is the best policy.
• Sacrifice
• If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Anything worth achieving requires a lot of hard work.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2