Theme vs Main Idea

The best definition of theme is...

• The lesson the author is teaching. 
• The message the author is sending.
• A word that summarizes the story.
• The character's main problem.

What is the main difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA. 

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Which of the following is an example of THEME?

• Carry your laptops with two hands at all times.
• Cereal is the healthiest food you can eat.
• How much wood a woodchuck could chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood.
• Life is short; make the most of it.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Two young children went up a hill to get some water and they had an accident.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

A young boy planted some magic beans which lead him on an incredible journey.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Be happy with what you have and who you are.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Money doesn't create happiness.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

A young girl went to visit her grandma, and faced danger in her journey.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

Hard work will always pay off in the end.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Don't judge a person by how they look on the outside because it's what's on the inside that counts.

• Theme
• Main Idea