Theme vs. Main Idea

The theme of the story is the __________________________.

• main character

• message about life that the author expresses

• sequence of events

• short summary of what the story is about

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

What is the main idea?

• the main character in a story

• the message about life that an author expresses

• the sequence of events in a story

• a description of what the story is mostly about

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

Read the following sentence.

Friendship helps people get through hard times.

The sentence above is an example of a _________________.

• plot

• character

• main idea

• theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

Read the following sentence.

A woman risks her life to spy for the Union during the Civil War.

The sentence above is an example of a __________________.

• plot

• character

• main idea

• theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

Which is an example of a main idea?

• Don't be afraid to try new things.

• Friendship

• Two boys become friends during summer camp.

• Be happy with what you have.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

Theme or Main Idea?

Always treat others how you would want to be treated.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

The frog sat on the side of the pond.  He was very still.  His green color made him hard to see.  A bug flew near him.  His tongue zipped out, and he gobbled it up.  Then the frog was still again.  He waited for the next bug.
What is the main idea?

• Frogs are green .
• Frogs eat bugs.
• Frogs do not move.
• Frogs live in ponds.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

Even though it had been a terrible day, Terrence came home in a pleasant mood, hoping to have a good night.

• Theme
• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2