Theme

What is theme?

• The events that occur in a story.

• The description of setting in a story.

• The underlying message in a story.

• The conflict in the story.

Determine whether the statement is a theme or topic:

Trust is one of the most important parts of friendship.

• Theme

• Topic

Determine whether the statement is a theme or topic:

Kindness

• Theme

• Topic

Determine whether the statement is a theme or a topic.

Trusting our instincts helps us to make better decisions in life.

• Theme

• Topic

Which statement is most likely a theme in a work of fiction?

• It is sometimes better not to get what you want.

• Our country is home to at least five species of butterflies.

• John decides to practice harder to make the soccer team.

• The leopard is one of the fastest animals in the world.

Claire wanted to play on her school's soccer team, but she knew that she needed to practice to become a better player. Every day during the summer, Claire and her friend Jill practiced passing, dribbling, and shooting the ball. Claire tried out for the team. After tryouts, the coach posted a list of those who made the name. Claire's name was not on the list. She was disappointed. The next day, the track coach asked Claire to join the track team. He had seen Claire's soccer try out and thought she would be a great sprinter. Claire joined and helped the team win the county championship.

• New opportunities can come from disappointing situations.

• Claire does not make the soccer team and joins the track team.

• Hard work and determination will help you achieve your goals.

• Claire helps her school's track team win the county championship.

Which part of the passage gives you the best clue about the passage's theme:

Theme: Treating others with kindness can be a sign of confidence.

Tia read through her note cards as she prepared for the debate. As she studied, Emma approached and mockingly wished Tia good luck. "You have no chance of winning today," Emma sneered. Tia was confident in her debating skills, so she just wished Emma good luck and continued to study her notes.

• Tia read through her note cards as she prepared for the debate.

• As she studied, Emma approached and mockingly wished Tia good luck.

• "You have no chance of winning today," Emma sneered.

• Tia was confident in her debating skills, so she just wished Emma good luck and continued to study her notes.

Which part of the passage gives you the best clue about the passage's theme?

Theme: You please no one when you try to please everyone.

Sofia sat on the gym floor and painted a banner for the pep rally. While she painted, several classmates walked by and suggested ways to improve the banner. Sofia did her best to include all the suggestions. When she finished adding in everyone's ideas, Sofia stepped back and realized that she would need to make a new banner.

• While she painted, several classmates walked by and suggested ways to improve the banner

• Sofia did her best to include all the suggestions

• When she finished adding in everyone's ideas, Sofia stepped back and realized that she would need to make a new banner.