theme

The message or lesson that the author wants you to learn from the story is called the

• thesis
• summary
• theme
• plot

A story can have more than one theme.

• true
• false

Can shows and movies on TV have themes?

• No, only books can.
• TV shows and movies don't fit into any themes.
• They can have themes just like books can.
• They are the only literary works that can have themes.

Where can a reader find the theme in MOST stories?

• It stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned and infer the theme.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• sharing with others is caring
• money is the root of all evil
• hard work pays off
• love

Which is an example of theme?

• One person can make a difference.

• Missy knew she would always be grateful.

• The donkey was stubborn and did not change.

• Sir John became famous for slaying the dragon.

Which of the following could be a theme of a story?

• Your past does not define you. 
• returning home after a long time
• A man sees a group of people he used to work for a long time ago. 
• an old man who used to be a farmer

Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey.

What is the theme of this story?

• Some prizes aren't worth it.

• Overeating leads to illness.

• Insects value food over safety.

• Always send a tester.

During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
What is the theme?

• You should cheat to win.
• Always work hard.
• It pays to be honest.
• Teamwork is best.

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.
What is the theme?

• share with your neighbor
• work before you play
• be respectful
• don't be greedy