Theme vs Main Idea

This is a central message, lesson, or moral of the story.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Define topic:

• The moral of the story; the message.

• General subject of the text; one or two words

• Who or what the story is about; one sentence

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

This tells what the story is mostly about. It's like a one-sentence summary.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• The tortoise and the hare had a race.

• The tortoise was a show-off.

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• The hare was determined.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Choose the main idea from the choices below.

• Teamwork makes the dream work.

• Working together makes you stronger.

• The team won the game when they worked together.

• Hard work pays off.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Is this a topic, main idea, or theme?

When you aren’t sure of a solution, use creativity and your imagination to solve the problem.

• Topic

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• Connor was a jerk and used to getting his own way.

• She smiled nicely but then turned around and spread rumors about the other girl.

• Actions speak louder than words.

• He made excuses for everything!

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

This provides specific details about the text.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Is this an example of theme or main idea?

George tries to take care of Lennie but eventually realizes that he can’t.

• 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

Is this a topic, main idea, or theme?

Love

• Topic

• Main Idea

• Theme

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2