Theme

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.

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.
• You can severely break your leg while crossing the street.
• Life is short; make the most of it.

What is the theme of this story? 

• Necessity is the mother of invention.
• Don't steal.
• Respect your elders.
• Slowly but surely wins the race.

What is the theme of this story?  

• Eat your vegetables.
• Don't brag. Be modest. 
• Don't talk to strangers. 
• Necessity is the mother of invention.

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.

If the topic is kindness, which of the following is a good theme statement?

• Don't cry over spilled milk.
• Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• When fear is present, wisdom cannot be.
• Face your fears.

One way you could figure out the theme is to...

• Skim through the story
• Just read the beginning of the story
• Think about what the character has learned
• Read the ending of the story

Benny and Danny were twins. Each week, they both got five dollars in allowance. Benny always spent all of his money on candy and small toys. Danny saved most of his money in a piggy bank by his bed stand. Sometimes, Danny did extra work around the house for extra money.

Months passed by and soon it was summer vacation. On day, Danny asked his parents to take him to the bike store. He had saved enough money for a new bike! Danny spent the summer riding his bike with his friends and Benny spent his time home alone.

• You can buy more if you save your money.

• Danny is smart than Benny.

• You should not spend all your money of on candy.