Unit 1: Theme Review (E1)

A theme should be a sentence, not just one word.

• True

• False

Which of the following is true about theme statements?

• A theme must be universal.

• A theme should not be cliché or cheesy.

• A theme should be provable or debatable.

• All of these options are true.

Which of the following is a possible theme to this story?

Stephanie invited her friends to her birthday party. She didn't know the new girl, but she though it would be mean to leave her out. When the girl came to Stephanie's house, her mom brought in a huge cake and pizza for all. She told Stephanie "thank you" for inviting her daughter.

• The author's message to the reader is caring about someone.

• The author's message to the reader is slow and steady wins the race.

• The author's message to the reader is that kind deeds can reward you in many ways.

• The author's message to the reader is empathy.

A story or text can have more than one theme.

• False

• True

What is the difference between theme and main idea?

• Theme is a universal lesson and main idea is what the story is about.

• Theme is a topic and main idea is a lesson.

• Theme is what the story is about and main idea is the universal lesson.

• Theme is the lesson and main idea is the topic.

Which of the following could be an example of a good theme?

• The Golden Rule

• Being prepared often leads to success.

• Kindness is always good to show people because it's good.

• All of these are examples of good theme statements.

Which of the following is NOT a helpful way to create a theme statement?

• use the sentence stem "The author's message to the reader is..."

• Brainstorm 3-4 topics the story is about.

• Create a summary for the text.

• Make sure that you avoid words such as "always" or "never."

A well-written theme statement includes character's names.

• True

• False

Everyone reading the exact same story should create the exact same theme.

• False

• True

Read the passage from the story and determine the theme:

Rohan triumphantly lifted the trophy above his head. Despite all the obstacles, he had won. Beneath his cheerful exterior, he felt a twinge of the constant pain he'd learned to live with. Almost unconsciously, Rohan removed one hand from the trophy and rubbed the thin red scar that snaked around his ankle. He thought back to the surgery and the weeks spent lying in his bed, unable to compete. The months of exercises to strengthen his leg. "Rohan!" he heard the crowd scream, as if in slow motion. A smile broke across Rohan's face, shattering his thoughts. He returned his hand to his trophy, firmly grasping it.

• Some goals are too hard to achieve even if one tries many times.

• Through determination, one can overcome life-changing obstacles.

• One always needs the support of family to overcome challenges.

• When one achieves a goal, one should never brag about it.