Theme Quick Check

Theme and main idea are the same.

• True

• False

Theme is the message or lesson of the story.

• True

• False

Theme CANNOT be found in informational text.

• True

• False

One way to find the theme is to look at how the characters handle their problems.

• True

• False

Math Drama

In math class, Mr. Carico handed the students their graded tests. Nicole showed her friend Maura the score she had gotten. It was bad. Maura, on the other hand, had gotten an A.

On the bus ride home, Nicole and Maura were talking about the math homework for that night. "I just don't get this stuff," Nicole said. "I guess I'll bomb the next test, too."

"Look, I started doing well after asking more questions in class," said Maura.

Nicole shook her head. "I don't know if that will help the teacher can't help on the test."

Maura shrugged. "Well when I started asking for help on the practice problems in class I started getting better grades on the test," she said.

Nicole was too defeated to listen, but that night she continued to struggle with the homework.

The longer she stared at her worksheet, the more the problems looked like a jumble of meaningless symbols. She took a deep breath and decided she would make the effort to ask more questions in class.

Mr. Cairco was happy to answer her questions and it helped her not waste time practicing problems incorrectly.

On the next math test, Nicole got an B.

Which of the following best describes the main theme of the story?

• Always take your friend's advice.

• You should solve problems yourself instead of relying on others.

• Don't let pride keep you from asking for help.

Which of the following pieces of evidence best supports the theme?

• Maura, on the other hand, had gotten an A.

• Nicole was too defeated to listen, but that night she continued to struggle with the homework.

• Mr. Cairco was happy to answer her questions and it helped her not waste time practicing problems incorrectly.

• Maura shrugged. "Well when I started asking for help on the practice problems in class I started getting better grades on the test," she said.