Theme vs. Central Idea

The standard that discusses theme and central idea requires students to: (select the option that matches the Language of the Standard)

• know what theme is

• determine the theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed

• find a theme in a 6th grade text

• identify a central idea and how it is developed

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Theme is...

• a topic or idea discussed in a text

• what the text is mainly about

• the lesson or message learned

• what the author wants readers to know

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Central idea is...

• a topic or idea discussed in a text

• what the text is mainly about

• the lesson or message learned

• what the author wants readers to know

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Theme is specific to one text and rarely applies to real life.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Central idea is specific to a story/text and explains what the text is about.

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

How do author's develop theme in a text?

• Character reactions

• Plot

• Point of view

• All of the above

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following statements BEST represents an example of a THEME?

• Tito tried to convince his parents he could handle a puppy by completing tasks around the house.

• Aaliyah and Janice worked together to raise money for a new basketball court.

• Arthur struggled to make new friends after switching to a new school.

• Money does not provide the same happiness as human relationships.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which option BEST represents a theme in "The Tortoise and the Hare"?

• The Hare challenges the Tortoise to a race, but gets distracted along the way and ultimately loses the race to the Tortoise.

• Everyone needs to learn how to relax and let go of their worries.

• The winner is the one that perseveres and does not give up when things are difficult.

• The Hare took a well deserved nap and the Tortoise was a try hard.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which question is NOT helpful when determining the theme of a text?

• What lessons did the characters learn or what lessons should they have learned in the text?

• What is the text "mainly" about?

• What is the “big-takeaway” or commentary about life that the author wants us to understand after reading the text?

• What lessons does the author want us as the reader to learn after reading the text?

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2