Theme/Conflict

The phone rang. She dropped the phone and tears began to drop onto her check. Her lip quivered as she pictured the scene that was described to her. "NO!" she wailed.

• honesty is the best policy

• it takes courage to live life

• experiencing loss/grief is difficult

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

The best definition of theme is...

• The character's main problem.

• The message the author is sending.

• A word that summarizes the story.

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

Kim had gone through her closet with her mom over the weekend. She remembered a new girl at school who always seemed to wear the same pants over and over. Kim wondered what she could do with the clothes. She handed the new girl a bag as she passed her in the hallway.

• sacrifice is difficult sometimes

• it's better to give than to receive

• friendship is the most important thing in life

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

My best friend was having a party Friday night, but I also had a baseball game. This was going to be a tough decision. If I do not go to the game, I will let my team down.

• It's important to be loyal

• Your friends are the most important things in life

• Being good at sports is the best way to get friends

• it's important to never give up

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

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a B on her science exam.

What is the conflict?

• Gina got a B on her science exam

• Gina and her mom don't get along

• Gina was failing science

• Gina didn't like her teacher

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Gina could not believe it. She had barely passed her science class again. She took the report card home and felt sad for days. Although she had done well in the other classes, science was just not her thing. "Mom, I need help," Gina said one day. "I have tried, but I can't get better in science." "I knew you were struggling, but I didn't know you were having such a hard time," Gina's mom said lovingly, "Of course, I will help you!" So, Gina spent two hours every day studying her science book. She asked her mom any question she had trouble with. Gina even stayed after class to learn more from her science teacher. Gina was surprised to know that she started understanding things better. When it was time for the next science exam, she felt ready. Before she knew it, Gina made a B on her science exam.

What best shows the theme of the story?

• always be brave and face your enemies

• it is important to be thankful for your gifts

• if we work hard, you will be rewarded

• never judge a person by his or her looks

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

Ali was the friendliest boy in town. He helped anyone who asked him for anything. Everyone smiled when they saw Ali riding his bicycle and selling newspapers. Little Ali was also popular in school. After all, who would not like a happy kid like Ali? He made friends everywhere he went. One morning, as Ali was on his newspaper route, he tripped over a rock. He got bruised and went home in a lot of pain. The doctors told him to stay home because he had broken a leg. Now, Ali was sad to miss school, but he was sure his friends would come visit him. Days went by and only Sam from across the street came to see Ali. Sam brought board games and even told Ali what was going on at school each day. Although Ali had been nice to everyone in school, only one person had cared about him.

What is the theme of this story?

• never trust someone who lies

• true friends are very hard to find

• friends always forgive each other

• real happiness is found at home

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

Ali was the friendliest boy in town. He helped anyone who asked him for anything. Everyone smiled when they saw Ali riding his bicycle and selling newspapers. Little Ali was also popular in school. After all, who would not like a happy kid like Ali? He made friends everywhere he went. One morning, as Ali was on his newspaper route, he tripped over a rock. He got bruised and went home in a lot of pain. The doctors told him to stay home because he had broken a leg. Now, Ali was sad to miss school, but he was sure his friends would come visit him. Days went by and only Sam from across the street came to see Ali. Sam brought board games and even told Ali what was going on at school each day. Although Ali had been nice to everyone in school, only one person had cared about him.

Check the evidence that best supports the theme. (Choose two)

• "One morning, as Ali was on his newspaper route, he tripped over a rock."

• "Ali was the friendliest boy in town"

• "Days went by and only Sam from across the street came to see Ali."

• "Although Ali had been nice to everyone at school, only one person cared about him."

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

What does theme add to the story?

• A sense of location

• Motivation for the characters

• An important message

• Dialogue for the characters

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 is an example of theme?

• Snow White was thoughtful and kind.

• Juan risked his life to save his brother's.

• Happiness

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

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