Theme Practice 1

What is the main idea (theme) of the passage?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Lila dislikes working in her grandmother’s garden.

• Lila finds meaning and peace in her grandmother’s garden.

• The garden is filled with vibrant flowers and bees.

• Lila’s grandmother grows lavender and basil.

Which supporting detail from the passage best illustrates the main idea (theme)?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• "Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose."

• "The garden was filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees."

• "Lila started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection."

• "Lavender is used to calm the mind, while basil enriches meals."

Which of the following statements best summarizes how supporting details reinforce the main idea?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Descriptions of plants highlight their beauty and utility.

• Lila’s work in the garden reflects her deepening bond with her grandmother.

• The story focuses on the symbolic importance of specific plants.

• The grandmother teaches Lila gardening techniques.

What does the author imply?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Gardening is a skill that requires practice and patience.

• The garden represents a deeper connection between Lila and her grandmother.

• Lila is indifferent to her grandmother’s efforts.

• The garden is a challenging place to maintain.

What can be inferred about the character's development throughout the passage?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Lila transitions from feeling disconnected to appreciating the garden’s significance.

• Lila becomes an expert in gardening.

• Lila begins to resent the time spent in the garden.

• Lila discovers a passion for cooking with basil.

What message does the author convey?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Nature can foster personal growth and meaningful connections.

• Gardening is a practical skill that everyone should learn.

• Grandparents are better teachers than parents.

• Different plants have unique purposes and uses.

How does Lila’s perspective on the garden change over the course of the passage?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• She initially sees it as a chore but grows to appreciate its beauty and meaning.

• She enjoys the garden from the start but becomes tired of it over time.

• She believes the garden is unimportant and remains indifferent.

• She starts by loving the garden and later finds it overwhelming.

What role does Lila’s grandmother play in the story?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• A teacher who shares wisdom and imparts values through gardening.

• A strict figure who assigns tasks in the garden.

• A storyteller who uses the garden as a backdrop for tales.

• A friend who shares gardening responsibilities equally with Lila.

What literary device does the author use to describe the garden?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• Metaphor – the garden symbolizes love and wisdom.

• Hyperbole – the garden is exaggerated to seem magical.

• Simile – the garden is compared to a dream.

• Personification – the garden is given human traits.

Why does the author focus on the specific uses of plants (e.g., lavender for calm, basil for meals)?

Lila loved spending time in her grandmother’s garden, a place filled with vibrant flowers and the soft hum of bees. Her grandmother often explained how each plant had a purpose: lavender to calm the mind, roses to brighten the soul, and basil to enrich their meals. Over time, Lila began to see the garden not just as a collection of plants but as a symbol of her grandmother’s care and wisdom. She started helping with the garden, feeling a sense of peace and connection as she worked.

• To highlight the grandmother’s knowledge and practical approach to life.

• To emphasize the importance of farming techniques.

• To illustrate Lila’s growing interest in botany.

• To suggest that plants have magical properties.