Theme and Theme Statements Games Review

An author usually does not state the theme in the story. You must use clues and infer his idea.

• True
• False

Stephanie invited her friends to her birthday party. She didn't know the new girl, but she thought 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!

• Slow and steady wins the race
• Actions speak louder than words
• Kind deeds can reward you in many ways
• The new girl had a nice mom

Jorge had to go to the eye doctor and get glasses. At school the next day, he took them off for recess and left them outside. When he arrived home that day his mom asked where his glasses were and Jorge told her he lost them at school. She made him mow the yard and take out the trash to earn money for a new pair.

• Being honest doesn't always work
• Be responsible and thoughtful with your possessions
• Jorge should have been more responsible
• Parents can be too mean

Andrew worked all summer mowing yards. In the fall he raked leaves. He saved his birthday money. When he was sixteen Andrew bought a car with his earnings. His friends were jealous at first, but they remembered how hard he had worked. 

• Friends shouldn't get jealous
• Andrew is great at saving money
• Work is hard, but you do get rewards
• Slow and steady wins the race

One day in class, Hannah forgot to bring a pencil. She didn't usually sit by Valerie, but since Mrs, Durden changed their seats. Valerie kindly offered Hannah her extra pencil. Soon after, Valerie left her jacket on the playground and went back to get it. She was disappointed to see it was gone. When she walked back into class, Valerie saw her jacket in her chair. Hannah had picked it up for her. 

• Always let your friends borrow your pencils
• One good deed deserves another.
• Friends should take turns
• Valerie and Hannah are nice and help each other

Themes are universal because ...

• all humans share common experiences
• authors add them to make the writing meaningful
• the entire universe enjoys them
• the stories go on forever

Which of the following is NOT an example of a theme?

• Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• The little boy lied to his mother.

• With hard work, you can accomplish anything.

• You shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

What could be an example of a theme?

• Friendship

• Being prepared often leads to success.

• How to bake chocolate chip cookies

• Helping others

A novel can have more than one theme.

• TRUE
• FALSE

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

• TRUE
• FALSE