Difference Between Theme and Main Idea

This is a central message, lesson, or moral of the story.

• Main Idea

• Theme

This tells what the story is mostly about. It's like a one-sentence summary.

• Main Idea

• Theme

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• The tortoise and the hare had a race.

• The tortoise was a show-off.

• Slow and steady wins the race.

• The hare was determined.

Choose the main idea from the choices below.

• Teamwork makes the dream work.

• Working together makes you stronger.

• The team won the game when they worked together.

• Hard work pays off.

Choose the theme from the choices below.

• Connor was a jerk and used to getting his own way.

• She smiled nicely but then turned around and spread rumors about the other girl.

• Actions speak louder than words.

• He made excuses for everything!

Is this an example of theme or main idea?

George tries to take care of Lennie but eventually realizes that he can’t.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Is this an example of theme or main idea?

You can overcome obstacles in your life if you try hard enough.

• Theme

• Main Idea

This provides specific details about the text.

• Theme

• Main Idea

The reader makes an inference to figure this out.

• Theme

• Main Idea

Theme or Main Idea?

The choices you make always have consequences.

• Theme

• Main Idea