Theme in Literature Practice

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• sharing with others is caring

• money is the root of all evil

• hard work pays off

• love

The theme of a text is its

• summary

• message

• point of view

• answer

Which of the following is an example of theme?

• Cinderella was thoughtful and kind.

• Jack risked his life to save Jane.

• Don't judge people by outward appearances.

• Happiness

Which is an example of theme?

• One person can make a difference.

• Missy knew she would always be grateful.

• The donkey was stubborn and did not change.

• Sir John became famous for slaying the dragon.

Where can a reader find the theme?

• It stated directly in the text.

• A character tells you.

• The reader must understand what the character has learned.

• Books or movies do not have themes.

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.

What is the theme?

• share with your neighbor

• work before you play

• be respectful

• don't be greedy

One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.

Which text best supports the theme?

• “Let’s have fun together.”

• "One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart."

• “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him."

• "But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat."

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one. What is the theme?

• respect your family

• don't be greedy

• always share with others

• never give up

In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it. But the pitcher was high and had a narrow neck, and no matter how he tried, the Crow could not reach the water. The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst. Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one.

• "a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it."

• "Then an idea came to him. Picking up some small pebbles, he dropped them into the pitcher one by one."

• "The poor thing felt as if he would die of thirst."

• "In a spell of dry weather, when the Birds could find very little to drink, a thirsty Crow found a pitcher with a little water in it."

A long time ago there was a king who wanted nothing but gold. He wished that everything he touched turned to gold. A fairy made his wish come true. Then anything he tried to eat turned to gold and he starved to death.

What is the theme?

• Don't be greedy

• Work together

• Respect your elders

• Don't steal