Identify Theme

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. With each pebble the water rose a little higher until at last it was near enough so he could drink.
What is the theme?

• be persistent

• be honest

• always share with others

• respect your family

What is the definition of theme?

• how an author reveals a character's traits

• time and place a story takes place

• character vs. self

• author's message about life or human nature

What is the theme of this passage:
Today was Friday and Mark knew that meant it was Fun Friday at his elementary school.  All the students were allowed to participate in Fun Friday if they turned in their homework.  Mark walked into class and opened his backpack.  He stared inside and froze.  He had left his homework on the counter.  He tried to think quickly, what could he say?  He could tell Mr. Barnes that his little brother had thrown it away.  He could tell him that he dropped it on the bus or he could say that he already turned it in and that Mr. Barnes must have lost it.  "Where's your homework, Mark?" asked Mr. Barnes.  Mark just hung his head, he couldn't tell a lie.  "I left it at home", he said quietly.  What is the theme of this paragraph?

• Friendship

• Honesty

• Perseverance

What is the theme of this passage:
Jack who was always in a hurry. He never took the time to enjoy the little things in life. One day, he found a magic lamp. The genie granted him three wishes. Jack, without thinking, wished for a million dollars, a big house, and a fast car. But soon, he realized that these things didn't make him happy. He wished he had taken the time to think about his wishes. What is the theme of this paragraph?

• Money can't buy happiness

• Always be in a hurry

• Enjoy the little things in life

• Wishes come true

What is the theme of this passage:
Lily who loved to paint. She painted every day after school. One day, her teacher announced a painting competition. Lily was excited and started working on her painting right away. She worked hard and put all her effort into the painting. On the day of the competition, Lily's painting won the first prize. What is the theme of this paragraph?

• Hard work pays off

• Painting is fun

• Winning is everything

• School is important

What is the theme of this passage:
Tom was a young boy who was always getting into trouble. He never listened to his parents or teachers and always did what he wanted. One day, he got lost in the woods. He was scared and didn't know what to do. After a few hours, he was found by a search party. From that day on, Tom learned to listen to his elders. What is the theme of this paragraph?

• Listening to elders is important

• Getting into trouble is fun

• Getting lost is scary

• Search parties are helpful

A theme is the big idea in a story. It's the message about people or the world that the author is trying to get across. Themes are universal, which means they are true in all times and all places. They apply to many different types of people.

Read the following passage from a story.
Rohan triumphantly lifted the trophy above his head. Despite all the obstacles, he had won. Beneath his cheerful exterior, he felt a twinge of the constant pain he’d learned to live with. Almost unconsciously, Rohan removed one hand from the trophy and rubbed the thin red scar that snaked around his ankle. He thought back to the surgery and the weeks spent lying in his bed, unable to compete. The months of exercises to strengthen his leg. “Rohan!” he heard the crowd scream, as if in slow motion. A smile broke across Rohan’s face, shattering his thoughts. He returned his hand to his trophy, firmly grasping it.

Which of the following is most likely a theme of the story?

• Some goals are too hard to achieve even if you try many times.
  

• Through determination, you can overcome big challenges.
  

• You need the support of your family to overcome challenges.
  

• When you achieve a goal, you shouldn’t brag about it.
  

One summer's day, an energetic 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

The theme of a story is the...

• climax

• exposition

• life lesson

• problem

Which is implied (hinted but not directly stated)?

• moral

• theme