Stories and Questions

Rochelle begged and begged her mom for a new pet. Her mom was hesitant at first, since this was Rochelle's first pet but agreed in the end since Rochelle promised to take care of it. Rochelle brought her new puppy home from the pound and named it Patches. Patches was an active, sweet puppy but very untrained. The first day he chewed up Rochelle's new shoes and made chew marks on her furniture. Rochelle quickly found out that having a puppy wasn't everything she thought it would be. What is the theme?

• Never give up.

• Keep begging for what you want and you'll get it.

• Be careful what you wish for.

• Family is important.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't steal.

• Swans are prettier than ducks.

• Don't judge others.

• Being beautiful is the most important thing.

During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
What is the theme?

• You should cheat to win.

• Always work hard.

• It pays to be honest.

• Teamwork is best.

A story can have more than one theme.

• True

• False

How do you support the validity of a theme?

• summarizing

• using the plot

• text evidence

• you can't

Which of the following is the BEST statement of a theme?

• Cruelty.

• Cruelty is bad.

• Cruelty might be disguised as kindness.

• The cruelty of good people.

Which category best identifies the text pictured?

• theme

• topic

• text evidence/details

Which category best identifies the text pictured?

• theme

• topic

• text evidence/details

Amiyah had a great first day of school. Many of her friends from last year were in her class. Her teacher, Mr. Winkler, was funny. The students' desks were arranged in a circle around the room, instead of in rows. When Mr. Winkler was teaching, he stood in the center of the circle, turning from time to time, to face different students as he talked. Instead of being in school, it was like they were watching a play.

Who is the story about?

• Amiyah

• Dumbo

What is the main theme of a story where a character learns the importance of honesty after facing consequences for lying?

• Honesty is the best policy.

• Lying is acceptable in certain situations.

• Friendship is important.

• Hard work pays off.