Theme and Main Idea

What is the difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA?

• Theme is a universal lesson and the main idea is what the story is about.

• The theme is what the story is about and main idea is the universal lesson it teaches.

Read the passage and tell me the theme:
"In his sophomore year of high school, Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina.  But at five feet and eleven inches tall, the coach believed that Jordanwas too short to play at that level, so Jordan was cut from the team.  Jordan didn't let this obstacle defeat him.  In fact, it pushed him to work even harder.  He trained vigorously and grew another four inches the following summer.  When he finally made the varsity squad, Jordan averaged 25 points a game and went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history."

• It is better to do things right the first time.

• Treat others how you would like to be treated.

• Persistence pays off.

• Don't be greedy.

What is the main idea of a story?

• The most important idea of a story.

• The details of a story.

• What happens in a story.

• A guess about something.

What is the main idea?

• There are many fun things to do at the beach.

• It is also fun to look for shells.

• Some people simply like to sunbathe.

• Going to the beach to swim can be fun.

What is the main difference between THEME and MAIN IDEA. 

• Theme is a universal lesson, and main idea is what a story is about.

• Theme is what a story is about, and main idea is the universal lesson it teaches.
  

What is the difference between theme and main idea?

• Main idea is what the text is mainly about and theme is the lesson or moral in the story

• Theme is what the text is mainly about and Main idea is the lesson or moral in the story

• Theme is specific to characters in the story and main idea is not

True or false: A theme is a statement about something, not just a single word.

• True

• False

Which of the following is an example of THEME?

• Sodas are bad for you.

• Looking both ways before crossing the street is a good idea.

• The Bengal Tiger is an endangered species.

• Always share with others.

Jenny visited her grandmother in the hospital.  She saw how kind and helpful the nurses were to her grandmother.  Now she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.  She wants to help sick people get well. 
What is the main idea?

• Jenny got sick.

• Jenny wants to be a nurse.

• Her grandmother was in the hospital.

• Jenny was glad the nurses were being kind to her grandmother.

What is the main idea?

• They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score.

• Soccer players learn how to dribble.

• They learn how to work together as teammates.

• Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.