Finding Theme

DJ wasn't the fastest or the most athletic kid in school. But he had a spark that drove him to give his all. Today marked his final race of high school, and despite never placing since freshman year, he was determined to finish in the top 5. As DJ lined up, he took a deep breath. The starting signal blared, and he launched forward, pushing harder than ever before. To his amazement, DJ crossed the finish line in 3rd place! What is the theme of this story?

• Loyalty

• Always tell the truth.

• Determination

• Helping others

Answer explanation

The theme of the story is determination, as DJ, despite not being the fastest, pushed himself to achieve his goal of finishing in the top 5, ultimately placing 3rd in his final race.

Scarlett was eager to befriend Charlotte. Knowing Charlotte's passion for dancing, Scarlett invited her to create a dance routine during recess. Scarlett hoped that by pretending to enjoy dancing, Charlotte would like her more. Despite her efforts, dancing just wasn't Scarlett's forte. Sensing Scarlett's lack of enjoyment, Charlotte suggested they play tag instead. Scarlett's face lit up with excitement. What is the theme?

• Loyalty

• Friendship

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends)

• Be yourself

Answer explanation

The theme is 'Be yourself' as Scarlett pretends to enjoy dancing to gain Charlotte's friendship, but ultimately finds joy in playing tag, highlighting the importance of authenticity in relationships.

Oliver thought it would be hilarious to hide Luna’s book bag. One day, he sneakily took it from the back of the room and tossed it behind the bookcase. As the day wrapped up, Luna was frantically searching everywhere. The teacher joined in the hunt and asked the class if anyone had seen the book bag. Oliver, of course, stayed silent. After about ten minutes of searching, the teacher called for the principal to come and help. Oliver had already told the teacher he had no clue where it was, so what was he going to tell the principal? He should have just returned it right away when Luna was looking. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Always tell the truth.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

• Don't put things off to the last minute

Answer explanation

The theme emphasizes the importance of honesty, as Oliver's decision to hide Luna's book bag leads to unnecessary trouble. If he had told the truth, he could have resolved the situation quickly.

Aria and Avery were siblings, but you would never guess it. They didn't really see eye to eye. Aria was all about sports, while Avery was a bookworm. They were like night and day, but they did share one thing in common: both were flunking a subject. Aria was struggling with reading, and Avery was having a tough time with math. Their mom was not going to be thrilled. So, they teamed up to help each other out. By the time report cards came around, they were both acing reading and math. What's the theme here?

• Loyalty

• Treat others how you would like to be treated.

• Two heads are better than one.

• Be yourself

Answer explanation

The theme "Two heads are better than one" highlights how Aria and Avery, despite their differences, collaborated to improve in their struggling subjects, demonstrating the power of teamwork and mutual support.

Torin was excited to play at the park. When he arrived, he saw his friends Daniel and Aria picking up litter. They asked Torin if he wanted to join them. “No thanks,” he replied, eager to play on the swings. But when he reached the swings, he noticed all the trash around. Feeling inspired, he went back to his friends and offered to help. They were thrilled to have another pair of hands. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Always tell the truth.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

• Helping others

Answer explanation

The theme of the story is 'Helping others.' Torin initially wanted to play but was inspired by the sight of trash to join his friends in cleaning up, showing the importance of contributing to the community.

Brady knew he wasn't the star athlete on the baseball team, but that didn't stop him! Every day, he and his Dad would head outside for some epic throwing and hitting practice. The other kids seemed to have a natural knack for the game, always knowing exactly what to do. Brady, on the other hand, had to strategize: Where should he throw the ball? When should he make a daring steal? But with each practice, he got better and better. By the end of the season, he snagged the 'Most Improved' award! What is the theme of Brady's story?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Helping others

• Practice and persistence pay off.

• Don't put things off to the last minute

Answer explanation

Brady's story highlights how his dedication to practice and persistence led to improvement in his baseball skills, ultimately earning him the 'Most Improved' award. This clearly illustrates that hard work pays off.

Elijah was always the prankster on the school bus, teasing the younger kids and leaving sticky surprises on their seats. As the oldest and 'coolest' kid, he ruled the bus. But this year, Elijah was off to high school, leaving the 'little rug rats' behind. Summer flew by, and Elijah nervously boarded the high school bus. As he stepped on, he felt the older kids' eyes on him, chuckling. When he sat down, he discovered chocolate sauce smeared all over his seat. What is the theme?

• Loyalty

• Treat others how you would like to be treated.

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends)

• Be yourself

Answer explanation

The theme highlights the importance of treating others with respect. Elijah, once a prankster, experiences the consequences of his actions when he becomes the target of a prank, illustrating the lesson to treat others how you would like to be treated.

Ayya was about to embark on a new adventure at a different school. She felt a bit blue about leaving her awesome pals behind. On her last day, her friends, including Abigail, James, and Kai, threw a surprise party that made her heart soar! They showered her with handmade cards and a bouquet of flowers. It was the most epic farewell party ever! Ayya knew they'd stay connected, thanks to the exchange of cell phone numbers. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Always tell the truth.

• Friendship

• Helping others

Answer explanation

The theme of the passage is 'Friendship' as it highlights Ayya's strong bonds with her friends, their thoughtful farewell party, and their commitment to staying connected despite her moving away.

Samuel had a mountain of toys, but he wasn't keen on sharing them with his sister, Emma. He stashed all his toys in his closet, thinking she wouldn't be able to play with them. When their mom came looking for Samuel and Emma, she only found Emma. She handed Emma a plate of delicious cookies to enjoy. Samuel was convinced Emma wouldn't share the cookies since he wasn't sharing his toys. But Emma knew the right thing to do was to share. Samuel was overjoyed when Emma offered him a cookie, and in return, he decided to share his toys with her. What is the theme?

• Friendship

• Helping others

• Do the right thing and people will follow.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

Answer explanation

The theme highlights that when Emma chose to share her cookies, it inspired Samuel to share his toys. This illustrates the idea that doing the right thing can encourage others to follow suit.

Larry had it all. A gigantic house, all the coolest gadgets, and best of all, he had enough money to buy anything he wanted. He was always coming to school with the latest sneakers and designer clothes. What more could a kid ask for? But every day at recess, Larry went out to the playground and played on the swings by himself. He disliked recess because there was no one who wanted to play with him. It made him very sad. What is the theme?

• Money can't buy happiness (or friends).

• Helping others

• Do the right thing and people will follow.

• Practice and persistence pay off.

Answer explanation

Larry's wealth and possessions do not bring him happiness or friends, as he plays alone at recess. This illustrates the theme that money can't buy happiness (or friends).