Understanding Theme and Key Details in Literature

The message or lesson that the author wants you to learn from the story is called the

• thesis
• summary
• theme
• plot

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CCSS.RL.1.3

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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

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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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.

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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What does theme add to a story?

• A sense of location.

• An important message.

• Motivation for the characters.

• Dialogue for the characters.

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Three flies notice an overturned honey pot. Two of the flies decide to land in the honey and start eating it. But the oldest fly stays back. The two flies tease the older fly, but then get stuck in the honey.

What is the theme of this story?

• Some prizes aren't worth it.

• Overeating leads to illness.

• Insects value food over safety.

• Always send a tester.

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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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.

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The theme of a piece of literature is the same as its ...

• message
• significance
• subject
• meaning

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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She sobbed for hours trying to think of a way out of having to tell her father she wrecked her new car.  After stewing over it for quite some time, she called her father on his cell phone.  "Thank you," he said.

• Sometimes crying is good for you
• it's important to be honest
• Driving a car is a big responsibility
• expereincing loss/grief is difficult

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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The three-year-old peered down from the diving board and looked back at his mother behind him.  His knees began to buckle as he took another step forward.  "Splash!"

• it takes courage to accomplish your goals
• you should never give up
• it takes loyalty to reach your dreams
• people make sacrifices for others

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Jim was stacking boxes at work.  There was a certain height he had to reach.  He stretched his body, but could not reach to place the final box at the top.  Bill happened to see Jim struggling and came to his rescue, since he was a foot taller.

• teamwork can accomplish a goal
• tall people are the best
• work hard to reach a goal
• people can be like boxes

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CCSS.RL.3.9

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CCSS.RL.4.9

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CCSS.RL.5.9