Textual Analysis Key Terms Quiz

What is a claim?

• A sentence that states the central message of a story

• The main argument or statement that must be proven with evidence

• A general statement about life that applies beyond the text

• A summary of a passage

What is the best definition of theme?

• The subject of a text, usually stated in one word

• The overall message or lesson about life in a literary work

• A specific fact used to support an argument

• A persuasive technique used to appeal to emotions

How does the main idea differ from the theme?

• The main idea is the central argument, while the theme is the author’s opinion

• The main idea is the most important point in a text, while the theme is a universal lesson

• The main idea focuses on emotional appeal, while the theme relies on facts

• The main idea is always stated directly, while the theme is only implied

Which of the following is an example of a claim?

• "Hard work leads to success."

• "In Of Mice and Men, friendship plays a major role in the characters’ lives."

• "The article explains the effects of climate change on wildlife."

• "Kindness is always the best policy."

What is the main idea of a passage?

• A universal message that applies beyond the text

• A claim that must be supported by evidence

• The central point the author wants to convey in a specific text

• A counterargument against the author’s claim

Which sentence best describes a theme?

• It is the most important detail in a nonfiction text.

• It is a claim that must be proven with evidence.

• It is a universal idea or message that applies beyond the story.

• It is a sentence that summarizes the argument in an essay.

How can you determine the main idea of a text?

• Look for repeated ideas and key details that explain the overall point

• Identify the emotions the author is trying to evoke

• Focus only on the first and last sentences of the passage

• Ignore supporting details and focus only on direct quotes

What is a key characteristic of a claim?

• It is an opinion without supporting evidence

• It must be proven with facts, examples, or reasoning

• It is a general truth that applies to all situations

• It is always stated at the beginning of a text

Which of the following best represents a theme?

• “The author argues that social media is harmful to mental health.”

• “The article provides information about renewable energy sources.”

• “The novel explores how love can overcome difficult challenges.”

• “The main idea of the passage is that teamwork improves productivity.”

Which statement is an example of a main idea rather than a theme?

• “Hard work leads to success.”

• “The article explains how pollution affects marine life.”

• “Friendship can help people overcome adversity.”

• “Greed often leads to destruction.”