Exploring Themes in Reading

Gracie and Jayleen read a story about a young girl who learns the importance of honesty. What is the main theme of the story?

• The sequence of events in the story

• The central message or lesson the author wants to convey

• The setting where the story takes place

• The characters involved in the story

Answer explanation

The main theme of a story is the central message or lesson the author wants to convey. It goes beyond the plot, setting, or characters, focusing on the deeper meaning behind the narrative.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Jase and Gracie are discussing their favorite books. Jase says, "I love how some books have a universal idea or message that can be applied to real life." Which of the following best describes what Jase is talking about?

• A detailed description of a character

• A universal idea or message that can be applied to real life

• A list of all the events in the story

• The dialogue between characters

Answer explanation

A theme is best described as a universal idea or message that can be applied to real life, as it reflects deeper meanings and insights beyond the specific events or characters in a story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

In a story about friendship, what could be a possible theme?

• Friends always argue

• True friendship lasts through difficult times

• Friends are people you see every day

• Friendship is not important

Answer explanation

The theme 'True friendship lasts through difficult times' highlights the resilience and strength of genuine friendships, making it a positive and meaningful message, unlike the other options which are negative or trivial.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

How can you identify the theme of a story?

• By counting the number of pages

• By looking at the title only

• By analyzing the characters' actions and the story's outcome

• By reading the author's biography

Answer explanation

The theme of a story is best identified by analyzing the characters' actions and the story's outcome, as these elements reveal the underlying messages and moral lessons the author intends to convey.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Which of the following is NOT a theme?

• Courage

• Love

• The main character's name

• Perseverance

Answer explanation

Themes are central ideas like Courage, Love, and Perseverance. The main character's name is a specific detail, not a theme, making it the correct choice for what is NOT a theme.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

If a story's theme is "honesty is the best policy," what might happen in the story?

• A character lies and gets away with it

• A character tells the truth and gains trust

• A character never speaks

• A character moves to a new city

Answer explanation

In a story with the theme "honesty is the best policy," a character telling the truth and gaining trust illustrates the positive outcome of honesty, reinforcing the theme. This choice aligns with the moral lesson of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Gabriella and Jase are discussing their favorite books. Gabriella says, "I love how the theme of friendship is explored in 'Charlotte's Web'." Jase replies, "Yes, and the main idea is about a pig named Wilbur and his journey." What is the difference between the theme and the main idea of a story?

• The theme is the plot, and the main idea is the setting

• The theme is a universal message, while the main idea is what the story is mostly about

• The theme is the author's name, and the main idea is the title

• The theme is the dialogue, and the main idea is the characters

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

In a story about Cooper, a young hero in his town, which of the following could be a theme?

• Heroes always win

• Bravery can overcome fear

• Heroes are always strong

• Heroes never make mistakes

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

Why is it important for Gio and Gabriella to understand the theme of a story they are reading in class?

• To memorize the author's name

• To understand the deeper meaning and message the author wants to convey

• To know the exact number of pages

• To find out the price of the book

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

If a story's theme is "teamwork leads to success," what might be a key event?

• A character works alone and fails

• A group of characters work together and achieve their goal

• A character refuses to help others

• A character gives up easily

Tags

CCSS.RL.3.9

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9