Main Idea and Theme Review

The main idea of a text --

• is a lesson from the story

• will never use characters' names

• is what the story is mostly about

• is the story's message

Answer explanation

The main idea of a text is what the story is mostly about, summarizing its central theme or focus. This choice accurately captures the essence of the text, unlike the other options which refer to lessons or messages.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

TRUE OR FALSE

A text can have more than one theme.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. A text can explore multiple themes simultaneously, reflecting various ideas, messages, or concepts that contribute to its overall meaning.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is theme in a story?

• The main idea

• The solution to the story

• The lesson about life in the story

• The author's purpose or reason for writing the story

Answer explanation

The theme in a story is the lesson about life that the author conveys through the narrative. It reflects deeper meanings and insights, making 'the lesson about life in the story' the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is one major difference between theme and main idea?

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

• Theme is what a story is about and main idea is the universal lesson about life that the story teaches

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the theme conveys a universal lesson about life, while the main idea focuses on the specific content or subject of the story. This distinction clarifies their different roles in literature.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Read the following paragraph:

There was once some hardworking ants and a grasshopper who hated to work. The ants gathered food all spring, while the grasshopper played. When winter came, the ants had enough food, but the grasshopper had nothing to eat.

What is the theme of this story?

• Don't be lazy

• Have as much fun as you can before you die

• Don't steal

• Look before you leap

Answer explanation

The theme of the story highlights the consequences of laziness. The hardworking ants prepare for winter, while the grasshopper's refusal to work leaves him without food, emphasizing the lesson: 'Don't be lazy'.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Don't judge people by outward appearances,' conveys a universal lesson or moral, which is the essence of a theme. The other options describe characters or actions but do not express a broader message.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

The main idea is supported by what?

• concluding sentences

• details

Answer explanation

The main idea is supported by details, which provide specific information and examples that reinforce the central concept. Concluding sentences summarize but do not provide the supporting information needed.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

A woman risks her life to spy for the Union during the Civil War.

The sentence above is an example of a

• plot

• character

• main idea

• theme

Answer explanation

The sentence describes a specific action taken by a woman during the Civil War, highlighting her bravery. This encapsulates the main idea of the narrative, focusing on her role as a spy for the Union.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.5

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Friendship helps people get along through hard times.

The sentence above is an example of a

• plot

• character

• main idea

• theme

Answer explanation

The sentence highlights the importance of friendship during difficult times, which reflects a broader message about human relationships. This overarching message is known as the theme, making 'theme' the correct choice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which of these things is not related to the "theme" in a story?

• how a character is feeling

• a "life lesson" the main character learns

• a big idea that people from any culture or any place can understand

• the moral of the story

Answer explanation

The theme of a story refers to the underlying message or big idea, while a character's feelings are personal and subjective. Thus, 'how a character is feeling' is not related to the theme.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2