Understanding Theme

Which of the following best defines the term "theme" in literature?

• The sequence of events in a story

• The central message or underlying idea of a text

• The time and place where a story occurs

• The main character in a story

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is an example of a stated theme?

• The story takes place in a small town.

• The main character has a pet dog.

• The story is written in first person.

• "Honesty is the best policy," said the narrator at the end of the story.

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CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is an implied theme?

• A theme that is directly stated by the author

• A theme that is only found in poetry

• A theme that is always about friendship

• A theme that is suggested through events and characters, but not directly stated

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CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which detail from a story would best help you identify its theme?

• The color of the main character’s shoes

• The number of chapters in the book

• The way the main character solves a problem

• The font size used in the text

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CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

If a story repeatedly shows characters helping each other in difficult times, what theme might this suggest?

• The dangers of technology

• The beauty of nature

• The importance of teamwork

• The excitement of travel

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Read the following excerpt: "Even though Mia was afraid, she stood up for what was right." Which theme is most likely suggested by this excerpt?

• The value of humor

• The excitement of adventure

• Bravery in the face of fear

• The importance of wealth

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CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

A story describes a character who learns to forgive a friend after a disagreement. Which theme does this best illustrate?

• The thrill of competition

• The power of forgiveness

• The beauty of nature

• The importance of winning

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CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

After reading a story where the main character overcomes many obstacles to achieve a goal, which theme could you infer?

• Money is everything

• Perseverance leads to success

• Traveling is fun

• Silence is golden

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CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which of the following best explains how an author develops a theme throughout a text?

• By repeating the same word in every paragraph

• By showing how characters change and what they learn

• By describing the setting in detail

• By using only dialogue

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

If a story’s theme is “the value of friendship,” which event would best support this theme?

• The main character moves to a new city

• A character wins a race alone

• A character finds a lost dog

• Two friends help each other during a difficult time

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CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2