Theme and Central Idea Practice

Which statement best expresses a theme of this passage?

• Revolution is primarily the responsibility of political leaders.

• Courage means acting with determination despite experiencing fear.

• Young people should avoid dangerous political situations.

• British soldiers were the primary threat to colonial Americans.

How does the theme develop over the course of the passage?

• The theme is introduced through dialogue at the beginning and remains unchanged throughout.

• The theme develops as Thomas experiences increasing physical danger with each patrol encounter.

• The theme progresses from an abstract concept to a personally understood truth as Thomas experiences fear yet completes his mission.

• The theme is only revealed at the end when Mr. Adams' associate congratulates Thomas.

Which detail provides the strongest evidence for the theme's development?

• "At thirteen, he wasn't supposed to be involved in revolutionary activities, but after British soldiers had arrested his father last week, everything had changed."

• "Sometimes being brave doesn't mean feeling no fear—it means acting despite your fear."

• "The small act of solidarity reminded Thomas that he wasn't alone; countless ordinary people were taking extraordinary risks for liberty."

• Walking home in the predawn light, Thomas understood that courage wasn't the absence of fear, but rather the determination to persevere when something greater than yourself was at stake."

Which of the following is the best objective summary of the passage?

• Thomas, a young boy in Revolutionary Boston, delivers an important letter while evading British soldiers. During his dangerous mission, he comes to understand his mother's teaching that courage means acting despite fear, not the absence of fear.

• Thomas is a brave revolutionary who fights against the British in Boston in 1775. He hates the redcoats because they arrested his father. Thomas believes the revolution is the most important cause in the world.

• Thomas is terrified as he walks through Boston at night. He shouldn't be out so late because he's only thirteen. A shopkeeper helps him because she feels sorry for him. Mr. Adams is an important historical figure.

• Thomas's father was arrested by British soldiers, so Thomas delivers a letter through Boston at night. Thomas is inspired by his mother and realizes that revolution requires many ordinary citizens to take risks for freedom.

Which two central ideas are primarily developed in this passage?

• Part-time jobs interfere with teenagers' academic performance and should be limited to summer months.

• First jobs provide teenagers with essential soft skills and help them discover personal strengths that guide future career decisions.

• Most teenagers are irresponsible with money and need parental guidance when managing their first paychecks.

• Employers often take advantage of teenage workers by assigning them the most difficult tasks.

How does the author develop the central idea about skills gained from first jobs?

• By providing statistical data about teen employment trends without connecting to skill development

• By focusing exclusively on financial benefits while ignoring other valuable skills

• By progressing from introducing the concept to examining specific categories of skills acquired through work experience

• By primarily sharing negative examples of teen employment situations

Which paragraph provides the strongest support for the central idea that first jobs help teenagers discover future career paths?

• The first paragraph, which introduces the milestone of obtaining first employment

• The second paragraph, which focuses on soft skills development

• The third paragraph, which discusses financial literacy benefits

• The fourth paragraph, which explores how work experiences reveal personal aptitudes and interests

Which of the following is the best objective summary of the passage?

• Teenagers should get jobs as soon as possible because they need to learn about money management. Most employers prefer to hire teens who have previous work experience, making it difficult for students to find their first jobs.

• First jobs for teenagers provide benefits beyond just earning money, including developing essential soft skills like time management and communication, building financial literacy, and helping teens discover personal strengths and interests that may guide their future career paths.

• About half of all teenagers work while in high school. They learn how to work with customers, how banks operate, and how to file taxes. Most teenagers spend their money poorly and don't save enough.

• Teenagers who work part-time jobs often struggle to balance work and school responsibilities. They learn communication skills but frequently have conflicts with difficult customers and supervisors.

What is the primary theme developed in this poem?

• Technology is destroying genuine human connection.

• Social media creates impossible standards of beauty and popularity.

• Our identities exist in both digital and physical realms, creating tension between authentic and curated selves.

• Young people spend too much time on their devices.

How does the poet develop the theme throughout the poem?

• By beginning with celebration of technology and ending with complete rejection of digital life

• By progressing from describing digital existence to questioning its impact and ultimately seeking authenticity

• By focusing exclusively on the negative aspects of social media

• By describing only the technical aspects of digital communication