Central Idea & Theme
This is the main message or lesson the author wants readers to understand throughout the text.
What is a theme?
This type of evidence uses the exact words from the text inside quotation marks.
What is a direct quote?
Why would an author use figurative language instead of literal language?
To create imagery and deeper meaning
An author writes an article explaining how hurricanes form. What is the author’s purpose?
What is to inform?
This type of conflict happens when a character struggles against another person.
What is character vs. character?
“Even after failing twice, Maya continued practicing every night until she finally earned a spot on the team.”
What theme is best supported by the excerpt
What is perseverance leads to success?
“The character is responsible.”
Which detail best supports the claim?
A. “He forgot his homework.”
B. “He blamed others for mistakes.”
C. “He stayed late to finish the project.”
D. “He laughed during class.”
What is C?
“The thunder grumbled angrily.”
Personification
An advertisement tries to convince readers to buy a product. What is the author’s purpose?
What is to persuade?
“Tina wanted to tell the truth, but she feared losing her best friend.”
What type of conflict is shown?
What is character vs. self?
A student says the central idea is “dogs.” Why is this too broad?
What is it does not explain what the author says about dogs?
Why is strong textual evidence important in written responses?
What is it supports ideas with proof from the text?
Which is stronger and why: “He is like a lion” vs. “He is a lion”?
“He is a lion” (metaphor is more direct and powerful)
School uniforms help students focus more on learning.”
This statement most clearly shows the authors—
What is perspective or opinion?
How does conflict usually affect a story?
What is it helps develop the plot and characters?
“The town rebuilt the library together after the storm destroyed it.”
Which central idea is best supported?
What is communities become stronger when people work together?
“Lena clenched her fists and stared at the floor while the coach announced the results.
What inference can the reader make?
What is Lena is nervous, upset, or disappointed?
“Her backpack weighs a ton.”
Hyperbole
Why might two authors describe the same event differently?
What is they have different perspectives, experiences, or purposes?
“The hikers battled freezing temperatures and heavy snow.”
What type of conflict is shown?
What is character vs. nature?
How are theme and central idea different?
What is a central idea explains what the text is mostly about, while a theme is the deeper message or lesson?
A student includes evidence that does not connect to the question being asked. What mistake did the student make?
What is using irrelevant evidence?
“The stars danced in the night sky.” What mood is created?
Peaceful, magical, or calm
“Unlike many critics, the writer believed technology improved communication between families.”
Which phrase best shows the author’s perspective?
What is “improved communication between families”?
“At the beginning of the novel, Marcus avoided responsibility. By the end, he volunteered to lead the group during the emergency.”
How did Marcus change?
What is he became more responsible and confident?