Theme Detectives
A lesson or message the author wants readers to learn.
Theme
What question should you ask yourself to determine the author's purpose?
Why did the author write this text?
What is the central idea?
The main point the author wants readers to understand.
What are context clues?
Words and details around an unfamiliar word.
An inference is a conclusion based on _______.
Text evidence and prior knowledge
Which is a theme?
B) Friendship helps people overcome challenges
If a passage includes facts, dates, and information about a real person, the author's purpose is usually to _____.
Inform
What are supporting details?
Facts, examples, and events that explain the central idea.
If you see an unfamiliar word, what should you do first?
Read the sentence and surrounding sentences.
True or False: An inference is directly stated in the text.
False
True or False: Theme should be written in a complete sentence.
True
Which signal words often suggest persuasion?
Should, must, best, worst, everyone, believe
Why do authors include supporting details?
To strengthen and explain their main idea.
What kind of context clue gives another word with a similar meaning?
Synonym clue
What must support every inference?
Evidence from the text
What's the difference between theme and topic?
Topic = subject; Theme = lesson/message
What is the difference between "inform" and "persuade"?
If multiple details show a character helping people, what might the central idea be?
The character cared about helping others.
Which word has a stronger connotation?
marched
Which answer should you choose on an inference question?
The one best supported by evidence.
Name one clue that helps identify a theme.
Repeated ideas, character actions, conflicts, outcomes, etc.
What evidence would help prove an author's purpose?
Details and examples from the text.
How can a graphic organizer help identify a central idea?
It groups details that support the same idea.
What is connotation?
The feeling or emotion associated with a word.
What is the difference between a guess and an inference?
An inference uses evidence; a guess does not.