Theme & Central Idea
What is theme?
→ The message or lesson of a story
What is tone?
→ Author’s attitude toward the subject
What is a claim?
A statement or position that the writer is trying to prove
What is a simile?
Comparison using “like” or “as”
What does “analyze” mean?
Break down and examine
200: What’s the difference between theme and topic?
Theme = lesson; statement.
Topic = one word.
What is mood?
The feeling the reader gets
What is a counterclaim?
The opposing viewpoint
What is a metaphor?
Direct comparison WITHOUT “like” or “as”
What does “cite evidence” mean?
Use details from the text to support answers
Give one theme from The House on Mango Street
300: Give one theme from The House on Mango Street
→ Identity, belonging, gender roles, etc.
"The house creaked with every step. Shadows stretched across the walls, and a cold breeze slipped through the broken window."
What is the Mood?
Suspenseful / Eerie
What is a rebuttal?
A response that disproves the counterclaim
What is personification?
Giving human traits to non-human things
What does “infer” mean?
Make a logical guess based on evidence
How does a theme develop over a text?
Through characters, events, and conflicts
"Of course I love when my alarm doesn’t go off and I’m late for school. That’s just the best way to start my day."
What is the Tone?
Sarcastic
Why include a counterclaim?
To strengthen your argument and show both sides
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
→ Personification
What does “objective summary” mean?
A summary without opinions
Why can a theme NOT be one word?
→ Because it must express a complete idea or message
"She clenched her fists as she reread the message. How could they betray her like this? Her face burned, and her heart pounded."
What is the Tone?
Angry / Bitter
What makes evidence strong?
Relevant, credible, and supports the claim
Why do authors use figurative language?
To create imagery and deeper meaning
What does “relevant” mean?
Directly related to the topic