Theme vs. Main Idea
This is the central message or lesson that a story teaches, often a universal idea about life.
Theme
The perspective from which a story is told.
Point of view
This type of figurative language compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."
Simile
What are the four main reasons an author writes?
Persuade
Informe
Entertain
Describe
The time and place of a story.
The setting
This is what a story is specifically about, including the key details of the plot.
main idea
This type of narration uses “I” or “me” to tell the story.
first-person point of view
"The wind howled through the trees." This is an example of what type of figurative language?
personification
If an author writes a musical about the lives of middle schoolers, their purpose is most likely…
To entertain
The struggle between opposing forces that drives the story forward.
conflict
True or False: A theme is usually stated directly in the text.
False
"Marcus sighed, frustrated. Across town, Olivia was having the same kind of day, completely unaware of Marcus’s struggles."
third-person omniscient
This type of figurative language is an extreme exaggeration, such as "I've told you a million times!"
hyperbole
A commercial trying to convince you to buy a product is an example of this author’s purpose.
persuade
A character lost in the desert with no food or water is facing this type of conflict.
character vs. nature
If a story is about a character who works hard to achieve their goal while others take shortcuts and fail, what could be a possible theme?
hard work and preparation lead to success" or "taking shortcuts can have consequences"
Rewrite this passage in first person point of view: "She tiptoed into the room, holding her breath. No one knew her secret."
"I tiptoed into the room, holding my breath. No one knew my secret."
Identify the figurative language in this sentence: “His stomach twisted into knots as he waited for the meeting to start.”
metaphor
In the novel we will start this Friday, The Battle of Jericho, Sharon Draper writes about peer pressure and dangerous traditions. What do you think her purpose is?
To entertain and inform readers about the dangers of peer pressure.
How would setting affect a story where a character is trying to survive in the wilderness versus a busy city? What kind of challenges would arise?
The wilderness setting creates physical survival challenges, while the city might focus more on social struggles or personal conflicts?
If a story follows a student who studies diligently for a test while another student cheats and gets caught, what could be a possible theme?
"honesty and hard work lead to success" or "shortcuts can have consequences"?
Re-write this passage in second person point of view: "She tiptoed into the room, holding her breath. No one knew her secret."
"You tiptoed into the room, holding your breath. No one knew your secret."
“Her toxic friends were a mountain standing between Sally and her own choices.” What is the deeper meaning of this metaphor?
Her friends symbolize an obstacle that makes it hard for Sally to make independent choices.
An author writes an article about climate change using strong language to make the reader take action, what is their purpose?
persuade
In many dystopian novels, the setting is a strict, futuristic society where people have little freedom. How does this setting contribute to the conflict?
It creates tension between characters who want to follow the rules and those who want to rebel, driving the plot forward.