Theme
What is a theme in a story?
A central message, lesson, or idea that the author wants the reader to take away.
The phrase “She was as busy as a bee” is an example of this type of figurative language.
Simile
When an author tells a story from two different characters’ viewpoints, this is called using multiple ______.
What are perspectives (or points of view)?
If a character says, “I’m fine,” but slams their book shut and stomps away, what can we infer about how they really feel?
That they are upset or angry
The Latin root “port” means to carry. What does the word transport mean?
What is to carry or move something across?
In a story where two friends argue but later forgive each other, what theme might be shown through their relationship?
The importance of forgiveness / Friendship can overcome conflict.
The sentence “The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of what figurative language?
Personification
If one character in a text sees a storm as exciting while another sees it as dangerous, what is being shown?
The differences in perspectives between the characters
In a fable where a fox says grapes are “probably sour anyway” after failing to reach them, what deeper meaning can we infer?
That people sometimes pretend they don’t want what they can’t have.
What affix is in the word unattainable?
DOUBLE POINTS: Translate the affix
Prefix- un = not
Suffix- able = the ability to
If a character refuses to give up even after failing several times, what theme is being shaped by this character’s actions and interactions?
Perseverance / Never giving up leads to success.
How does the word choice “slammed” instead of “closed” impact the tone of this sentence: “He slammed the door on his way out.”
it creates an angry or frustrated tone.
Why is it important to notice how two characters view the same event differently?
Because it helps us understand conflict, motivation, or theme
What is an inference?
When a reader makes a guess based on clues in the text and what they already know
The Greek root “chron” means time. Which of these words means arranged in the order of time:
chronology
A story shows a family working together to survive during a difficult time. How do the relationships in the family influence the theme?
Their teamwork and care for each other show the theme of unity and the power of family support.
In the sentence “The night wrapped its arms around her,” how does the figurative language affect the mood of the scene?
It creates a comforting or peaceful mood
An author shows both a scientist’s perspective on climate change (scientific evidence) and a local farmer’s perspective (effects on crops). How does analyzing both viewpoints deepen understanding of the text?
It shows how different perspectives connect and build a fuller picture of the issue.
A poem describes a “broken clock” in a room. What might the clock symbolize at a deeper level of meaning?
It could symbolize time standing still, loss, or something being stuck.
What is an affix?
Affixes are small word particles, usually only a few letters, added to the beginning or ending of a root word to change its meaning or grammatical properties.
Read the story and answer the questions.
Story: Jordan noticed a new student sitting alone at lunch every day. At first, he felt nervous about introducing himself, but then he remembered how lonely he felt when he was new. He decided to sit with the student and soon discovered they both loved drawing. Over time, their friendship grew, and the new student felt more welcome at school.
Questions:
Identify the theme of the story.
How did the author develop this theme?
The theme of that story is kindness and inclusion — reaching out to others can lead to friendship and help people feel welcome.
The author develops this theme by showing how Jordan remembers his own experience of loneliness, chooses to act with kindness, and builds a friendship that makes the new student feel included.
An author describes a battlefield using words like “chaotic,” “explosive,” and “merciless.” How do these connotative choices contribute to the overall tone of the passage?
They create a harsh, intense, and fearful tone
BONUS- DOUBLE VALUE
Explain the difference between point of view and perspective
POV- Is who is telling the story?
Perspective- How does the character react to what is happening in the story
BONUS TRIPLE VALUE Why is it important to track both the surface meaning (what is literally happening) and the deeper meaning (symbols, themes, hidden emotions) when reading a text?
Because it helps readers fully understand the author’s message and multiple levels of meaning
The root “geo” means earth and the suffix “-graphy” means writing about. What does geography mean, and how might it be used in context?
the study or writing about the earth — for example, “In geography class, we learned about mountains and rivers.”