Main Idea and Theme
Context Clues
Context Clues
Context Clues
100

We read a novel about a young girl growing up in a tumultuous time in America. What are some "big ideas" that repeat in the novel (and form the theme of the novel)?

race

family

religion

civil rights


100

The restaurant was formal, so I bought a new suit. What does "formal" mean?

upscale, dressy

100
The boy lingered in the stands after the concert. He was hoping to watch the band members pack up. What does "lingered" mean?
stayed
100
The three students decided to collaborate on the project, since they all had different talents to share. What does "collaborate" mean?
work together
200

What is the theme of a story?

The theme of a story is the lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember and apply in our own lives.

200
The student strives to get an A on the test. What does "strives" mean?
try or tries
200
My objective was to get to work on time each day, so I would not get fired. What does "objective" mean?
goal
200
This school has a lot of diversity. We have students from many races, religions and cultural backgrounds. What does "diversity" mean?
different kinds of things or people together
300

We read a book about a boy named Salva from Sudan who struggles to survive in a time of war. What could one theme of this novel be?

Never lose hope.

If you work hard towards a goal you can attain it.

Believe in yourself even in difficult times and you will persevere.

300
The girl had a very distinct way of dressing. She did not dress like the rest of the crowd. What does "distinct" mean?
different
300
Our hockey team was far superior than any other team in the league. We had not lost a game yet! What does "superior" mean?
the best
300

Cheerleaders are a boisterous group. They spend a lot of time jumping and shouting to energize the players and the fans. What does "boisterous" mean?

loud, noisy, energetic

400

We watched a movie about a disabled boy and the friendship he forms with another boy who is an outcast in his town. What could the theme of this movie be?

Don't judge a book by its cover.

Two heads are better than one.

In order to overcome obstacles we need to work together.

400
The continuous pounding of the hammers gave me a headache. It seemed like they had been working on the new ramp for days. What does "continuous" mean?
non-stop
400
The gymnast was so agile. I was amazed at the graceful way she moved during the floor routine. What does "agile" mean?
flexible, able to bend and move in many ways
400
The auditorium looks like it is filled to capacity. I don't think we will find an empty seat. What does "capacity" mean?
The largest amount possible
500

What is the difference between the main idea of a story and the theme of a story?

The main idea is mostly what the story is about (a short summary). The theme is the life lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember. It may have nothing to do with the details of the story itself.

500
The town is so rural that most of the residents are cows! What does "rural" mean?
country
500
Keep your speech concise to save time. We have many students who need to present their reports. What does "concise" mean?
short
500
Nina was completely inept at cooking. She seemed to burn everything she tried to cook. What does "inept" mean?
have little or no skill
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