Main Idea and Theme
What is another way to describe the main or central idea?
The main idea is what the passage or reading section is mainly about.
What is the main idea or controlling idea?
The boy lingered in the stands after the concert. He was hoping to watch the band members pack up. What does "lingered" mean?
stayed
The three students decided to collaborate on the project, since they all had different talents to share. What does "collaborate" mean?
work together
The snow was a marvel to look at as it glistened in the bright sun. What does "marvel" mean?
an awesome sight
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.
What is the theme of An A From Miss Keller?
The theme in the story is to never give up, try your best, and you will succeed.
My objective was to get to work on time each day, so I would not get fired. What does "objective" mean?
goal
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
We read the story of Ferdinand. What was the theme of that story?
It is ok to be unique.
Where can I find the main idea in an article?
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
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
We read a story about a selfish emperor who hired some tailors to make him some special clothes that would be invisible to stupid people. The tailors cheated him and stole his wealth. What is a theme for this story?
We should treat all people with respect and not act like we are better than others.
We read the True Story of the Three Little Pigs What was the main idea?
The main idea of the story was that it was all a misunderstanding, and that he just wanted to borrow a cup of sugar.
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
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
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.
What is a way to remember what Theme is?
The Message.
Keep your speech concise to save time. We have many students who need to present their reports. What does "concise" mean?
short
Nina was completely inept at cooking. She seemed to burn everything she tried to cook. What does "inept" mean?
have little or no skill