What the text is mostly about.
Main Idea
What point of view uses I and we?
First Person
Going somewhere that is unfamiliar and may be unsafe.
Venturing
Why might an author write BOOM! in all capital letters?
To make the sound stand out or seem strong/loud.
What is a theme?
The lesson or message of a story.
What do supporting details do?
They support or explain the main idea.
What point of view uses he, she, they?
Third Person
Something is just as you expect, with no surprises.
Predictable
What does WHOOSH! help the reader imagine?
It helps you imagine/hear something moving quickly.
Is a theme a lesson or a character?
A lesson/message.
Which is more likely the main idea: one small detail or what the whole text is mostly about?
What the whole text is mostly about.
Is this first or third person: “I walked to school with my friend.”
First Person
An unexpected situation that requires help or quick action to make it better.
Emergency
Why would an author use a sound word instead of simply saying “there was a loud sound”?
To make the sound more vivid and help the reader imagine it.
Can a theme be written as a complete lesson or message?
Yes!
If a text has details about exercising, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep, what might the main idea be?
Taking care of your health / ways to stay healthy.
Is this first or third person: “Marcus opened his book and began to read.”
Third Person
Drastic
What effect can capital letters have when showing a sound?
They can make the sound seem loud, strong, or important.
If a character ignores good advice and gets into trouble, what could the theme be?
Listen to good advice/warnings.
How can you figure out the main idea if it isn't directly stated?
Look at the important details and figure out what they have in common.
How can you tell what point of view a text is written in?
Looking for key pronouns or words.
2. Focus attention away from something.
1. Consult
2. Distract
How can an author's word choices help readers understand or imagine what is happening?
They can help readers picture, hear, or understand what is happening.
What is the difference between the topic of a story and its theme?
The topic is what the story is about; the theme is the lesson or message the author wants readers to learn.