Theme examples
TRUE OR FALSE?
This could be the theme of a story:
Johnny is rude.
FALSE. Themes don't contain character names.
If the headline says, "No COVID cases at Rainbow Elementary, but the principal isn't taking chances; temperature checks and masks-wearing will continue" - what might the central idea be?
It is safe to send your child to Rainbow Elementary school.
I'm a news anchor trying to get my viewers ready for a hurricane. Should I include information about what to buy at the supermarket?
Yes, a hurricane supply list is relevant evidence.
What book by Rick Riordan follows the tale of Percy Jackson, who learns that you should be judged by your own actions, not your parents?
The Lightning Thief.
For "Beauty and the Beast", the theme would be that you should love someone for who they are, not how they ______.
Look.
TRUE OR FALSE?
This could be the theme of a story:
What goes around, comes around.
TRUE.
If the headline says, "Tragedy: Another life lost at the Ponkan Road intersection", what inference can we make?
The Ponkan Road intersection is very dangerous.
I'm a personal trainer trying to help a new customer get fit. Should I ask her to provide a food diary of what she eats daily?
This series by J.K. Rowling follows the adventures of a young wizard who learns to find the light in the darkness.
The Harry Potter series.
One theme of "The Little Mermaid" is that you shouldn't change your ________ for love.
Body/appearance.
TRUE OR FALSE?
This could be the theme of a story:
Hope.
FALSE. Themes are never one word.
If the headline says, "New study shows there's a link between volcanic activity and violent earthquakes", what's the central idea?
Volcanoes may cause earthquakes.
I'm an athlete being interviewed about my recent Olympic win. Should I share information about a charity I want listeners to donate to?
No. While charity is a good and noble deed, the interviewer wants you to stay on topic. This is irrelevant information.
This book by Gary Paulsen follows a young boy named Brian, who learns after his plan crashes that life in the wilderness is as beautiful as it is harsh.
Hatchet.
The theme of "Pocahontas" is to try to understand, not change, people who are _________ than you.
Different.
Complete the famous theme:
A picture is worth a thousand ____________.
Words.
If the headline reads, "#WakandaForever: Fans in shock as Black Panther King T'Challa passes at 43", what's the central idea?
Chadwick Boseman kept his cancer diagnosis a secret, so fans are surprised by his passing.
My mother is trying to get my schedule changed. She tells the guidance counselor I don't like my math teacher and that all my friends are in a different class. Is this relevant information?
No. A schedule change should be made for NEEDS, not WANTS.
This book by Louis Sachar follows the adventures of Stanley, who realizes during his time at Camp Green Lake that life is what you make of it, curse or not.
Holes.
The theme of "Cinderella" is that good always ____ over evil in the end.
Wins/triumphs.
Complete the famous theme:
Two wrongs do not make a __________.
Right.
If the headline says, "Vanessa Bryant sues TMZ for damages after leaked video of Kobe's helicopter crash emerges", what's the central idea?
Kobe Bryant's widow is upset that the gossip website TMZ released sensitive material to the public.
My teacher told me to write an essay about cell structure, like organelles and mitochondria. I wrote about jail cell structure. Is that relevant?
No. It's humorous, but off-topic. Jail cells are NOT the same thing as plant or animal cells.
This story by William Shakespeare follows two star-crossed lovers, who learn that when your parents don't approve of who you love, life gets complicated quickly.
Romeo & Juliet.
After Spider-Man loses Gwen, he may feel the theme that "It's better to have ________ and lost, than never to have ________ at all."
Loved.