Theme Basics
What is theme?
The lesson or message of a story
What is text evidence?
Information from the story that supports an idea
What is strong evidence?
Evidence that clearly shows and proves the theme
What does it mean to explain your evidence?
Tell how it proves the theme
What is Coach Holtz's favorite food?
Chipotle Protein Bowl
Which is the best example of a theme?
A. Pikachu is strong
B. Ash has a Pokémon
C. Hard work leads to success
D. This episode is about battling
C. Hard work leads to success
Which is evidence?
A. The theme is friendship
B. A character helps their friend when they are in trouble
C. This is a good episode
D. I like Pokémon
B. A character helps their friend when they are in trouble
Which is stronger evidence?
A. A character talks about trying
B. A character trains every day and improves
B. A character trains every day and improves
Finish the sentence:
“This shows the theme because…”
Answers vary but must explain connection
What is Coach Holtz's favorite TV show or movie?
TV show: The Office
Movie: Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith OR Spiderman 2
Why is “Friendship” a weak theme?
It’s too vague / not a full lesson
Why do we use evidence?
To prove our thinking / support ideas
Why is some evidence stronger than others?
It shows the theme more clearly / is more important
What is missing?
Theme + Evidence = ❓
Reasoning
Which of the favorites awards did Coach Holtz win in high school?
(Ex. Class clown, best dressed, etc.)
Nicest student
Turn this into a theme:
“A character never gives up even when things are hard”
Never give up / perseverance leads to success
Give ONE example of evidence that could show:
“Hard work leads to success”
Answers vary (must include an action showing effort → success)
Pick the BEST evidence for:
“Be yourself”
A. A character changes their personality
B. A character is accepted after being themselves
C. A character talks to a friend
D. A character walks away
B. A character is accepted after being themselves
Why is explanation important?
It shows your thinking / connects evidence to theme
What was Coach Holtz's favorite class in high school? (Not English)
Culinary Class
Write a strong theme about kindness
Answers will vary (ex: Kindness can build strong relationships)
What makes evidence RELEVANT?
It clearly connects to the theme or idea
Explain why strong evidence matters
It makes your argument clearer and easier to prove
Fix this response:
“The theme is hard work. A character trains.”
Add explanation (why training shows hard work leads to success)
What sport did LeBron James play in high school and what position did he play?
Football, Wide Receiver