Theme and Central Idea
What is the difference between theme and central idea?
Theme = message about life; Central idea = what the text is mostly about
“He is as fast as a cheetah” is what?
Simile
A character in literature who contrasts with another character.
What is claim?
What the author believes, their position / argument.
How many sentences should you have for an SCR?
Which is a strong theme and why?
(A) Friendship is important (B) Friends help each other grow through challenges
B - more detailed lesson about life
“Time is a thief” is what?
Metaphor
How can characterization be shown?
Actions, dialogue, thoughts, etc.
Explain pathos.
Appeal to the readers emotions.
What does RACE stand for?
Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain.
Why is “This story is about a boy and his dog” NOT a theme?
It’s a summary, not a life message
“The wind whispered through the trees” is what?
Personification
What is the difference between denotation and connotation?
Denotation is the literal, objective dictionary definition of a word, while connotation refers to the emotional, social, or cultural associations it carries.
Explain logos.
What is a thesis statement?
Your main answer/claims to the essay prompt.
What must a central idea be supported by?
Multiple details from the text
What is imagery?
Language that appeals to the senses
Why is the climax of a story important?
It determines the outcome / turning point of a story. Where the big action happens.
Explain ethos.
Builds trust/credibility. Appeals to ethics, moral position of the reader.
What makes an ECR strong?
Clear thesis, multiple evidence, and explanation.
Create a theme from: A character overcomes fear to speak out
Example: Courage allows people to overcome fear and make change
What’s the difference between tone and mood?
Tone = author’s attitude; Mood = reader’s feeling
How can setting impact theme?
It can shape the conflict, mood, and meaning of the story.
What is a counterargument?
An opposing viewpoint the author addresses.
What is the biggest mistake students make on the ECR?
Not explaining how your evidence supports your claim and answers the prompt.