Theme & Main Idea
What is theme?
The life lesson or message of a story.
What is characterization?
The methods authors use to develop characters.
What is a simile?
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
What text structure organizes events in time order?
Chronological order
After reading several unreliable websites, Mia finally found a credible source that included facts, statistics, and expert opinions.
What does credible most likely mean?
Trustworthy or believable
What is the difference between theme and main idea?
Theme is the lesson/message; main idea is what the text is mostly about.
What is indirect characterization?
When readers infer traits through actions, thoughts, dialogue, and reactions.
What is personification?
Giving human qualities to nonhuman things.
What text structure explains similarities and differences?
Compare and contrast
After hearing both sides of the argument, Jordan felt ambivalent about the issue because he agreed with parts of each opinion.
What does ambivalent most likely mean?
Having mixed feelings
Can a story have multiple themes & main ideas?
A story can have multiple themes but not multiple main ideas.
What does STEAL stand for?
Speech
Thoughts
Effects on others
Actions
Looks
Identify the figurative language:
“Time is a thief.”
Metaphor
What are the three main author’s purposes?
Persuade, Inform, Entertain
The teacher gave explicit instructions for the project, so students clearly understood exactly what they needed to complete.
What does explicit most likely mean?
Clearly stated or directly explained
What usually helps readers determine theme?
Character actions, conflict, and resolution.
What can dialogue reveal about a character?
Personality, emotions, motivations, and relationships.
What type of figurative language is shown here:
The icy wind howled through the empty streets as thick snowflakes swirled beneath the glowing streetlights. Tree branches creaked under the weight of the heavy snow, and the sidewalks sparkled like glass beneath the pale moonlight. Maya pulled her coat tighter around her body while her boots crunched loudly against the frozen ground. Her cheeks burned from the cold air, and her breath floated in cloudy puffs before disappearing into the stormy night. In the distance, the faint smell of smoke drifted from nearby chimneys, mixing with the sharp scent of pine trees covered in snow.
Imagery
What type of text structure is used when someone writes an article about what caused climate change?
Cause & effect
Kayla used a logical explanation supported by evidence and reasoning to defend her argument during the debate.
What does logical most likely mean?
Reasonable or making sense
Create a theme statement about perseverance.
Hard work and perseverance help people overcome challenges.
Read the sentence:
“Marcus clenched his fists and stared at the floor.”
What can readers infer about Marcus?
He is angry, nervous, or upset.
Explain how figurative language affects mood and tone.
It creates vivid images and emotional reactions that shape how readers feel.
Why do authors choose different text structures?
To organize ideas clearly and help readers understand information.
Instead of banning phones completely, the principal suggested an alternative solution that would limit phone use only during class time.
What does alternative most likely mean?
Another option or choice