Theme
What is a theme in literature?
The central message or lesson of a story.
What is first-person point of view?
The narrator is a character in the story and uses "I" or "me."
What is the main idea of a story?
The central point or message of a passage.
What are the four main reasons an author writes?
What are the five stages of plot in order?
Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.
True or False: A theme is usually stated directly in a story.
False—themes are often implied.
In third-person limited, the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of how many characters?
One
Where in a paragraph might a reader find the main idea?
The first or last sentence, but the main idea can be found anywhere in the paragraph.
What is the author’s purpose if they are writing a biography about Abraham Lincoln?
To inform.
What is the climax of a story?
The turning point where the main character faces their biggest challenge.
True or False: Friendship is a theme.
False. Friendship is a topic.
How is third-person omniscient different from third-person limited?
Omniscient knows the thoughts of all characters, while limited focuses on one.
A passage talks about how elephants use their trunks to eat, drink, and pick things up. What is the main idea?
Elephants use their trunks in many ways.
What is the author’s purpose of a commercial trying to sell a new phone?
To persuade.
How does setting impact the plot?
The setting impacts how characters deal with the conflict. It affects what challenges characters face and how they act.
What is the difference between topics and themes?
Topics are 1-2 words that describe what a story is about. Themes are complete sentences that express a life lesson or message.
What point of view is this: "She walked into the room, feeling nervous, but no one else knew how she felt"?
Third-person limited
What is the difference between the main idea and supporting details?
The main idea is the big picture, while supporting details give more information about it.
What type of writing is meant to entertain?
Fiction, poetry, plays, etc.
How does conflict move a story forward?
It pushes the characters to make decisions and take action.
Identify the theme: "Someone learns that honesty is always the best policy after a series of lies causes their friends to lose trust in them."
-Honesty is important in maintaining trust.
-Honesty is always the best policy to maintain friendships.
What is second-person point of view used for?
Instructions, directions, or interactive writing, using "you."
If the main idea is implied or not directly stated, how does the reader determine it?
The reader must infer or make a conclusion about the main idea from supporting details in the text.
How can you tell if an author’s purpose is to persuade?
The text will include facts, arguments, emotional appeals, and persuasive language.
What are three types of conflict that could appear in the plot of a story?
Character vs. Character, Character vs. Self, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Society, or Character vs. Fate