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 is the setting of a story?
The setting is where and when a story takes place.
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.
In a story that happens in a small cabin in the woods during winter, what is the setting?
a small cabin in the woods (place) during winter (time).
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 can the setting affect the characters in a story?
The setting can change how characters act, feel, or solve problems. For example, a stormy night might make characters feel scared or nervous.
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.
A boy walks through a dark forest at midnight. Owls hoot, and the moon shines between the trees. What is the setting? How might this setting affect the character?
The setting is a dark forest at midnight.
The character might feel scared or nervous.
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.
“You should recycle every day! Recycling helps save the planet, protects animals, and keeps our neighborhoods clean. Start today and make a difference!”
What is the author's purpose?
to pursuade
Rain poured down on the crowded city streets as cars splashed through puddles. It was early Monday morning, and people hurried to work with umbrellas over their heads.
Talk about the setting.
How might the setting affect the characters' emotion?
On a crowded city street early on Monday morning.
They might feel rushed, wet, annoyed, or tired.