Main Idea and Theme
What is another way to describe the main idea?
The main idea is what the passage or reading section is mainly about.
The restaurant was formal, so I bought a new suit. What does "formal" mean?
upscale, dressy
The snow was a marvel to look at as it glistened in the bright sun. What does "marvel" mean?
An awesome sight
The three students decided to collaborate on the project, since they all had different talents to share. What does "collaborate" mean?
work together
Miss Kampenga's favorite dessert is...
Brownies
What is the theme of a story?
The theme of a story is the lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember and apply in our own lives.
The student strives to get an A on the test. What does "strives" mean?
try or tries
Joe felt anguish when his dog died. He'd had his dog for 13 years. What does "anguish" mean?
extreme pain, sadness and suffering.
What is plot?
The sequence of events in a story.
What is the best subject in school?
Literature of course!
We read a short story about Panchito and his family. What is the theme of this story?
Answers may vary.
The girl had a very distinct way of dressing. She did not dress like the rest of the crowd. What does "distinct" mean?
different
To satisfy the nervous new parents, the doctor performed a painstaking exam of the baby, to ensure it was healthy. What does "painstaking" mean?
careful, thorough, taking a lot of care.
Cheerleaders are a boisterous group. They spend a lot of time jumping and shouting to energize the players and the fans. What does "boisterous" mean?
loud, noisy, energetic
What college did Miss Kampenga go to?
Grand Canyon University
We saw a short film about a bully. What was the theme of this story?
We should treat all people with respect . Do not be a bully. Love one another. Answers will vary.
The continuous pounding of the hammers gave me a headache. It seemed like they had been working on the new ramp for days. What does "continuous" mean?
non-stop
The gymnast was so agile. I was amazed at the graceful way she moved during the floor routine. What does "agile" mean?
flexible, able to bend and move in many ways
What does paraphrasing mean?
Rewriting of text in your own words. Clarifies meaning and keeps the main idea of the text.
what is Miss Kampenga's biggest fear?
Birds
What is the difference between the main idea of a story and the theme of a story?
The main idea is mostly what the story is about (a short summary). The theme is the life lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember. It may have nothing to do with the details of the story itself.
The town is so rural that most of the residents are cows! What does "rural" mean?
country
Joe plegded his allegiances to his new team, even though, he missed many members of his old team. What does "allegiance" mean?
loyalty or devotion
What is literature?
Written works, books and writings published on a particular subject.
What does Miss Kampenga like to do in her free time?
Read, watch movies, relax, travel.