Theme
What are three questions you ask yourself to find the theme?
What is the conflict? How did the character change? What did the main character learn?
I wouldn't mind sharing with Patrick if he didn't act like being a part of the Witherspoon family entitled him to a piece of everything on campus.What does "entitled" mean?
believing you're above everyone else.
The boy lingered in the stands after the concert. He was hoping to watch the band members pack up. What does "lingered" mean?
stayed
Angela did not want to go to the party. She wanted to study for the exam, but her sister nagged her so much that Angela finally acquiesced and agreed to go. What does "acquiesce" mean?
accept something reluctantly but without protest.
The snow was a marvel to look at as it glistened in the bright sun. What does "marvel" mean?
an awesome sight
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?
make great efforts
Though Joseph was the true king, his uncle usurped the throne and was now ruling the land quite cruelly. What does "unsurp" mean?
to wrongfully take the position of power.
This school has a lot of diversity. We have students from many races, religions and cultural backgrounds. What does "diversity" mean?
different kinds of things or people together
Joe felt anguish when his dog died. He'd had his dog for 13 years. What does "anguish" mean?
extreme pain, sadness and suffering.
We read a short called "The Lottery." What is the theme of this story?
Answers 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
Our hockey team was far superior than any other team in the league. We had not lost a game yet! What does "superior" mean?
the best
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
Joe pledged his allegiance to his new team, even though, he missed many members of his old team. What does "allegiance" mean?
loyalty or devotion
We read a story about a selfish King who wanted everything he touched turn to gold. What is a theme for this story?
Don't be greedy, and enjoy what you have in life.
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
The auditorium looks like it is filled to capacity. I don't think we will find an empty seat. What does "capacity" mean?
The largest amount possible
Kevin told me that there is no homework. Katie told me that we are supposed to study for a quiz. I'm going to check the teacher's website to ascertain the truth. What does "ascertain" mean?
make sure of.
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, remote, secluded
Keep your speech concise to save time. We have many students who need to present their reports. What does "concise" mean?
short
Nina was completely inept at cooking. She seemed to burn everything she tried to cook. What does "inept" mean?
have little or no skill
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