Theme
What is a theme?
The central message or lesson of a text
What does it mean to make an inference?
To make an educated guess using clues and prior knowledge.
What are the three main purposes authors write?
To inform, to persuade, to entertain
What is a simile? Give an example.
A comparison using like or as → e.g., “brave as a lion”
What are context clues?
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help reveal its meaning.
Identify one universal theme that appears in many stories.
Love, friendship, good vs. evil, perseverance, etc.
If a character slams a door and won’t speak, what can you infer?
They are upset or angry
What’s one clue that a text is written to persuade?
Use of arguments, evidence, or calls to action
What is a metaphor? Give an example.
A direct comparison → e.g., “Time is a thief
What type of context clue is this? “The arboretum, a place where many trees are grown, was beautiful.”
Definition context clue
How is theme different from the main idea?
Theme is the underlying message, while main idea is what the text is mostly about
Why is inference an important reading skill?
It helps readers understand deeper meaning beyond the literal words.
How does audience affect an author’s purpose?
Authors adjust tone, word choice, and approach depending on who will read the text
What is personification? Give an example.
Giving human qualities to nonhuman things → “The wind whispered”)
What type of context clue is this? “Unlike his gregarious sister, he was shy and quiet.”
Contrast/antonym clue
Give an example of how the same theme could appear in both a poem and a movie.
Theme of courage in a war poem vs. courage in a superhero movie
How do context clues help you make inferences about unknown words?
They provide hints in surrounding text to figure out meaning
Explain how an author’s purpose might affect word choice.
Persuasive = strong/emotional words; Informative = precise/neutral words; Entertaining = creative/descriptive words
How does figurative language make writing more powerful?
It creates imagery, emotional impact, and deeper meaning
Why is it better to use context clues before a dictionary when reading?
It builds independence and helps reading flow without interruption.
How can an author use tone and rhetoric together to develop a theme across cultures?
Tone creates attitude and mood, rhetoric persuades together they shape how universal themes are presented and understood in different contexts
How can cultural or historical context influence the inferences readers make about a text?
Different backgrounds may lead readers to interpret events, motives, or themes differently
How can two authors write about the same topic but have completely different purposes? Give an example.
A news article informs about climate change; an opinion essay persuades action on climate change
Create an original metaphor or simile to describe “school” and explain its meaning.
Answers will vary e.g., “School is a marathon” long and requires endurance)
Create your own sentence with an unfamiliar word and include context clues so others can figure it out.
Student-generated e.g., “Her laughter was effervescent, bubbling over like soda on a hot day