True/False: Information
A theme statement contains details from the story (character names, setting, etc.)
False
Jerome and his family are vacationing on an island in a tropical paradise. The waters are clear, the skies are big, and sand is clean. Suddenly, when a rumble shakes Jerome's sister off of her beach chair, Jerome remembers that the island on which they are staying is one big volcano. Soon the mountain releases its wrath and the eruption threatens every person on the island. Will Jerome and his family ever make it back home?
To entertain the reader with a story about a vacation gone wrong.
My best friend was having a party Friday night, but I also had a baseball game. This was going to be a tough decision. If I do not go to the game, I will let my team down.
Put yourself before others.
Jim was stacking boxes at work. There was a certain height he had to reach. He stretched his body, but could not reach to place the final box at the top. Bill happened to see Jim struggling and came to his rescue, since he was a foot taller.
Help those in need.
Simba became king of Pride Rock.
No (plot details)
A theme is the message that the author wants the reader to learn.
True
Ever since Ziggy lost his twin brother in a tragic car accident, Ziggy hasn't been the same. He has been dragging his feet through life with a glazed look in his eyes. His grades have dropped, he doesn't want to hang out with his friends or family anymore, and he barely leaves his bedroom. Ziggy's mother cannot bear to lose two sons, so she sends Ziggy to an intensive survival bootcamp program far away from home.
To explain the reason why Ziggy is being sent to a bootcamp.
Ben knew his friend was about to receive a check for not being prepared for class. This would have been the third day in a row he would have to stand out from recess. Ben gave the pencil to Tim. Later, Ben received a check and had to stand out from recess.
Sometimes it's good to sacrifice for others.
Susie was waiting for Tina to arrive in the crowded lunch room. She looked through the crowd to see if she could spot Tina from afar. Tina was standing in an area all by herself. She had a perplexed look on her face, as there were no other seats available. Thankfully, Susie had saved her a seat, and all was well.
Look out for your friends.
Treated others the way you want to be treated.
Yes
Themes should only apply to certain people.
False
A pamphlet urging people not to eat animals or use products made from animals or animal suffering because the author thinks that is cruel and unnecessary
To persuade people not to eat animals
During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
It pays to be honest.
Steven loved to play basketball. He went to the park everyday to shoot hoops. His friends would ask him to play video games, or hang out, or even play football with them.He always politely declined. Steven had a dream to play pro basketball. Years later, his friends were not surprised when he was drafted by the NBA.
Don't get distracted and focus on your goals.
Respect other people's possessions.
Yes
Themes are not specific to one situation.
True
The story of a young woman who, after the death of her grandfather, quit her job in the business world and returned home to help her aging grandmother
To entertain the audience with a story about a young woman's life.
One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door
Work before you play.
Chris was walking home from the park when he saw an old man drop his wallet. His friends saw Chris pick it up and they told him to keep it. Without hesitating, Chris ran and gave the old man his wallet back. He offered Chris a reward but Chris said no. He didn't need a reward to do what was right.
Do good deeds without expecting a reward.
Never cheat on math tests.
No (too specific)
A reader's theme must be supported by evidence in the text.
True
The old man was bent into a capital C, his head leaning so far forward that his beard nearly touched his knobby knees. The rest of the passengers wondered for how long he'd been waiting as a thing sheet of frost had begun to settle onto the back of his jacket.
To describe the appearance of an older man standing in the cold.
The girls were coloring when Mike wanted to join along. One girl moved the crayons closer to them. The other girl proceeded to take the other crayon boxes. Mike had no crayons to use. One girl remarked, "These crayons are ours. Find your own."
Don't be greedy.
Giselle had two best friends, Lindy and Taejah. Lindy ALWAYS said she was Giselle's BEST friend. Giselle had them both over to spend the night. Lindy was on her new phone all night long, ignoring Giselle. Taejah and Giselle watched a movie together, made popcorn, and pranked Giselle's brother. The next day at school, Lindy told the girls what a boring sleepover Giselle had. Taejah told everyone what a fun time she had at Giselle's house.
Friends prove themselves through their actions.
Don't back down from a challenge with a school bully.
No (too specific)