Determining Theme

Determining Theme

Grade 9 · ELA · 45 min

What's Included

Learning Objective

I can determine a theme of a literary work by analyzing textual evidence.

Warm-Up Video

OSU School of Writing, Literature and Film · 4:24

"What is a Theme in Literature?": A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers

Practice Questions

7 questions · Short answer

Exit Ticket

Quick comprehension check

Consider a story where a character constantly lies to their friends and family to maintain a false image of success, but ultimately loses their relationships. What is one possible thematic question that this story explores? Imagine a story about a group of refugees who are forced to leave their homes due to war and must navigate a new and unfamiliar culture. What is one possible thematic question that this story could explore? Suppose a story depicts two characters from different social classes who fall in love, but face significant opposition from their families and communities. What is one possible thematic question that this story could explore?

Complete Lesson Package

Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:

Teacher Guide
Student Doc
Slides