Identifying Theme
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Objective
I can identify the theme of a literary text and support it with evidence.
Part 1 of 3
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
The theme of a story is the big idea or message the author wants to share, not just what happens in the plot.
- 2
To find the theme, consider what the characters learn or how they change throughout the story.
- 3
Support your ideas about the theme by finding evidence in the text, such as specific moments, conversations, or descriptions.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
3 questions
What is the difference between the theme and the plot of a story?
A story features a character who initially values wealth and status above all else. However, through a series of humbling experiences, they come to realize the importance of kindness and compassion. What is a possible theme of this story?
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Read the following short story and identify a possible theme. Then, provide one piece of evidence from the story to support your answer: A young boy named Alex moves to a new town and struggles to make friends. He feels lonely and misses his old friends. One day, he decides to join the school soccer team. At first, he is nervous and unsure of himself, but as he starts playing, he begins to connect with his teammates. They share a common interest, and he starts to feel like he belongs. By the end of the season, Alex has made several new friends and feels much happier in his new town.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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