Determining Theme or Central Idea

Knowledge can help a person overcome fears.

Friends stand by you even when times are tough.

Dogs only bark at people who act scared.

Confidence does not help people solve problems.

"last summer, we went to a theme park and I went on about fifty rides."

"Our sixth-grade class had studied Mount Rushmore, and a visit there sounded really boring."

"This summer, my parents planned a trip for us to visit Mount Rushmore."

"I've seen statues of famous people before."

People often dread situations that turn out to be fine or even fun.

What is pleasing to one person may be disappointing to another.

We should always do what we can to make the best of a difficult situation.

Memories of great times in the past can help us through boring times in the present.

"planned a trip for us to visit Mt. Rushmore"

"and a visit there sounded really boring"

"As we drove to the airport"

"the size of the carvings is astonishing"

"We drove about 30 miles"