Determine the Theme

main idea

summary

theme

topic

What the story is about

The topic of the text

A message the author is trying to get across to the reader

Where and when the story happens

You should sacrifice for others.

Give up when things are tough.

When you are greedy, you will fall down.

You should never give up.

A sense of location

Motivation for the characters

An important message

Dialogue for the characters

Authors rarely want the reader to figure it out.

Only complicated, adult stories have themes.

It has little to do with plot, characters, and other story elements.

It is rarely stated y.

all humans share common experiences

the entire universe enjoys them

authors add them to make the writing more interesting

the stories go on forever

can be expressed in one word

cannot be just one word

is always stated directly in the text

always shows the setting

Friendship

Friendships can teach you important life long lessons.

Sonja and Mariel were no longer friends due to a big misunderstanding.

First Jean forgot to study, then he asked to cheat off his friend's test, the teacher caught them, and Jean received a zero.

"Fear, you don't own me!”

Some people are scared of heights.

Self-esteem is something that is lacking in a lot of preteens.

You should find your own self worth instead of relying on other people's opinions.

"Due to her fear of public speaking, Anna passed up the opportunity to speak at a national conference.”

"Sonya stepped back from the edge since she felt a little queasy when she looked down.”

"Ming's mother, and graphic designer, traded her time with our neighbor, Mr. Phillips, a music teacher, so he could get quality piano lessons.”

"Joanna smiled and burst out laughing when Chip started dancing in the middle of the crowded store. She loved how is was not scared of making a fool out of himself.”