1. Theme

2. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
The theme is the message the author is trying to get across to readers.

3. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
The theme connects the characters or ideas in the story to the reader’s experience.

4. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
The main idea is specific to the passage, but the theme is general enough to apply to most people.

5. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
For example, the main idea of “Little Red Riding Hood” is about a bad wolf, a little girl, and a sick grandmother.

6. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
The theme, however, may be that we should be careful about what we tell strangers.

7. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
The theme may be a statement about anything you can think of: nature, life, friendship, love, pets, war, travel, toys, farming, anything.

8. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
It is usually a message or lesson the author is trying to communicate.
A universal theme is one that is common to all people, everywhere.

9. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
Theme questions can be asked in several ways:
The main character would most likely agree with which statement?

10. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
Theme questions can be asked in several ways:
Which of these would be the best title for this passage?

11. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
Theme questions can be asked in several ways:
What is the lesson, message, or moral of the story?

12. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
Think about what the author is most likely trying to teach the reader.

13. Tip #6: Identify the central message of the passage.
Ask yourself:
What lesson did the main character learn or fail to learn?
What statement is the author making about life or people in general?

14. Which of these best describes the theme from The Outside Shot?
People prefer to be around others like them.
A good event can often follow a bad event.
A real friend sticks by you in the worst times.
Nothing worthwhile comes without effort.

15. Which of these best describes the theme from The Outside Shot?
People prefer to be around others like them.
A good event can often follow a bad event.
A real friend sticks by you in the worst times.
Nothing worthwhile comes without effort.

16. You can’t please everybody.
Some Common Themes
You can’t please everybody.
Things are not always what they appear to be.
Think twice before you decide.
Sometimes things turn out to be different from what is expected.

17. Some Common Themes Don’t believe everything you hear.
Believe in yourself.
Know your place and keep it.
Know when to accept help.