1. Theme vs. Main/Central Idea
Get to the Point!

2. Main/Central Idea
Central point that a speaker or writer wants to communicate
In essays, the main/central idea is usually seen in the thesis statement
Main/central ideas are general statements that need supporting details to explain them

3. Can you find it?
See if you can find the central idea in the following paragraph…

4. Exercise can help the body in various ways
Exercise can help the body in various ways. To begin with, daily exercise can help keep the body at a healthy weight. More importantly, exercise can help reduce stress levels in the body. When you have a difficult test or quiz coming up, a great way to relax is to…move! Exercise is great stress relief.

5. Exercise can help the body in various ways.
This is the central idea.
What details did you see that support that central idea?
How did you know it was the central idea?

6. Theme A theme is a central message, concern, or insight
Usually expressed in a 1 or 2 sentence statement about human beings or life
Usually not stated directly
Can be multiple

7. Can you find it? Think about some of the stories from your childhood
What were the themes in those?

8. Red Riding Hood Goldilocks What is the theme in this children’s story?
Stranger Danger
Don’t walk alone
How do you know?
Goldilocks
Don’t take things that are not yours