1. Developing a Theme Statement

2. Most stories, plays, novels, and poems have more than one theme.
What is a theme?
A theme is a message or main idea that the writer wants the reader to remember after reading his/her work.
Most stories, plays, novels, and poems have more than one theme.

3. What is a Theme Statement
A theme statement is a complete sentence (or two) that express a theme. A theme statement could serve as a thesis (argument) in an essay.

4. Bad example 1: The theme was love. NO!
What is a theme NOT?
1. A theme is not ONE WORD. That is a topic (a big idea).
Bad example 1: The theme was love. NO!

5. Try to think of as many topics (big ideas) as possible
With your partner…
Try to think of as many topics (big ideas) as possible
*Remember: Topics are NOT genres

6. 2. A theme is not a definition
What is a theme NOT?
2. A theme is not a definition
Bad example 2: Love is when you have feelings for someone. NO!

7. Bad example 3: Autobots and Decepticons don’t get along. NO!
What is a theme NOT?
3. A theme is not specifically about one story or character; rather, it is universal.
Bad example 3: Autobots and Decepticons don’t get along. NO!

8. Some GOOD Examples of theme statements
Topic: Love Theme: Unconditional love withstands any obstacle. Topic: Hope Theme: Hope can help a person to survive any dark time.

9. Theme: It is important to have courage to express your individuality.
SOME GOOD EXAMPLES
Topic: Courage
Theme: It is important to have courage to express your individuality.
Topic: Jealousy
Theme: Jealousy can cause lasting damage to individuals and relationships.

10. HOMEWORK – Day 2
In your groups on your big paper, write three THEME STATEMENTS for your topic (big idea).

11. JOURNAL ENTRY
1) Think of some topics that are important to you or you have experienced in your life (family, loyalty, integrity, etc).
2) Use one of the topics to develop a theme statement that defines you.
3) Write in your journal about why you chose that theme statement and how it applies to your life. (1 page single spaced)

12. HOMEWORK Read pages 20-46 (to end of First Marking Period)
Write three questions (with answers) about what you have read. You will be quizzing the other students.
One question must be a ‘why’ question
**QUIZ AND IN-CLASS PARAGRAPH ON FRIDAY