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Arkansas ELA Standard 7.RC.2.RF

Description: Students will learn/have a guide on finding the central idea or theme of a given text using details directly from the text.

Learning Objective:

-Using evidence from the chosen text, students will be able to point out the central theme or idea of a story and be able to describe why and how the author formed the idea.

-Find deeper meaning from details in the text

-Find a common theme throughout the text

-Find a central idea or main point using supporting details

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Understanding the difference between the theme vs. central Idea

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In the photo above, it talks about the differences between the theme and the central idea.

Theme: The overall message the author wants a reader to take away from the story. More specifically, what exactly the author is trying to say.

Steps in finding the theme:

Find the topic of the story

Look at how the character or events change in a story

Did the character learn any lessons?

Central Idea: Talks about what the author believes and lets the reader know what they will be reading about

Steps in finding the theme:

Using hints within the text, what is the topic of the text?

Using the structure of the text, find the main points from each section. There is usually more than one.

Look at all the main ideas from each section and put them together. This will be your central idea of the text.

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To help students further with identifying the central idea vs. the theme, have them watch this Youtube clip! This video is great for students who are more visual and auditory learners. This video provides great explanations of the difference between the idea and theme, provides helpful examples, and keeps students engaged throughout the video.

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Determining Central Ideas and Themes - Literary Analysis for Teens!

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Using what you have learned so far, determine whether the words or sentences listed below are a theme or central idea:

1. Amy spent hours and hours creating the perfect dress for the runway show and won the prize money!

2. Jealousy, bravery, courage

3. Respect other's opinions even if you do not agree.

4. No matter how difficult the assignment was, Ashley and Rachel managed to get it done together!

5. Overcoming obstacles

6. Mistakes are something we learn from!