Theme Finder Reference
Theme Finder
A Student Guide to Identifying Theme vs. Topic
The Topic
What the story is ABOUT.
- Usually just one or two words.
- The "subject" of the book.
Friendship Identity Survival
The Theme
The message or LESSON.
- Must be a complete sentence.
- The "Big Idea" about life.
Example Theme Statement:
"True friendship requires sacrifice and honesty."
The Theme Test: Is it a Strong Statement?
Complete
Does it have a subject and verb?
Universal
Does it apply to other stories?
No Names
Did you remove character names?
Evidenced
Can you find text to prove it?
Level Up Your Theme Statements
| Topic | Grades 4–5 | Grades 6–8 |
|---|
| Bravery | Being brave means doing what is right even when you are scared. | True courage is found in the quiet persistence of standing for one's convictions against a majority. |
| Family | Family members should always support each other during hard times. | The definition of family is not limited to blood, but is forged through shared loyalty and sacrifice. |
| Persistence | If you keep trying and don't give up, you can achieve your goals. | The human spirit is defined by its ability to endure repeated failures while maintaining a pursuit of purpose. |
Beware of the EOG Theme Traps!
1
The Plot Summary
The trap answer just tells you what happened in the story. Theme is NOT the plot.
2
The Character Specifics
The trap mentions characters by name. Theme must apply to everyone.
3
The Single Topic
The trap answer is just one word like "Kindness." Theme must be a full statement.
4
The Common Cliché
The trap uses a generic proverb that doesn't really fit the story's specific evidence.
The Master Strategy: Ask yourself, "What did the main character learn?" Then, remove the character's name to find the Universal Theme!
