What is a main idea?
A. an action that leads to the main event in a text
B. a short statement of the main events of a text
C. a lesson that is not stated in a text
D. a concept introduced in the middle of a text
B. a short statement of the main events of a text
What is a theme?
A. a general idea of what has happened in a story
B. the explicit ideas an author shares in a story
C. the turning point in a story
D. a message or lesson in a story
D. a message or lesson in a story
How can the main idea of a text help a reader identify the theme?
A. By inferring the main idea of a text, a reader will understand what will happen next in the text.
B. By identifying the main idea of a text, a reader will find the explicit statement that is the theme.
C. By connecting the main events of the story, a reader can conclude what lesson the author is implying about those events.
D. By determining the main events, a reader can understand what those characters are thinking.
C. By connecting the main events of the story, a reader can conclude what lesson the author is implying about those events.
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
Marcus was always boasting about his ability to play the piano. “I’m the best there is!” he’d insist. However, when his music teacher finally insisted that Marcus take a seat on the piano bench and show off his abilities, the truth was revealed. Marcus had no idea how to play the piano! The experience was so embarrassing that Marcus decided to start taking lessons. In time, he actually became as good as he’d told everyone he was. However, no one believed him.
Which statement describes the theme of this paragraph?
A. Hard work always pays great rewards.
B. People are not likely to trust someone who lies.
C. A boy does not know how to play the piano.
D. Learning new things can be difficult.