Campbell High School Summer Reading

Podcast #3-

Theme

Theme

Question #1- Theme• What is a theme?• A theme is more than

the main idea. It is a common thread or universal notion presented throughout the text.

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Theme

Common Themes in Literature

Sacrifices bring reward All human beings have

the same needs. Friendship makes life

more meaningful. Loneliness leads people

to seek companionship.

The strong often prey on the weak.

Love is the worthiest of pursuits.

Death is a part of the life cycle.

The pressures of society may not align with what makes you happy.

Adversity can lead to triumph.

Theme

How to read for theme- • Notice that themes are

detailed, not one word like “love.”

• The author intends for the reader to take away a big idea from the reading of the book.

• Themes are often complex life lessons.

Theme

How to read for theme- • Ask yourself … “What

does the author want me to think about after I finish the book?”

• The theme isn’t overtly stated, you have to infer what the author wants you to know from the whole reading experience.

Theme

How to read for theme- • Brainstorm a list of

themes as they appear in the book.

• If you see a pattern, for example, the same theme reoccurring throughout the book, then this is an important theme.

Theme

How to read for theme- • You can complete

question #1 two ways. – Select one theme and

find three specific examples of the theme demonstrated in your book.

– Select three themes and find one example of each theme demonstrated in your book.

Theme

How to read for theme- • Your answer should

look like this:– Theme– Specific example from

the book that shows the theme. Cite the page number or chapter.

– Write a detailed analysis of how this example supports the theme.

Theme

How to read for theme- • Your answer should

look like this:– One or two paragraphs

per example.– At least three

paragraphs or more for a complete, appropriate response to earn all the points on this section of the rubric.

Theme

Common Themes in Literature and Non Fiction

Sacrifices bring reward All human beings have

the same needs. Friendship makes life

more meaningful. Loneliness leads people

to seek companionship.

The strong often prey on the weak.

Love is the worthiest of pursuits.

Death is a part of the life cycle.

The pressures of society may not align with what makes you happy.

Adversity can lead to triumph.

Theme

How to read for theme-

The strong often prey on the weak.

Adversity can lead to triumph.

Talking to strangers is dangerous.

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Theme

Example: One theme of “Little Red Riding Hood” is that talking to strangers is dangerous. Little Red Riding Hood spoke to the wolf, who was in disguise. She gave out personal information like where her grandmother lived and what treats her grandmother was preparing for her to eat (Chapter 1). Small children are often naïve when it comes to dangerous situations. The author wants readers to understand the fear and terror that Little Red Riding Hood experienced so children reading the story will learn the lesson of caution and awareness.

Theme

Example: One theme of “Little Red Riding Hood” is that talking to strangers is dangerous. Little Red Riding Hood spoke to the wolf, who was in disguise. She gave out personal information like where her grandmother lived and what treats her mother sent in the basket for her grandmother to eat (Chapter 1). Small children are often naïve when it comes to dangerous situations. The author wants readers to understand the fear and terror that Little Red Riding Hood experienced so children reading the story will learn the lesson of caution and awareness.

Theme

Example: One theme of “Little Red Riding Hood” is that talking to strangers is dangerous. Little Red Riding Hood spoke to the wolf, who was in disguise. She gave out personal information like where her grandmother lived and what treats her grandmother was preparing for her to eat (Chapter 1). Small children are often naïve when it comes to dangerous situations. The author wants readers to understand the fear and terror that Little Red Riding Hood experienced so children reading the story will learn the lesson of caution and awareness.

RubricTask Points

1. Theme 20

2. For fiction, analyze two characters. For nonfiction, analyze two events or situations.

10

3. Quotations 10

4. In-class Essay- Will be administered the week of August 26-29, 2013 for Fall and the week of January 27-31, 2014 for Spring.

*

40 Points Total (A separate grade will be given for

the in-class essay)