Text Structures Themes and Thematic Topics Thematic Topics

Text Structures, Themes, and Thematic Topics

Thematic Topics • The ideas on the previous slides are all thematic topics – not complete literary themes. • A literary theme should be stated in a complete sentence. • A literary theme is a literary work’s overall message about life or human nature. • It is a general observation about life. • On the next few slides, you will see some examples of thematic topics and literary themes (thematic statements).

Theme: Thematic Topic & Thematic Statement • Example from The Hunger Games: • Thematic Topic: Fear • Thematic Statement: Uncontrolled fear leads to violence and regret. • Example from The Fault in Our Stars: • Thematic Topic: Love • Thematic Statement: Unconditional love withstands any obstacle.

Text Structure Power. Point Directions • For this activity, you will choose a thematic topic. • Each person in your group will find a photograph from the Internet that represents that thematic topic. • For example, if your thematic topic is bravery, your group members may choose pictures that look like these:

Text Structure Power. Point Directions • Then each person in your group will choose a text structure: description, cause and effect, compare and contrast, problem and solution, or sequence. • Each person will write a paragraph (six to seven sentences) about his or her photograph using the text structure. • You should use at least three signal words within your paragraph. • First, write your paragraph on paper. • Then take turns creating your own Power. Point slide, including your photograph and your paragraph. • Highlight the signal words. • Remember – your photograph and paragraph should represent your thematic topic and use your chosen text structure. • Your group’s goal is to teach others about text structures and thematic topics.

Example Slide - Bravery Problem and Solution Six soldiers from the 1 st Squadron Combat Team were recently faced with a dangerous dilemma. An airplane, flown by the 101 st Aviation Brigade, had crashed into a dense forest, and the soldiers were required to rescue the people on board. The location and condition of the plane was a problem because it had landed upside down in a deep ditch. A fire had surrounded the plane in heavy smoke and flames, but the soldiers controlled the fire by using water, fire extinguishers, and dirt. They were able to remove three of the injured crewmembers and transport them to safety. As a result of their heroic actions, the lives of their fellow soldiers were saved.