Theme and Central Idea Central Idea is the

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Theme and Central Idea

Theme and Central Idea

 Central Idea is the main idea an author is trying to put across

Central Idea is the main idea an author is trying to put across in an informational/explanatory text, such as an article or a textbook. What is the difference? The main idea in a science textbook chapter about photosynthesis might be, “Photosynthesis is necessary for plants to grow. ” Theme is the life lesson you learn from a literary text, such as a story or a poem (moral of the story). The theme in Little Red Riding might be, “Don’t talk to strangers. ”

Identify a theme in these stories.

Identify a theme in these stories.

 When analyzing a text for central idea or theme, you need to look

When analyzing a text for central idea or theme, you need to look for supporting details. These details support what the central idea/theme is, and they come in the form of text evidence. Supporting Details and Text Evidence are parts directly from a text, written in quotation marks, that prove your analysis. When you give text evidence, always introduce it, and explain it after. Little Red Riding Hood puts her whole family in danger by talking to a stranger. In the story, she and the wolf have a conversation. “’Where are you going with that basket? ’ asked the Wolf. ‘Why, to visit my grandmother who lives in the yellow cottage in the woods. ’” Little Red Riding Hood has not only talked to the wolf, but she has told him exactly where she is going, and where her poor, defenseless grandmother lives.