Writing Application: Explaining Theme
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In this lesson, you will learn how to write about theme. Being able to explain a theme in writing and support it with evidence is an important skill for school and standardized tests like the SAT and ACT.
Writing a Theme Response
When writing about theme, follow this structure:
1. Introduction Sentence
State the title, author (if known), and the theme you identified.
Example: In the story "The Honest Woodcutter," the author teaches readers that honesty is rewarded.
2. Evidence from the Text
Provide specific examples from the story that prove the theme. Use quotes when possible.
Example: When the woodcutter loses his axe in the river, a spirit offers him a golden axe. The woodcutter says, "That is not mine. My axe was made of iron." This shows his honesty even when tempted.
3. Explanation
Explain how your evidence connects to the theme.
Example: Because the woodcutter told the truth, the spirit gave him all three axes as a reward. This proves that being honest leads to good outcomes.
4. Conclusion
Wrap up by restating the theme and its importance.
Example: This story teaches readers that honesty is always the best choice, even when it seems like lying would be easier.
Sentence Starters for Writing About Theme
- "The theme of this story is..."
- "The author wants readers to learn that..."
- "This story teaches us that..."
- "Evidence that supports this theme includes..."
- "This shows the theme because..."
- "The character's actions demonstrate that..."
- "By the end of the story, we understand that..."
Examples
Model Response: Complete Theme Paragraph
Read this story first:
Ana was always jealous of her older sister Maria, who seemed perfect at everything. When Maria won the school spelling bee, Ana refused to congratulate her. That night, Ana heard Maria crying in her room. "I wish I could draw like Ana," Maria said to their mom. "Her artwork is so beautiful, and I can't even draw a straight line." Ana realized she had been so focused on what she couldn't do that she forgot about her own special talents. The next day, Ana made Maria a card that said "Congratulations!" with beautiful drawings all around it. Maria's face lit up when she saw it.
Model Response:
The theme of this story is that everyone has their own unique strengths and talents. At the beginning, Ana is jealous of her sister Maria because Maria won the spelling bee. However, when Ana hears Maria say, "I wish I could draw like Ana. Her artwork is so beautiful," she realizes that Maria admires her abilities too. Ana had been "so focused on what she couldn't do that she forgot about her own special talents." This evidence shows that both sisters have skills the other wishes they had. By the end, Ana uses her artistic talent to make a special card for Maria, combining both their strengths. This story teaches readers that instead of being jealous of others, we should recognize and appreciate our own abilities.
What makes this response strong:
- Clearly states the theme in the first sentence
- Includes direct quotes from the text as evidence
- Explains how the evidence supports the theme
- Has a conclusion that restates the lesson
Practice
Read this story and write your own theme response paragraph.
Devon loved playing video games more than anything. He would play for hours every day after school. His mom kept telling him to go outside and make friends, but Devon thought video games were more fun than real people.
One day, Devon's family moved to a new town. At his new school, no one wanted to talk to him because he always sat alone playing games on his tablet. Devon felt lonely but didn't know what to do.
During recess, Devon saw some kids playing basketball. He put his tablet in his backpack and asked if he could join. At first, Devon wasn't very good, but the other kids helped him learn. Soon, Devon was playing basketball every recess and had made new friends.
"I didn't know real games could be this much fun," Devon told his mom. "And having friends to play with is even better than winning."
Writing Prompt: What is the theme of this story? Write a paragraph that states the theme and supports it with evidence from the text. Use the structure you learned:
- Introduction sentence with theme
- Evidence from the text (use quotes)
- Explanation of how evidence supports theme
- Conclusion restating the theme
Check Your Understanding
Answer the following 10 questions about writing theme responses.
1. What should be included in the first sentence of a theme response?
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Answer: The first sentence should include the title of the story (and author if known) and clearly state the theme you identified. Example: "In 'The Three Little Pigs,' the theme is that hard work and preparation lead to success."
2. Why is it important to use quotes from the text as evidence?
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Answer: Direct quotes prove that your ideas come from the text, not just your imagination. They show the reader exactly where you found support for the theme and make your argument stronger and more convincing.
3. What is the theme of the Devon story in the practice section?
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Answer: Real friendships and human connections are more valuable than technology and games alone. OR Connecting with others brings more joy than isolating yourself.
4. Which sentence starter would be best for introducing evidence?
A) "The story is about..."
B) "I think that..."
C) "Evidence that supports this theme includes..."
D) "This is my favorite part..."
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Answer: C) "Evidence that supports this theme includes..." This sentence starter directly connects your quote to your theme argument and sounds academic.
5. What comes after you include a quote in your response?
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Answer: After including a quote, you should explain how it supports the theme. Don't just drop in a quote and move on; you need to tell the reader why this evidence matters and how it proves your point.
6. Read this weak theme statement: "The theme is about friends." How could you improve it?
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Answer: Make it a complete sentence that states a message about life: "The theme is that true friends stick with you even during difficult times" OR "The story teaches that making new friends requires courage and openness." A theme should be a lesson, not just a topic.
7. How many pieces of evidence should you try to include in a theme paragraph?
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Answer: You should include at least two pieces of evidence to make a strong argument. More evidence makes your response more convincing, but each piece needs explanation, so focus on quality over quantity.
8. What should the conclusion of a theme response do?
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Answer: The conclusion should restate the theme in different words and explain why the lesson matters or how it applies to life in general. It wraps up your response and reinforces your main point.
9. Why should you avoid starting your response with "I think" or "I feel"?
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Answer: Academic writing should focus on evidence from the text rather than personal opinions. Instead of saying "I think the theme is," say "The theme of this story is" to sound more confident and scholarly. Your evidence will prove your point.
10. Put these parts of a theme response in the correct order:
A) Explain how the evidence supports the theme
B) State the theme
C) Conclude by restating the theme's importance
D) Provide a quote from the text
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Answer: The correct order is: B, D, A, C. First state the theme (B), then provide evidence from the text (D), then explain how the evidence supports your theme (A), and finally conclude with the theme's importance (C).
Next Steps
- Practice writing theme paragraphs for stories you read
- Have a friend or family member check if your evidence supports your theme
- Move on to the Unit Checkpoint to test all your skills