Theme definition:
 A theme is the universal message or truth about life that an author expresses through a work of literature.
o It is written as an idea statement, not a theme topic
 Express an opinion about humanity, or a life-lesson or moral
 Original, not obvious or cliché
o It uses abstract concept words to make universal generalizations about the human condition
o It is supported through the analysis of plot, conflict, character, writing style, and literary device
Category
Idea
Statement
(Inference)
Accuracy of
interpretation
(Inference)
Universal
generalization
or truth
about life
Support
3-- Complete understanding
2—emerging understanding
1--Basic or below basic understanding
Statement is:
 A single sentence
 An original
opinion about the
author’s view on
life or the human
condition, can be
a moral or lifelesson
Statement is:
 A single sentence
 Expresses an idea
that may be
obvious or cliché,
lacks original
opinion
Statement is:
 May not be a single
sentence
 May be a theme
topic only
 No ideas about
topic are expressed
Statement reflects:
 Deep and
accurate reading
of the text; stays
in the context of
the author’s
meaning
Statement reflects:
 Cursory or shallow
understanding
 Can be refuted by
text
 May go outside
author’s context
Statement reflects:
 Lack of basic
comprehension of
topics or ideas
within the text
Statement:
 Uses abstract
concept
vocabulary
 Goes beyond the
literal elements of
the text
 Makes
generalization
about life or
human
experience
Support:
 Accurately quotes
and/or
paraphrases
specific text to
prove or illustrate
thematic idea
 Referenced text
fully explains
connection to
theme statement
Statement:
 Uses concept
vocabulary words
 May not generalize
beyond the literary
elements of the
text
Statement:
 May use concrete
vocabulary
 May not generalize
 May discuss only
the elements of the
literary piece
Support:
 Quotes and/or
paraphrases may
not be fully
accurate
 May not connect
fully to theme
statement
Support:
 Quotes and/or
paraphrases are
either not provided
or may not connect
to or support theme
statement