1. THEME VS TOPIC Definition of Theme – A statement or opinion about a topic on which an author has written about. An author’s purpose in writing a text Theme – Message or lesson the author wants the reader to learn. Example: Slow and steady wins the race (Complete thought, not just one word) Example: Beauty is the eye of the beholder ( can be applied to any story, not just beauty and the beast) (What are you learning? What’s the message?)

2. TOPIC Topic – What the story is about in a word or two Example: being different (not a complete sentence, also universal) being different doesn’t teach us anything just what the story is about)

3. TOPIC VS THEME Meaning Example How to Identify theme in a text TopicTheme A subject on which an author has written War Love Ask yourself: What topic(s) does the author address? (general) Ask yourself: What is the text about (3- 5 words or less) A statement or opinion about a subject War does not solve problems War solves problems Love saves lives/ Love destroys lives Ask yourself: What can you learn about the people or about life from reading the text? What does the author wish to communicate about people or about life through the text?