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A theme is the central message or meaning of a literary work. It is usually not stated directly but needs to be inferred by the reader. It is a general conclusion or lesson about human nature or society. An example of a theme might be, “Money can’t buy happiness.” Below you will find reading comprehension passages that can be used for instruction on themes. Check out our theme anchor chart resources too!
Little Women is about the March sisters who are growing up during the American Civil War. In this passage, Mrs. March has left the girls at home with their servant, Hannah, in order to nurse Mr. March who is ill in Washington, D.C. The girls have tried to work hard…
“Happy New Year, everyone!” Jimmy’s dad put a plate of hot pancakes down on the center of the table. “It’s the first day of the year. What’s your resolution for the next twelve months?” Jimmy’s sister, Julia, spoke first. “I want to get an A in math. I’m going to…
Cookie loved to play with her seven brothers and sisters. They would play and wrestle with each other until they were too tired to play anymore. Then the puppies would cuddle up and take naps together. It was nice to always have someone to be with, and Cookie’s tail was…
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing. Children were playing at the park. They were swinging, jumping and having fun. The little cloud could hear their laughter and wanted to get closer to see them. As he did, he covered up the sun,…
In Little Women, the four March sisters grow up during the middle of the 1800s. As this passage opens, the eldest sister, Meg, is married with twin babies. The youngest sister, Amy, is in Europe with her aunt and uncle. That leaves Jo and Beth at home. Mrs. March, or…
The March sisters in Little Women are growing up during the middle of the 1800s. At that time, there were no phones, email, or Internet. In order to keep up with friends, women made “calls,” or visits to each other’s houses. In this passage, younger sister Amy has convinced her…
Mrs. Grady welcomed her class back inside the warm cheerful room. The children settled down at their desks, still chatting about the activities they had enjoyed over the winter break. It took a few minutes for Mrs. Grady to get their full attention. “I’m so glad you’re all back. I’m…
Anne Shirley is a young orphan girl who has been sent by mistake to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The Cuthberts are brother and sister, and they had wanted a boy orphan to help on their farm called Green Gables. Anne, however, is quite charming and fun, and the…
“Hi, I’m Sandy. What are you doing up there?” A bright orange oriole dangled upside down from a branch. “Hi, I’m Oliver. I’m building my nest.” Sandy flew up to a nearby branch. “Interesting. I’m a Wilson’s snipe. I live down by the marshes. The bushes give me plenty of…
Ben opened his book and studied the instructions to build a toy boat. His best friend Isaac raced around the yard. “Isaac! How will you ever learn to do anything if you don’t study and work?” “Phew,” said Isaac. “I don’t like to work. I just want to play and…
