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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!
Blip and Dit-dit were walking to school one day. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, and the land around them was bright red. It was a beautiful spring day. Blip looked up into the sky and wiggled his long, green antennae. “Just think. We’re walking to school, and up there…
A counterpane is a quilt or bedspread. ———————————————- When I was sick and lay a-bed, I had two pillows at my head, And all my toys beside me lay To keep me happy all the day. And sometimes for an hour or so I watched my leaden soldiers go, With…
Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is about two cities — London and Paris — during the French Revolution. This passage is about the time when the guillotine, a killing machine developed to efficiently behead people, was in steady use by the new government in France. ——————————— There was…
The moon has a face like the clock in the hall; She shines on thieves on the garden wall, On streets and fields and harbor quays, And birdies asleep in the forks of the trees. The squalling cat and the squeaking mouse, The howling dog by the door of the…
Little Women is the story of four March sisters growing up during the Civil War. Their names are Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. As this passage begins, Beth has been seriously ill, and Amy has been sent to stay with Aunt March to avoid getting sick. Amy’s mother, Mrs. March,…
In winter I get up at night And dress by yellow candle-light. In summer, quite the other way, I have to go to bed by day. I have to go to bed and see The birds still hopping on the tree, Or hear the grown-up people’s feet Still going past…
Erika and her little sister sneaked into their mommy’s room. “I’m just going to try on some jewelry,” said Erika. She took a necklace and tried to put it on her neck. “Oh, no,’ said Beth. “Mommy doesn’t like us playing with her stuff.” “Okay, you be the lookout,” instructed…
There was a swooshing sound as a blinding light shot down from the sky. Samantha grabbed Tricky and dashed under the picnic table. “It’s okay,” said Samantha as she tightened her arms around her trembling cat. Samantha poked her head out. “It looks safe. Come on, Tricky. I don’t know…
“I come in peace,” the little green fellow with the short antennae said, offering his three-fingered hand up in what he hoped would be understood as a greeting. The horse standing in the field shook his mane and stamped his hoof. What was this? One minute I’m grazing grass in…
Mike licked the last of the mint chocolate chip ice cream. It was almost time to leave. He jumped into the car with his parents and headed off to the Olympic-sized pool at the recreation center for the big swim meet. When his race came up, Mike was confident. He…
