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Mini-Lessons (continued)
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Character
Teach
Tell students that characters are the people,
animals, and objects a story is about. Explain
that readers learn about characters through what
the characters say, do, and think, and through
descriptions of their physical appearance and of
their traits.
Model
Help students understand characters by reading
aloud the following:
Lexie had piles of papers all over her
desk. “I can’t even find my homework!”
complained Lexie, as she sifted through
the mess.
Think Aloud: I think about the way Lexie acts
and what she says to figure out what Lexie is like.
This shows that Lexie is a person who doesn’t
keep things in places where she can find them.
One of Lexie’s traits is that she is disorganized.
Practice/Apply
Distribute Reproducible 7. Have students read the
passage and focus on character traits.
Ask: Which trait from the box describes
Grandpa? (athletic)
Then have students complete the Reproducible
on their own, listing a trait from the box below
each name.
Answers to Reproducible (R7)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Brad: thoughtful
Kayla: bossy
Mom: hard-working
Dad: excited
Grandma: impatient
Theme
Teach
Practice/Apply
Explain that the theme is the central idea or
insight about life an author wants readers to
understand. Tell students that the theme is the
general message of a story.
Distribute Reproducible 8. Have students read the
first story and focus on theme.
Model
© Triumph Learning, LLC
Help students understand theme by reading
aloud a familiar fable:
A dog had a big, tasty bone in his mouth
as he walked across a bridge over a stream.
The dog looked into the stream and saw
his reflection in the water. Thinking it was
another dog with a bone, he wanted to
have that bone, too. The dog snapped at
his reflection. His own bone fell into the
water and was lost forever.
Ask: What is the theme of this story? (C)
Then have students complete the Reproducible
on their own.
Answers to Reproducible (R8)
2. Possible answer: Even though he wasn’t a
good speller, Rocco didn’t give up. He tried
to get ready for the spelling bee. He kept
trying until he thought of the correct way to
spell “spaghetti.”
3. A
4. Possible answer: Dove saved Ant from
drowning, and then Ant returned the favor
by saving Dove from Bird Catcher’s trap.
Think Aloud: What does the author want me to
understand about life? One good bone wasn’t
enough for the dog. I think the theme or message
is, “If you are greedy, you can lose what you have.”
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Name: _____________________________________ Date: _________________
Theme
The theme is the central idea or insight about life an author wants his or her
readers to understand. The theme is the general message of a story.
Read each story. Which sentence best describes the theme of the story? Circle the
letter. Then answer the question that follows.
Rocco wasn’t a good speller. He knew he was unlikely to win the upcoming spelling bee.
Still, he made flash cards and listened to spelling CDs. He played spelling games with friends.
In the last round of the bee, Rocco got the word “spaghetti.” He thought the contest was over
for him. But then he started to think of the words on the cards and the words on the CDs.
Still no hope. Time was running out. Then Rocco remembered seeing a box of pasta on the
kitchen counter. He spelled s-p-a-g-h-e-t-t-i. Rocco came in fourth, which made all his hard
work worth it.
1.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Spelling bees can be fun.
Always read the backs of boxes.
Never give up.
Fourth place is better than first place.
2.
Why did you choose that answer?
© Triumph Learning, LLC
One hot summer day, Ant was trying to drink from a pond. She fell in. “Help!” cried Ant.
“I can’t swim!” Dove was flying nearby. She had to do something fast to save Ant. Dove quickly
broke a twig from a tree and dropped it into the pond. Ant crawled onto the twig and floated
safely to the shore. Not long after, Ant saw the Bird Catcher. He was setting a trap to catch
Dove. Dove was flying straight toward the trap. Ant knew she had to save Dove. Ant bit the
Bird Catcher’s ankle. “Yipes!” yelled the Bird Catcher. Dove heard the shout and flew away.
Dove was safe.
3.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A favor is often returned.
Stay away from ponds.
Birds and bugs can be friends.
Take care of ant bites.
4.
Why did you choose that answer?
R8
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Answer Keys
Chapter 1
Diagnostic Assessment
1.B RL.6.3
2.D RL.6.3
3.C RL.6.2
4.A RL.6.6
5.B RL.6.5
6.A RL.6.1
7.D RL.6.4
8.A RL.6.5
9.B RL.6.5
10. Answers will vary. Sample
answer: Each story is about
a character who is starting an
adventure or journey. Ishmael
in Moby-Dick voluntarily goes
on his adventure, whereas
Richard Hannay in The
Thirty-Nine Steps is about to
go on an adventure that is
not of his own choosing. Both
stories stress the theme that
you never know what life will
throw at you. RL.6.9
Lesson 1
Thinking It Through
Answers will vary. Sample answer:
Max decides that the grown-up
thing to do would be to help his
little sister.
Coached Example
1.D
2.A
Lesson Practice
1.B
2.C
3.C
4.A
5. Answers will vary. Sample
answer: Rick found out where
the food went.
6. Part A: C; Part B: A
7. B, E, H
8. Conflict: B; Event A: D;
Event B: C; Resolution: A
9. A, B, D
Lesson 2
Thinking It Through
Answers will vary. Sample answer:
The story is written from the
third-person limited point of view
because the narrator is not a
character in the story, but the story
is told from Greg’s point of view.
Coached Example
1.A
2.C
Lesson Practice
1.C
2.A
3.C
4.A
5. Answers will vary. Sample
answer: The author tells the
frog’s thoughts through the use
of dialogue.
6. Part A: A; Part B: A
7. Students should underline the
words I, my, and me.
8. A, C, F
9. B, C
10. Students should circle I and me.
Lesson 3
Thinking It Through
Answers will vary. Sample answer:
The theme is “don’t judge people
before you get to know them” or
“don’t judge a book by its cover.”
Coached Example
1.D
2.B
Lesson Practice
1.B
2.A
3.A
4.C
5. Answers will vary. Sample
answer: A camel refuses to
do his share of work. A genie
gives the camel a hump as a
punishment for his laziness.
6. Part A: 3, 4, 1, 5, 2; Part B: B
7. A, E, G
8. Students should underline “‘I’ve
been doing some reminiscing
and discovered some fond
mementos to show you,’
she said, her eyes twinkling.”
Details students circle will
vary. Sample answers: Keisha
discovers a chiffon gown; old
black-and-white photograph;
vintage suitcase. Summaries
will vary. Sample summary:
Keisha doesn’t want to spend
a week at her grandmother’s
house. After finding interesting
items in the attic, including
a mah-jongg set, Keisha is
excited about learning to play
the game.
Lesson 4
Thinking It Through
Answers will vary. Sample answer:
The sentence uses personification
because it gives human
characteristics to the snow, which
is not human.
Coached Example
1.B
2.C
Lesson Practice
1.C
2.D
3.D
4.B
5. Answers will vary. Sample
answer: Using literal language
helps make the story clearer
and easier to understand than
if only figurative language were
used.
6. Part A: A, 2; B, 1; C, 3
Part B: Answers will vary.
Sample answers: A. “the
trees are waving their spindly
arms at the riders below”:
The branches of the tree are
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3
Theme and Summary
RL.6.1, RL.6.2, RL.6.10
Getting the Idea
A theme is a main message or lesson in a text. A theme expresses a general
statement that goes beyond the specific events of the text. Many times, a theme
is not stated directly in the text. More commonly, the reader must figure out the
theme. Some stories have more than one theme.
Here is a list of themes commonly found in literature.
• Be true to yourself.
• Hard work pays off.
• Good triumphs over evil.
• Always do the right thing.
The theme can sometimes be determined from the characters’ actions. Read the
following story. Use details from the text below to figure out the theme.
A worker noticed what Jason had done and put the action
figure back in its proper place. A few minutes later another boy
entered the store with his uncle and bought the action figure.
When Jason returned later, he was shocked to discover that
the toy was not where he had left it! The worker told Jason that
he could have asked the clerk at the register to hold the toy
until he came back. But since he dishonestly tried to hide the
toy, the worker felt it was not fair to anyone else who wanted
to buy it.
The theme of the passage could be expressed as actions have their
consequences.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Jason found the latest action figure at the toy store, but he
didn’t have enough money to buy it. He was one dollar short.
Worst of all, this was the only figure available. He knew that if
he left the store, someone else would surely buy it. He needed
to come up with a plan. Jason took the figure off the rack and
went to the aisle that had the toddler toys. He stashed the
figure behind a box of a kid toy and left the store.
44 • Chapter 1: Reading Literature
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Lesson 3: Theme and Summary
A summary is a short retelling of a text in the reader’s own words. A summary should
include the main idea and the most important details. It may also include the theme.
A summary should not include the reader’s opinion or judgments about the passage.
Read the summary below of the story from the previous page. Notice the underlined
sentences. These should be removed to make a more efficient summary. The last sentence
can also be rewritten to fit in with the rest of the summary.
Jason is a selfish and dishonest kid. He wanted to buy the last action figure,
but he was one dollar short. He hid the action figure so no one else could
buy it. But a store employee noticed what Jason had done and returned the
toy to its proper place. Another boy bought the toy. The boy came in with
his uncle, so the uncle must have had enough money to buy the toy. Jason
was foolish for thinking he could stash away the toy and return later. What
was he thinking? Doesn’t he realize that the employees fix and arrange
the shelves all the time? He should also know that actions have their
consequences.
The underlined sentences include the reader’s personal opinions and judgments. These do
not tell about the main idea or most important details. Also, the underlined sentence “The
boy came in with his uncle” is a minor detail.
A better summary would be the following.
Jason hid an action figure in a store and thought he could return later to buy
it. But a store employee replaced the action figure so that another customer
could buy it. When Jason returned to the store and discovered that the
figure had been sold, he learned that actions have their consequences.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
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Thinking It Through
Read the following paragraph, and then answer the question that follows.
Luis rolled his wheelchair onto the basketball court for the
first time. The rest of the team couldn’t believe their eyes. Coach
had told them that the new student in school would probably be
the team’s star and would help them win games all season long.
This was Coach’s secret weapon? The students wondered how
Luis could even get himself across the court, let alone handle
making baskets during fast game play. Some of the players sighed
in disappointment. Another year in last place, they thought. But
as soon as the whistle blew and the ball was in play, Luis was the
fastest, most skilled, and definitely the most talented player on
the court. He managed to keep the ball in play and make three
baskets before the end of the first quarter.
What is the theme?
HINT
A theme doesn’t summarize the events as much as it tells the lesson that the reader might have learned.
In a group, discuss three story ideas that illustrate a main character
overcoming an obstacle people may consider difficult to overcome.
What would be the theme of each story?
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Discuss
46 • Chapter 1: Reading Literature
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Lesson 3: Theme and Summary
Coached Example
Read the passage and answer the questions.
Cara woke up exhausted on Saturday morning. She had been out with her friends too
late the night before and had the time of her life. Why did she agree to work at the soup
kitchen over the summer? She should be having fun! She’s in the prime of her life. She
dragged herself out of bed and got ready for the long day ahead of her.
When she arrived at the soup kitchen, she knew she had done the right thing. There
was a family waiting patiently for breakfast, and the little children looked so hungry. She
immediately unlocked the door and let them inside.
1.
Which of the following is the theme
of the passage?
A. Summers are for having fun.
B. Everyone should have something
to do.
C. Do what your heart wants to do.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
D. Do the right thing.
HINT
Compare how Cara feels with what
she does.
2.
Which of the following sentences should
be part of the passage summary?
A. Cara had a great time out with her
friends.
B. Cara knew she had made the right
decision.
C. Cara showered and put on her
favorite clothes.
D. Cara should have planned her
night better.
HINT
A summary includes only the most
important ideas.
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Lesson Practice
Use the Reading Guide to help you understand the passage.
adapted from
Reading Guide
How is the Camel’s
response to the other
animals important to the
theme of the passage?
What parts of the passage
would you include in a
summary?
by Rudyard Kipling
Long ago, there was a Camel. He lived in the middle of a
desert because he did not want to work.
One day, the Horse came to him and said, “Camel, come and
carry things like the rest of us.”
“Humph!” said the Camel.
Soon, the Dog came to him and said, “Camel, come and
fetch like the rest of us.”
“Humph!” said the Camel.
Then the Ox came to him and said, “Camel, come and plow
like the rest of us.”
“Humph!” said the Camel.
So the Man told the Horse, Dog, and Ox that they had to
work double-time to make up for the Camel. Then, a Genie
rolled in on a cloud of dust. The animals complained to him
about the Camel’s laziness. The Genie agreed that it was wrong
for the Camel to do no work while they worked twice as hard.
“My friend,” said the Genie to the Camel, “what is this I hear
of your doing no work?”
“Humph!” said the Camel.
No sooner had he said it than he saw his back puffing up into
a great big humph. “That’s your very own humph that you’ve
brought upon yourself,” said the Genie. “Now get to work.”
From that day the Camel wears a humph, or as we call it
now, a hump.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Based on paragraph 1, what
theme might this passage
have?
How the Camel Got Its Hump
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Lesson 3: Theme and Summary
Answer the following questions.
1.
Which of the following is the theme
of the passage?
3.
A. actions have their consequences.
A. There is no justice in this world.
B. a true friend is a friend forever.
B. Everyone must do his fair share.
2.
The passage teaches that
C. Everyone deserves a second chance.
C. power is dangerous in the wrong
hands.
D. Complaining never does anyone
any good.
D. there is nothing wrong with being
different.
Which character’s actions help
determine the theme?
4.
A.Camel
B.Genie
C.Dog
D.Ox
Which statement would NOT be
appropriate in a summary of the
passage?
A. Camel thought it was okay
to be lazy.
B. Genie taught the Camel a lesson.
C. I did not like the way the story
ended.
D. Camels have had humps ever since
that day.
5.
Write a summary of the passage on the lines below.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
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Use the Reading Guide to help you understand the passage.
What is the main character
like in the beginning of the
passage?
What thoughts and actions
provide clues about the
passage’s theme?
When does Keisha begin
to change?
Treasures in the Attic
As the sedan turned into the winding driveway, Keisha sighed
from the back seat. A week at her grandmother’s farmhouse would
feel like an eternity. No children lived nearby, and country living
was hardly exhilarating. And although she adored her grandma,
Keisha didn’t expect their hobbies or interests to overlap.
“I’m delighted to see you, Keisha,” her grandma said cheerily
as she also greeted her daughter and son-in-law. After hugging
her parents good-bye, Keisha and her grandmother chatted over
the delicious lentil soup that Grandma had prepared in advance.
As Keisha carried the empty bowls into the kitchen, Grandma
suggested they explore the attic. “I’ve been doing some reminiscing
and discovered some fond mementos I’d like to show you,” she
said, her eyes twinkling.
“Look at this,” her grandmother said as she opened a wooden
chest housed in the dim, musty space. Keisha peered over her
shoulder and glimpsed what looked like layers of old chiffon. But
when Grandma unfolded the top bundle, Keisha realized that it
was actually a long gown, embellished with ornate lace.
“These are costumes I used to perform in,” her grandmother
explained, sounding a little wistful.
“You were an actress?” Keisha queried, her eyes widening.
“Yes, and a dancer, too. Your grandfather and I were members
of an amateur troupe that performed at regional theaters.”
Keisha began to rummage through the chest and discovered
an old black-and-white photograph nestled among the apparel. It
was of a young girl who looked startlingly like Keisha, bowing on
stage. “Is this you, Grandma?” Keisha asked.
“Yes, indeed. I had just won a prestigious dance award.”
Keisha was captivated. “What types of dancing did you do?”
she inquired.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
Reading Guide
50 • Chapter 1: Reading Literature
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Lesson 3: Theme and Summary
Which words show that
Keisha is not bored?
How is the conversation
between the characters
important to the theme?
How would you summarize
the passage?
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
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“Well, I’ll show you! It just so happens that I discovered my
old record player the other day,” her grandmother said as she
opened the cover of an antiquated record player. A jangly tune filled
the air. Watching her sashay around the attic, Keisha marveled at
her grandma’s grace and agility. Suddenly, Grandma stopped her
dancing and said, “Let’s continue exploring the chest; there may be
other treasures in here that I had forgotten.”
Curious, Keisha extended her arm into the chest and hauled
up what appeared to be a vintage small suitcase; it felt heavy and
sounded like it contained hundreds of pebbles. “Did you collect
rocks when you traveled?” she quizzed Grandma.
“Oh no, sweetheart, those aren’t stones; this suitcase holds
many fond memories as well as my mah-jongg set. Mah-jongg
originated as a Chinese pastime—have you ever heard of it or seen
it played?”
Keisha gingerly opened the petite case to reveal dozens of
small rectangular tiles bearing mysterious symbols. “Look at all of
the colorful decorations—I see a peacock, and tiles with different
flowers, and others with swirling oriental dragons. What do the
decorations mean, and why was this wonderful set in with your
dancing things?” Keisha asked as she cautiously ran her fingers over
the delicate white tiles, tracing the hand-carved designs.
“To answer your second question first, I took the set with me
on my journeys, because dancers spend a lot of time traveling and
waiting, and my companions and I played to pass the time. The
mah-jongg symbols serve the same function as the symbols on
cards; they help players classify the tiles into groups. I had particular
favorites; did you notice the tiles with the emperor and the scholar,
or the complex carvings on the dots? The game is complicated and
mentally challenging, but it’s fun to learn. I would be happy to
teach it to you this week—I am sure you would be a diligent pupil,”
said Grandma.
Keisha peered up from the floor, where she was examining the
tiles and dividing them into groups. Realizing that the upcoming
week would be very stimulating, she said, “Grandma, let’s start my
first lesson today!”
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Answer the following questions.
6.
Use your answer to Part A to answer Part B.
Part A
The following are details from the passage. In each box, write the number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 so
that the events are in the correct order.
“‘You were an actress?’ Keisha queried, her eyes widening.”
“Keisha gingerly opened the petite case to reveal . . . tiles. . . .”
“As the sedan turned into the winding driveway, Keisha sighed from the
back seat.”
“‘Grandma, let’s start my first lesson today!’”
“‘I’ve . . . discovered some fond mementos I’d like to show you.’”
Part B
What theme does this sequence help to reveal?
A. The older you get, the wiser you become.
C. What goes around comes around.
D. The grass is always greener on the other side.
E. Life is just a bowl of cherries.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
B. Things are not always what they seem.
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Lesson 3: Theme and Summary
7.
Choose three statements that BEST determine the theme of the passage.
A. Keisha thinks she will be bored while visiting her grandmother.
B. Keisha and her grandma have soup for lunch.
C. Keisha’s grandmother’s dress had lace accents.
D. Keisha thinks she looks like her grandma in the old photo.
E. Keisha becomes interested in the mah-jongg set.
F. Keisha’s grandmother tells about her favorite tiles.
G. Keisha no longer dreads her time away from home.
H. Keisha learns to appreciate her home in the city.
I. Keisha learns to make lentil soup.
J. Keisha discovers she doesn’t have much in common with her grandma.
8.
Read the passage again. Underline the sentence that states the main idea of the story. Circle
the details that support that main idea. Then write a summary of the story.
Duplicating any part of this book is prohibited by law.
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