Distinguishing Theme vs Topic Quiz

1. Which of the following is the theme of a story, rather than just the subject?

A boy learning to ride a bike.

The importance of perseverance when facing challenges.

A visit to the local park.

The conflict between two neighbors.

The theme is a universal insight or message (e.g., the importance of perseverance), while the others are simple topics or plots.

Explanation

The theme is a universal insight or message (e.g., the importance of perseverance), while the others are simple topics or plots.

2. The subject of a story is usually described in one or two words, while the theme is expressed as a complete _______.

The theme must be a complete sentence because it expresses a full idea or message about the subject.

Explanation

The theme must be a complete sentence because it expresses a full idea or message about the subject.

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3. The theme is the lesson or message the author wants the reader to take away from the story.

True

False

This is true. The theme is the underlying message or moral the text conveys.

Explanation

This is true. The theme is the underlying message or moral the text conveys.

4. If the subject of a poem is 'a lost pet,' which statement could be the poem's theme?

A cat gets lost and returns home a week later.

The intense feeling of loneliness caused by loss.

The family spends many nights searching for the pet.

The pet's name was Whiskers.

The theme expresses the message or insight the author shares about the subject (the intense feeling of loneliness).

Explanation

The theme expresses the message or insight the author shares about the subject (the intense feeling of loneliness).

5. Which of these phrases describe the subject or topic of a novel? (Select all that apply)

War

Love

The dangers of war on society.

The struggle for freedom.

War and Love are broad, one-word topics. The others are statements that express a message or theme.

Explanation

War and Love are broad, one-word topics. The others are statements that express a message or theme.

Submit

6. To find the theme, you must look beyond the basic plot and ask yourself, 'What is the author trying to ___ me about this subject?'

The theme is the lesson, insight, or message the author is trying to impart.

Explanation

The theme is the lesson, insight, or message the author is trying to impart.

Submit

7. The subject of a short story is 'friendship.' Which statement is the most likely theme?

Two girls meet on a playground.

True friendship requires mutual effort and trust.

The characters went to elementary school together.

The setting is a small town in Texas.

A theme gives an insight into the subject; True friendship requires mutual effort is an insight or message.

Explanation

A theme gives an insight into the subject; True friendship requires mutual effort is an insight or message.

8. A story can have many subjects but only one central theme.

True

False

This is false. A story can have multiple subjects (e.g., family, work, and war) and also multiple themes (messages about each of those subjects).

Explanation

This is false. A story can have multiple subjects (e.g., family, work, and war) and also multiple themes (messages about each of those subjects).

9. What is the main difference between a subject and a theme?

A subject is only found in fiction; a theme is only found in non-fiction.

A subject is an abstract idea; a theme is a specific plot point.

A subject is what the story is about; a theme is what message the story delivers about it.

A subject must be stated directly; a theme must be implied.

This is the clearest distinction: Subject = Topic (What); Theme = Message (The deeper meaning).

Explanation

This is the clearest distinction: Subject = Topic (What); Theme = Message (The deeper meaning).

10. Which statements below are examples of a central theme? (Select all that apply)

Money cannot buy happiness.

The journey of self-discovery.

The struggle of a poor family.

Nature's beauty is eternal.

Both A and D are complete messages or universal truths the author conveys. B and C are topics.

Explanation

Both A and D are complete messages or universal truths the author conveys. B and C are topics.

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11. If the subject is 'technology,' a possible theme could be that 'Over-reliance on technology can lead to human _______.'

The theme states a specific message or consequence (isolation) related to the general topic (technology).

Explanation

The theme states a specific message or consequence (isolation) related to the general topic (technology).

Submit

12. The subject of a narrative poem is 'bravery.' Which statement expresses the theme?

The speaker feels afraid during the battle.

Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

The battle took place on a cold morning.

The young soldier won the war.

The theme provides a definition or insight into the nature of bravery, such as the statement that it is a triumph over fear.

Explanation

The theme provides a definition or insight into the nature of bravery, such as the statement that it is a triumph over fear.

13. The subject of a text is the underlying message, and the theme is the main topic.

True

False

This is false. This reverses the definitions: The subject is the topic, and the theme is the message.

Explanation

This is false. This reverses the definitions: The subject is the topic, and the theme is the message.

14. If the main subject of a story is 'a school election,' which is the most effective way to state the theme?

Describe the students running for class president.

State that the election results were surprising to everyone.

Explain that honesty in politics is more important than popularity.

Detail the posters the students made for their campaigns.

Only option C expresses a universal message (honesty in politics) that the author is teaching through the subject of the election.

Explanation

Only option C expresses a universal message (honesty in politics) that the author is teaching through the subject of the election.

15. Which are appropriate ways to state the subject of a book? (Select all that apply)

A character's decision to emigrate.

The theme is the struggle to fit into a new culture.

The topic is immigration.

The importance of staying true to yourself.

A character's decision to emigrate and The topic is immigration describe what the book is about. The others are messages (themes).

Explanation

A character's decision to emigrate and The topic is immigration describe what the book is about. The others are messages (themes).

Submit

16. The theme of a story is generally not stated directly by the author, but must be ___ by the reader from the plot and characters.

The theme is usually implied, meaning the reader must infer or deduce the message.

Explanation

The theme is usually implied, meaning the reader must infer or deduce the message.

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17. A story's subject is 'revenge.' Which statement would be the best example of a theme developed through this subject?

The protagonist spent ten years planning the revenge.

Revenge is a cycle of destruction that harms the avenger most of all.

The protagonist got his revenge in the final chapter.

The conflict took place in a city apartment.

The theme presents the universal truth or message about revenge, such as the idea that it is a destructive cycle.

Explanation

The theme presents the universal truth or message about revenge, such as the idea that it is a destructive cycle.

18. Both the subject and the theme of a story are usually found in the first paragraph of the text.

True

False

This is false. While the subject may be introduced early, the theme is usually revealed slowly and fully developed by the end of the text.

Explanation

This is false. While the subject may be introduced early, the theme is usually revealed slowly and fully developed by the end of the text.

19. The subject of a story is 'a journey across the ocean.' Which is the theme?

The boat was named The Wanderer.

The ocean journey lasted six months.

The setting was stormy and dangerous.

Adversity encountered during a journey strengthens the spirit.

The theme is the message about the journey (adversity strengthens the spirit), not just a factual detail (A, B, C).

Explanation

The theme is the message about the journey (adversity strengthens the spirit), not just a factual detail (A, B, C).

20. Why is 'Friendship' a subject and 'Friendship requires honesty' a theme? (Select all that apply)

The theme is a complete sentence expressing a message.

The subject can be answered with a Yes/No.

The subject is only a general topic.

The theme gives a specific, universal insight into the topic.

The difference is that the theme is a complete message (A), the subject is just a topic (C), and the theme gives a specific insight (D).

Explanation

The difference is that the theme is a complete message (A), the subject is just a topic (C), and the theme gives a specific insight (D).

Submit

Core Message: Distinguishing Theme from Subject or Topic Quiz