Name: ______________________________
Theme Worksheet 4

Directions: Determine what the theme is for each story and explain your answer. Remember, a theme is a lesson or message in the story. Write in complete sentences.

1. Derek was doing his homework on his computer one night when he saw an ad banner for a free Gamebox 9000. He clicked on the ad with great interest and went to a webpage with details about the offer. It seemed simple enough. All he had to do was post some content to his social networking pages and complete a few offers. Derek didn't approve of the content that he was required to share, but he really wanted the new Gamebox. So he shared the links with all his friends and family. Then Derek began completing the offers. The offers were organized into three tiers. According to the website, he had to complete three offers in each tier and then he would get his Gamebox for free. So Derek started completing the offers in the first tier. This required him to create accounts on a bunch of websites that he had no interest in joining. He completed the first tier in a couple of hours and grew excited about getting a free Gamebox 9000. The second tier required Derek to become a member at more websites. It also required him to get three of his friends to sign up to the program. Signing up to the websites was pretty easy (though time consuming). But getting his friends to participate in the program was much harder. Most of them warned Derek that he was falling for a scam. But Derek finally found three younger classmates who agreed to take part. Derek was pumped. Unfortunately, the third tier required him to sign up for satellite television service. He also needed to change his phone service provider. Then he needed to get approved for several credit cards. Derek finally did what he should have done from the beginning and walked away from these offers.

What is the theme of the story? __________________________________________________________

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What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? ______________________________________

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2. Nicole was hesitant to lend Liz her tea set. Though the tea set was not worth much money, it had been in the family for a long time and was pretty much irreplaceable. But Liz was persistent and since they were dear friends, Nicole relented and agreed to lend her the tea set. As Nicole had feared, Liz did not handle the tea set with the same care as Nicole. Consequently Liz broke or damaged several of the pieces. When Nicole asked for her tea set, Liz stalled, "Uh... I forgot it at my cousin's house. I'll get it later this week. I'm so sorry." Liz figured that she could run to the store and replace the missing pieces. When she got around to doing so, Liz was disappointed to find that no stores carried the antique tea set. So Liz purchased a brand new tea set, much more expensive than the old set. She then threw out the rest of Nicole's old tea set to hide the evidence of her irresponsibility. When Liz presented Nicole with the new tea set, Nicole was extremely disappointed. Liz did not understand why. "Look, Nicole, my cousin lost your tea set. I mean, he's still looking for it but it's probably gone, but this tea set is much nicer." When Nicole did not accept the new tea set, Liz shook her head in disgust. Liz told herself, "Some people don't appreciate anything."

What is the theme of the story? __________________________________________________________

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What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? ______________________________________

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3. Chuck wanted to get the new Game Box 9000, but the system cost $400 and he didn't have any money at all. So Chuck did what any motivated youngster would do to earn money: lots and lots of work. He mowed lawns and raked leaves. He did extra chores and searched in the couch cushions for change. He collected and returned cans and bottles. After about a month of working and scrounging, Chuck earned a little over $200. But still he felt that the money was not coming quickly enough. Chuck was discussing his problem with one of his friends on the bus when an older kid named Jim overheard him. "Hey, Chucky," Jim said, "my uncle works at the video game store and he can get any video game system for half off. I can help you get your Gamebox." Chuck was so excited about getting the new Gamebox that he didn't think twice. "Wow, half off? Then I can afford it!" Chuck was ecstatic. He gave Jim his money the next day. The following day he hoped to receive the Gamebox, but Jim didn't bring it. "Yeah, I'm not going to see him until this weekend," Jim replied. Chuck remembered Jim promising him something else at first. Still, Chuck was so happy to get such a great deal that he didn't want to push Jim. "Ok, great. Next week then," said Chuck. The week passed by very slowly for Chuck, but it passed. He was so happy to see Jim the next week. He ran up to him with a big smile, but Jim didn't look happy. "Did you get it?" Chuck asked. Jim replied woodenly, "Uh, yeah, I was going to get it, but I got robbed. So, you're money's gone. I'm sorry." Chuck couldn't believe it: a whole month down the drain! The tears ran down his cheeks.

What is the theme of the story? __________________________________________________________

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What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? ______________________________________

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4. Justin was jealous of his cousin Cassie when she was named valedictorian of her class. "Some people are just born smart," he told himself later as he watched TV on the couch. He had not been with Cassie all those times when she studied late into the night. Justin was also jealous when his cousin Victor was elected class president. "Some people are just more popular than others," Justin told himself as he played video games on the couch. He had not been with Victor while he tirelessly campaigned. Justin never noticed that Victor treated everyone he knew with kindness and respect. When Justin's cousin Matthew became the varsity quarterback, again Justin was envious. "Some people are just more athletic than others," he told himself as he played on his computer. Justin had not been with Matthew while he trained morning and night. Justin had never attended the long weekend practices with Matthew. "One day something lucky will happen to me too," Justin told himself as he snacked on junk food.

What is the theme of the story? __________________________________________________________

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What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? ______________________________________

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5. Grant Grand was a superstar high school athlete from a small town where football was revered. The people of this town placed a high value on victories. So a top performer like Grant was given privileges and exceptions. Grant did not have to struggle his way through rigorous courses in high school. He attended special study sessions with teammates where they mainly studied football. To the surprise of few, Grant was given a full ride to a reputable university based on his athletic prowess. Yet Grant was not prepared for this new experience. He expected the university to make special exceptions for him as his high school had. While he did receive quite a few exceptions, it was not enough to compensate for how underprepared he was. Despite many good faith interventions by the university, Grant failed to get it together. He lost his scholarship, and dropped out after his freshman year.

What is the theme of the story? __________________________________________________________

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What happens in the story that leads you to believe this? ______________________________________

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