Here are the correct answers to your questions about themes and central ideas in a story:
**1. Which of the following describes the theme of a story?**
- **a message about life that is explored and expressed**
**2. Which of the following describes the central idea of a story?**
- **an idea about life that is expressed in a story**
**3. Which of the following statements is an example of a theme?**
- **It is always best to tell the truth, even if it is difficult.** (This statement conveys a broader lesson about honesty.)
**4. Which of the following is a theme in a literary text?**
- **a lesson about life**
**5. Which of the following is the central idea of a story?**
- **the message that the author expresses through key details in the text**
These responses align best with defining themes and central ideas in literature.