Question

Central idea - the main _____ of a story based on things that _____ in the text.
Theme - the message or _____ of a story.

Which characteristic is true of a theme?
A. it is not linked to symbols.
B. it is not stated by the author outright.
C. it is a summary of the plot.
D. it is explained by the author.

Which description best defines a theme?
A. a main idea.
B. an underlying message
C. a summary
D. an analysis

Answer 1

For the first part of your prompt:

Central idea - the main **point** of a story based on things that **happen** in the text.
Theme - the message or **moral** of a story.

For the questions:

**Which characteristic is true of a theme?**
B. it is not stated by the author outright.

**Which description best defines a theme?**
B. an underlying message.