In this section, you will determine the main message or lesson of the novel.

Question

Key Words
theme – the message or lesson about life conveyed in a work of literature
A novel can have more than one theme, but usually one will stand out above the rest. As you read a novel, remember to consider what conflict drives the central character. How does that character try to deal with the situation? Also think about ways in which the character and others change as the story unfolds. How and why Check-In
Use details from the video to complete these sentences about strategies for identifying the theme of a novel. Write your answers on a sheet of paper.

Question 1
To help determine the theme, the first thing the learning coach asks the student is .

Reveal Answer
Question 2
Then, the student and the learning coach .

Reveal Answer
Question 3
These strategies helped the student determine the theme because .

Reveal Answer
Learning Coach Guide
This section will help you guide students through their learning.

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they change can often suggest a novel’s major theme.

Learning Coach Guide
This section will help you guide students through their learning.

Answer 1

Check-In

Question 1
To help determine the theme, the first thing the learning coach asks the student is to identify the central character and the main conflict they face.

Question 2
Then, the student and the learning coach discuss how the character tries to resolve the conflict and the changes they undergo throughout the story.

Question 3
These strategies helped the student determine the theme because understanding the character's struggles and growth reveals the deeper messages about life that the author is trying to convey.