Uncovering Themes in Stories
This worksheet helps fourth-grade students identify and understand themes in various stories.
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Uncovering Themes in Stories
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Read each story or question carefully. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Remember, the theme is the big message or lesson the author wants you to learn from the story.
Read the following story and answer the questions below.
Lily loved to draw. She spent hours sketching birds, trees, and her playful puppy, Buster. One day, her art teacher announced a school-wide art contest. Lily was excited but also nervous. She saw other students painting amazing pictures, and she started to feel that her simple pencil drawings weren't good enough. She almost didn't enter. But then, she remembered how much joy drawing brought her, no matter what others thought. She decided to draw Buster, capturing all his silly antics. When the winners were announced, Lily didn't win first place, but her drawing received an honorable mention, and the judge praised her unique style. Lily realized that doing what she loved and being true to herself was more important than winning.
1. What is the most likely theme of the story about Lily?
Winning is the most important thing.
Always compare your work to others.
Believe in yourself and your passion.
Drawing animals is better than drawing trees.
2. The theme of a story is the big or lesson the author wants to teach the reader.
3. Themes are usually not stated directly, but are through the characters' actions and events.
4. Think about a time you tried something new and felt nervous, but then felt proud of yourself afterward. What lesson did you learn from that experience?
5. A story can only have one theme.
True
False
Match the common theme with its meaning.
6. Friendship
a. Overcoming difficulties
7. Perseverance
b. Being kind to others
8. Compassion
c. Loyalty and support between friends