Question

sorting themes and topics

introduction: sort the themes and topics into the correct categories.

items to sort:

• a boy argues with his father.
• man struggles against nature.
• family is important.
• crime does not pay.
• a sailor gets caught in a bad storm.
• a thief robs a store and gets caught.

categories:

• themes
• topics

Explanation:

Distinguish between themes and topics

To sort these statements, we must understand the difference between a Literary Theme and a Story Topic. A topic is the specific subject, plot event, or concrete situation described in a story (the "what" happens). A theme is the deeper, universal message, lesson, or moral about life that the author conveys (the "big idea").

Analyze the first three statements

• "A boy argues with his father": This describes a specific plot event and concrete action. Therefore, it is a Story Topic.
• "Man struggles against nature": This is a broad, universal conflict and concept that can apply to many different stories. It represents a classic Literary Theme.
• "Family is important": This is a universal message, belief, or moral lesson about life. Thus, it is a Literary Theme.

Analyze the remaining three statements

• "Crime does not pay": This is a moral lesson and a universal message about human behavior. Therefore, it is a Literary Theme.
• "A sailor gets caught in a bad storm": This describes a specific, concrete plot event happening to a particular character. Thus, it is a Story Topic.
• "A thief robs a store and gets caught": This is a specific sequence of plot events and concrete actions. Therefore, it is a Story Topic.

Answer:

Themes	Topics
Family is important.	A sailor gets caught in a bad storm.
Crime does not pay.	A thief robs a store and gets caught.