Tracing Theme Across a Text
Determine and analyse the theme or central idea of a text, trace how it develops across the text through key details and events, and provide an objective summary distinct from personal opinion
Suggested ages 11–14
Evidence of understanding
- Identify a theme in a novel and explain how specific events develop it across the plot
- Distinguish between the topic of a text (what it is about) and the theme (what it is saying)
- Write a concise, objective summary of a chapter or article without inserting personal opinion
Assessment prompt
After reading a novel or long poem, can Tracing Theme Across a Text explain what it was really about at its deepest level — the central idea or theme — and trace how that idea developed through key moments in the text?
Standards alignment
RI.6.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
RI.7.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
RI.8.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
RL.6.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 6
RL.7.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 7
RL.8.2
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
Check understanding
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3