Identifying Theme 2 Directions: read each short story and determine the theme or message in the story. Remember
that a good answer will focus on big world lessons, not small world details of the story.
Even though they were sisters, Suzie and June were nothing alike. If Suzie wanted to jump rope,
June wanted to play hopscotch. If June wanted to watch soap operas, Suzie wanted to watch talk
shows. Tensions rose to the point that the girls could no longer stand one another’s company. It
seemed that they had nothing in common, until the day that progress reports went home. On the
bus the girls were startled by how upset the other looked. They realized that they were both
failing a subject. Suzie was failing math and June was failing reading. Since both girls wanted to
pass their classes, they agreed to help one another. So after school for the next few weeks, Suzie
tutored June in reading and then June tutored Suzie in math. By the time report cards were
distributed, Suzie and June were passing all their classes. The girls were delighted, but their
mother was happiest of all. Not just because her daughters had passed their classes, but because
they learned to be good sisters.
1. What is the theme of this story?

2. What happens in the story that leads you to believe this?

All Victor ever wanted to do with his life was be a singer. He didn't pay attention in school, and
he spent all his time at home listening to music and impersonating his idols. His mother tried to
teach him the value of getting an education and having a backup plan. But Victor would respond
the same way every time, "Mom, I won't need to know any of that boring old stuff when I'm
famous. You'll see." There was one major problem with Victor's plan: he wasn't any good at
singing. Victor enjoyed singing so much that he didn't notice the pained look on the faces of
those who endured his singing. Some lied to him and said they liked his singing. Other people
told him to find something else to do with his life. Victor accused those people of being "jealous
haters" and ignored their advice. Soon Victor dropped out of high school to focus on his music
career. The years passed and the doors never opened.
3. What is the theme of this story?

4. What happens in the story that leads you to believe this?