The TABE (Tests of Adult Basic Education) Reading section tests your ability to identify the theme of a literary passage. The theme is the central message, lesson, or moral of the story. It is a universal truth or observation about life that the author wants to convey.
A theme is not the same as the main idea. The main idea is what the passage is about, while the theme is the deeper meaning or message. For example, the main idea of a story might be a character's journey, but the theme could be "the importance of perseverance."
Themes are usually not directly stated in the text. You must infer the theme by analyzing the characters, plot, setting, and author's use of language. You should ask yourself, "What lesson did the character learn?" or "What is the author trying to tell me about life?"
Themes are universal. They apply to everyone, not just the characters in the story. Examples of common themes include courage, friendship, love, justice, or the struggle between good and evil.
On the TABE, you might be asked to choose the best statement that summarizes the moral or universal message of a story.
Make a free website with Yola