Short-Answer Item:

Define theme in fiction. Name at least three types of evidence you can use to identify a theme.

Short-Answer Key and Scoring Rubric:

Theme is a topic of discussion or writing; a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work. Types of evidence include dialogue, actions, and mood shifts of characters; figurative language; setting.

Performance Assessment:

Have each student read a narrative poem and complete one of the tasks below. Suggested poems include “Paul Revere’s Ride” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “Casey at the Bat” by Ernest Thayer, “Barbara Frietchie” by John Greenleaf Whittier, or “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost. Other appropriate poems may be substituted.

1. Design a poster that identifies elements of fiction for the poem you chose (plot, theme, point of view, setting, characters, and figurative language or imagery). Include the poem’s title and author’s name.
2. Complete a graphic organizer that identifies each element of fiction for the poem you chose (plot, theme, point of view, setting, characters, and figurative language or imagery). Students can use the graphic organizer in the Performance Assessment worksheet (L-8-2_Performance Assessment.doc).
3. Create a graphic organizer to indicate how the elements of fiction in the poem you chose (plot, theme, point of view, setting, characters, and figurative language or imagery) contribute to the theme.

Performance Assessment Scoring Rubric:

Note: The Performance Assessment and rubric may be modified to require only three of the six categories.