Which term refers to the main message about life that a story communicates to readers?

Which term refers to the main message about life that a story communicates to readers?

• A. Theme
• B. Infer
• C. Imagery
• D. Setting

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the message about life that a story communicates. The term for that message is theme—the central idea or insight about life or human nature that the author reveals through characters and events. A theme can be stated plainly or left to be inferred, and it lingers with readers after the plot ends. This differs from inference, which is the reader’s act of figuring out something not directly stated from clues in the text. It also differs from imagery, which is the use of descriptive language to create sensory impressions, and from setting, which is where and when the story takes place.

The main idea being tested is the message about life that a story communicates. The term for that message is theme—the central idea or insight about life or human nature that the author reveals through characters and events. A theme can be stated plainly or left to be inferred, and it lingers with readers after the plot ends. This differs from inference, which is the reader’s act of figuring out something not directly stated from clues in the text. It also differs from imagery, which is the use of descriptive language to create sensory impressions, and from setting, which is where and when the story takes place.