Before Reading

Make a Chart

Read about theme in Literary Tools on page 473. In your notebook or on the back of this guidesheet, make a chart like the one on page 473.

During Reading

Fill in a Chart

1. Listen as your teacher reads Book 1, Section 5. What is the theme of this selection? What examples of this theme are given?

2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Keep adding themes and examples to your chart as you read.

Fix-Up Idea: Reread

If you have trouble understanding the theme of any of the sections, try rereading. Read each sentence and paraphrase it in your own words. Then try to determine the theme.

After Reading

Summarize What You Wrote

With a few of your classmates, compare the themes you identified and discuss how you could apply Confucius's teachings to your own life. Make a list of these applications.