1. Broken Chain Introducing the Selection Literary Focus: Conflict
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Introducing the Selection
Literary Focus: Conflict
Reading Skills: Summarizing a Plot

2. Broken Chain by Gary Soto

3. Broken Chain by Gary Soto

4. Broken Chain by Gary Soto
When Alfonso meets Sandra,
But a broken bike chain could ruin everything.
he is determined to impress her.

5. Broken Chain by Gary Soto
Will Alfonso come out looking cool . . .
or will Sandra think he’s a fool?
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6. Broken Chain Literary Focus: Conflict
As you read Broken Chain, you will be asked to analyze conflict in the story. A conflict is a struggle between two elements.
The elements can be people, animals, places, or things.

7. Broken Chain Literary Focus: Conflict
Conflict can be external—between a character and an outside force.
Conflict can also be internal—between a character and his or her own behaviors, thoughts, and fears.

8. Broken Chain Literary Focus: Conflict
In this story, Alfonso deals with both external and internal conflicts. These conflicts start when he wants something very badly and takes steps to get it.
As you read, ask yourself what Alfonso wants and what stands in his way.
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9. Broken Chain Reading Skills: Summarizing a Plot
As you read “Broken Chain,” practice summarizing the plot using the strategy retelling.
Stop at key points in the text and take notes on what has happened so far.
Be sure to note
the title and author
information about the main character
information about the setting
the main events
the story’s ending

10. Broken Chain Reading Skills: Summarizing a Plot
In your textbook there are questions that will help you retell the story. When you see the symbol, stop and answer the question next to it.
Be prepared to share your retelling of “Broken Chain” with your classmates and your teacher.
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11. Broken Chain
The End