Question 3 • CCPS GSE Language Arts Grade 8 (23.01300) YL IC
Read the excerpt from “Broken Chain.”“Come on, man, let me use it,” Alfonso pleaded. “Please, Ernie, I’ll do anything.”Although Ernie could see Alfonso’s desperation, he had plans with his friend Raymundo. They were going to catch frogs at the Mayfair canal. He felt sorry for his brother and gave him a stick of gum to make him feel better, but there was nothing he could do. The canal was three miles away, and the frogs were waiting.Which message does Gary Soto want readers to take away?
Answer
A
Small gifts have great influence.
B
Achieving one's goals is unrealistic.
C
Friendship is something that everyone should value.
D
People place their own needs above those of others.
Explanation
Ernie can tell Alfonso is desperate, but he still chooses to go catch frogs with Raymundo rather than help his brother. Giving Alfonso gum shows a small attempt to comfort him, but Ernie puts his own plans first. This supports the message that people sometimes place their own needs above others’ needs.
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