Question

Highlight vivid verbs in this passage.

Between history and math, Alfonso saw Sandra and her girlfriend huddling at their lockers. He hurried by without being seen.

During lunch Alfonso hid in metal shop so he wouldn't run into Sandra. What would he say to her? If he weren't mad at his brother, he could ask Ernie what girls and guys talk about. But he was mad, and anyway, Ernie was pitching nickels with his friends.

—“Broken Chain,”
Gary Soto

Which conclusion can you draw about the passage based on the verbs you highlighted?

Alfonso is uncomfortable around girls.
Alfonso thinks that his brother does not know about girls.
Alfonso thinks that girls and boys are similar.
Alfonso is not worried, because he believes he is cool.

Answer 1

The vivid verbs highlighted in the passage include: "saw," "hurried," "hid," "run into," "ask," "was mad," and "pitching."

Based on these verbs, the conclusion you can draw about the passage is:

**Alfonso is uncomfortable around girls.**

The usage of "hurried by without being seen" and "hid" suggests that he is trying to avoid interaction with Sandra and his feelings indicate discomfort. Additionally, his contemplation of approaching his brother for advice, coupled with his current frustration, reinforces the idea that he feels uncertain and uncomfortable in social situations involving girls.