Internal and External Conflict

Read the passage below and determine if it describes INTERNAL or EXTERNAL conflict.

Frank knew he had to conserve his energy and his water if he was going to make it across the desert. The sun beat down on his back and the loose sand pulled at his feet, but still he pressed on, determined to make it.

• Internal

• External

Read the passage to determine if it is describing INTERNAL or EXTERNAL conflict.

Charlotte looked back toward the shore. It seemed so far away. The only way for her to get back was to swim. Despite the current tugging her out to sea, she put one arm in front of the other and began to pull herself toward the beach.

• Internal

• External

Read the passage below and determine if it describes INTERNAL or EXTERNAL conflict.

Hector knew his mom was counting on him to come home right after school to watch his little sisters so she could go to work. But the coach had offered him a spot on the basketball team if he could to practice today. It was a one-time offer. Hector didn't know what to do.

• Internal

• External

Read the passage below and determine if it describes INTERNAL or EXTERNAL conflict.

Every morning Muriel made herself the same promise. Today was the day she would finally quit her job and committ to finding a new job. Every day she went to work and came home without doing anything out of the ordinary.

• Internal

• External

Read the passage below and determine if it describes INTERNAL or EXTERNAL conflict.

Sam got really angry at his younger brother, Tom because Tom deleted Sam's entire Book Talk Presentation. Sam got even with Tom; he demolished Tom's WALL-E and EVE lego set.

• Internal

• External

Internal Conflict is Not . . .

• an argument against another character

• a conflict with nature

• a conflict with rules or laws

• All three answers

Internal conflict . . .

• takes place in a character's mind (thoughts) or heart and often involves a decision

• takes place between two characters

• takes place between a character and nature

• takes place between a character and society (rule or law)