The Crossroads
Expert Level
VOCABULARY
1. Judicious – (joo-DISH-uhs) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəs/
(adjective) – showing good judgment
Synonyms: wise, sensible, prudent
Sample sentence: Her judicious decision saved the company time and money.
(adjective) – showing good judgment
Synonyms: wise, sensible, prudent
Sample sentence: Her judicious decision saved the company time and money.
2. Hesitant – (HEH-zih-tuhnt) /ˈhɛzɪtənt/
(adjective) – unsure or slow to act
Synonyms: unsure, reluctant, uncertain
Sample sentence: He was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.
(adjective) – unsure or slow to act
Synonyms: unsure, reluctant, uncertain
Sample sentence: He was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.
3. Repercussion – (ree-per-KUH-shuhn) /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən/
(noun) – a consequence, especially a negative one
Synonyms: consequence, outcome, backlash
Sample sentence: Ignoring safety rules can lead to serious repercussions.
(noun) – a consequence, especially a negative one
Synonyms: consequence, outcome, backlash
Sample sentence: Ignoring safety rules can lead to serious repercussions.
4. Deliberate – (duh-LIB-er-it) /dɪˈlɪbərət/
(adjective) – done carefully and with intention
Synonyms: thoughtful, calculated, planned
Sample sentence: She made a deliberate effort to listen first.
(adjective) – done carefully and with intention
Synonyms: thoughtful, calculated, planned
Sample sentence: She made a deliberate effort to listen first.
5. Resolve – (ri-ZOLV) /rɪˈzɒlv/
(noun) – strong determination
Synonyms: determination, willpower, firmness
Sample sentence: With resolve, he turned down the tempting offer.
(noun) – strong determination
Synonyms: determination, willpower, firmness
Sample sentence: With resolve, he turned down the tempting offer.
IDIOMS
At a crossroads – facing an important decision
Sample sentence: She felt at a crossroads in her career.
Sample sentence: She felt at a crossroads in her career.
Weigh one’s options – to carefully consider choices
Sample sentence: He spent days weighing his options.
Sample sentence: He spent days weighing his options.
Sleep on it – to delay a decision to think clearly
Sample sentence: I decided to sleep on it before choosing.
Sample sentence: I decided to sleep on it before choosing.
TONGUE TWISTER
Instruction: Read the tongue twister aloud three times. Increase your speed each time while keeping your pronunciation clear.
Daring decisions demand deliberate discussion daily.
STORY
The Crossroads
Leo was offered a promotion in another city,
an exciting opportunity with serious repercussions.
His parents needed care, and the distance made him hesitant.
Rather than rushing, Leo remained judicious.
He weighed his options carefully and chose to sleep on it.
Days of deliberate thought and honest family conversations followed.
In the end, his resolve guided him.
Turning down the job brought unexpected peace.
He learned that at a crossroads,
choosing people over prestige can be the truest success.
This story highlights the importance of values when making life decisions.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Instruction: Answer the questions based on the story.
1. What word means using wise judgment?
2. Why was Leo hesitant about the promotion?
3. Which idiom means delaying a decision overnight?
4. What repercussions did Leo consider?
5. What ultimately gave Leo peace?
SPEAK UP
Instruction: Answer the questions clearly. Use complete sentences.
Open Speaking
1. Describe a time when you were at a crossroads.
2. How do you usually weigh important decisions?
3. Why is taking time sometimes better than acting quickly?
4. What role do family and values play in your choices?
5. How do you strengthen your resolve?
Opinion-Based Speaking
6. Some people say hesitation shows weakness. Do you agree or disagree?
7. Some people believe career success should come first. What is your opinion?
8. Some people say sleeping on decisions avoids regret. Do you agree?
9. What is your opinion about choosing people over prestige?
10. Some people believe peace matters more than progress. What do you think?