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Story 14

📘 Lesson Title: “The Crossroads”

Level: Expert


VOCABULARIES

  1. Judicious – (joo-DISH-uhs) /dʒuːˈdɪʃəs/
    (adjective) – showing good judgment
    Synonyms: wise, sensible, prudent
    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
    Sentence: He was hesitant to speak up during the meeting.

  3. Repercussion – (ree-per-KUH-shuhn) /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən/
    (noun) – a consequence of an action, especially a negative one
    Synonyms: consequence, outcome, backlash
    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
    Sentence: She made a deliberate effort to listen before responding.

  5. Resolve – (ri-ZOLV) /rɪˈzɒlv/
    (noun) – strong determination to do something
    Synonyms: determination, willpower, firmness
    Sentence: With resolve, he turned down the tempting offer.


IDIOMS

  1. At a crossroads – (facing a major decision point)
    Synonyms: turning point, moment of choice
    Sentence: She felt at a crossroads in her career and had to choose carefully.

  2. Weigh one’s options – (think carefully before deciding)
    Synonyms: consider, evaluate, reflect
    Sentence: He spent days weighing his options before making a move.

  3. Sleep on it – (delay a decision until the next day)
    Synonyms: take time, reflect overnight
    Sentence: I need to sleep on it before accepting the job offer.


TONGUE TWISTER

Instruction: Read the tongue twister 3 times as fast and clearly as you can.


“Daring decisions demand deliberate discussion daily.”


STORY: The Crossroads

Leo was offered a promotion in another city—an exciting opportunity, but one with serious repercussions. His aging parents needed care, and he’d be far from them. He felt hesitant, unsure if the move was right.

Instead of rushing, Leo remained judicious. He weighed his options and even decided to sleep on it. After a week of deliberate thought and honest talks with his family, he chose to stay.

Though it meant turning down the job, his resolve to prioritize what mattered most brought him peace. He learned that sometimes, success is about choosing people over prestige when you’re at a crossroads.


KNOWLEDGE CHECK

  1. What word means using wise judgment?

  2. What did Leo feel at the beginning of the story?

  3. Which idiom describes postponing a decision overnight?

  4. What were the potential negative outcomes Leo considered?

  5. What gave Leo peace in the end?


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Have you ever made a difficult decision that went against expectations?

  2. How do you usually decide when you're at a crossroads?

  3. Do you think hesitation is a weakness or a strength? Why?

  4. When is it better to follow your heart instead of your mind?

  5. What would you have done if you were in Leo's position?


SPEAK UP

Instruction: Share your opinions about the following moral lessons.

  1. Taking time before deciding is not hesitation—it’s wisdom.

  2. The best decision isn't always the most popular one.

  3. Strong resolve often comes from clear priorities.