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Story 19

📘 Lesson Title: “The Cost of the Shortcut”

Level: Expert

VOCABULARIES

  1. Integrity – (in-TEH-gri-tee) /ɪnˈtɛɡ.rə.ti/
    (noun) – being honest and having strong moral principles
    Synonyms: honesty, virtue, ethics
    Sentence: He chose integrity over convenience, even when it was difficult.

  2. Temptation – (temp-TAY-shun) /tɛmpˈteɪ.ʃən/
    (noun) – a desire to do something wrong or unwise
    Synonyms: lure, attraction, enticement
    Sentence: The temptation to cheat on the test was strong, but she resisted.

  3. Consequence – (KON-suh-kwens) /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwəns/
    (noun) – the result or effect of an action
    Synonyms: outcome, result, repercussion
    Sentence: Every choice we make has a consequence, good or bad.

  4. Justify – (JUHS-tuh-fye) /ˈdʒʌs.tɪ.faɪ/
    (verb) – to give a reason or explanation for something
    Synonyms: explain, rationalize, defend
    Sentence: He tried to justify his actions, but no one believed him.

  5. Shortcut – (SHORT-kut) /ˈʃɔːt.kʌt/
    (noun) – a quicker or easier way to do something, often skipping steps
    Synonyms: bypass, fast track, quick fix
    Sentence: Taking a shortcut may save time but can lead to mistakes.


IDIOMS

  1. Cut corners – (do something badly or cheaply to save time or money)
    Synonyms: skip steps, take the easy way
    Sentence: They cut corners on safety, which caused the accident.

  2. Face the music – (accept the consequences of actions)
    Synonyms: accept responsibility, own up
    Sentence: After breaking the rules, he had to face the music.

  3. Cross the line – (go beyond acceptable behavior)
    Synonyms: misbehave, go too far
    Sentence: She crossed the line when she lied to her team.


TONGUE TWISTER

Instruction: Read the tongue twister 3 times quickly and clearly.


“Tim tried to take ten tricky tiny shortcuts to town.”


STORY: The Cost of the Shortcut

Lena was under pressure. Her team’s deadline was approaching fast, and the solution seemed simple—cut a few corners. She felt the temptation to take a shortcut, thinking no one would notice. But deep down, her integrity kept whispering: “Do the right thing.”

She hesitated. Could she justify taking the easier route if the results looked fine? But she knew that actions had consequences. Instead of choosing the shortcut, Lena stayed late, did things properly, and led her team to success. It wasn’t easy, but she didn’t have to face the music later. She made the right call.


KNOWLEDGE CHECK

  1. What pressured Lena into considering a shortcut?

  2. Which word best describes her moral character?

  3. What does "face the music" imply in this story?

  4. Why did Lena resist the temptation?

  5. What lesson does the story teach about shortcuts?


DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. When is it okay to take a shortcut, and when is it not?

  2. Have you ever faced a tough decision that tested your integrity?

  3. What are the dangers of cutting corners in your work or life?

  4. Do you think most people justify bad actions under pressure? Why?

  5. How can we develop stronger moral discipline?


SPEAK UP

Instruction: Share your opinions about the following moral lessons.

  1. Doing the right thing takes courage.

  2. Every action has a consequence.

  3. Shortcuts aren’t always the best solution.


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