Compete while facing difficulties
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A neighborhood chess team had to contend with a shortage of practice space before an interclub tournament. Its members would vie with several other teams for a place in the final round, so they arranged shorter practice sessions in a shared room. Their captain hoped disciplined preparation would help them prevail over stronger opponents. The words described struggle, eager competition, and the possibility of success without implying that determination alone would guarantee the result of any particular match.
During the tournament, the players still had to contend with interruptions and unfamiliar surroundings while concentrating on their games. Two teams began to vie for the remaining final-round place, making each unfinished match significant to the standings. The captain reminded her players that they could prepare carefully without knowing whether they would prevail. Afterward, they planned to review the moves and the arrangements they could improve, whatever the result of the competition turned out to be.
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Look away from the passage. Can you explain each focus word in your own words?
Original fictional passages for vocabulary practice.