A promise made too quickly
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When an oral-history group received a box of recordings, Ben made an impetuous promise to transcribe everything by the weekend. He had not checked the recordings' length or condition. His colleague suggested a prudent first step: complete one short sample and estimate the remaining work. Ben stayed resolute about helping, but revised the deadline after listening to several difficult passages.
The sample showed why the original promise had been impetuous. Some speakers overlapped, and a few names required a follow-up question to the interviewer. A prudent schedule included time for those uncertainties and for another person to check the text. Ben remained resolute in his commitment, while recognizing that determination did not require defending an unrealistic estimate.
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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.