The survey crew
Read for meaning first. Select a highlighted word if you want a closer look.
A fictional survey ship's hierarchy placed the captain above section leaders, who in turn coordinated the assistants working with each team. An assistant in a subordinate position could still notice a mislabeled crate and explain the mistake to the person supervising the loading. One domineering section leader rejected suggestions merely because they came from junior crew members and demanded obedience to his changing preferences. The captain clarified who could make decisions while also requiring leaders to hear relevant information.
The ship's hierarchy helped the crew know who could authorize a revised loading plan before departure. Remaining subordinate in rank did not prevent the assistant from reporting the crate error or receiving credit for finding it. The domineering leader's arbitrary demands had created a separate problem, because formal responsibility did not make every personal preference reasonable. When the captain approved a clear checking procedure, the crew could follow assigned roles without silently accepting an avoidable mistake.
Before you move on
Look away from the passage. Can you explain each focus word in your own words?
Original fictional passages for vocabulary practice.