A polished summary can still mislead
Read for meaning first. Select a highlighted word if you want a closer look.
The draft euphemistically called the loss of essential records 'a little housekeeping,' using a mild phrase that obscured how much relevant information had disappeared. An outspoken student said directly that the summary could not be trusted until the missing cases were addressed, while explaining the reason without insulting its authors. A perverse reward rule offered the highest marks to reports admitting the fewest problems, encouraging concealment rather than accurate correction. The tutor asked the class to revise both the language and the rule that had shaped it.
The final account stopped describing the missing information euphemistically and stated plainly which records were absent and why that mattered. The outspoken student helped write a direct explanation of the limits, showing that candid criticism could contribute to a practical repair. Removing the perverse reward allowed students to report discovered errors without being penalized merely for acknowledging them. The exercise then rewarded careful classification and transparent reasoning instead of an appearance of effortless perfection.
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.