When the issue becomes personal
Read for meaning first. Select a highlighted word if you want a closer look.
The use of an apartment courtyard became contentious when some residents proposed weekend music sessions and others wanted a reliably quiet space. Most people explained their preferences calmly, but one speaker adopted a belligerent tone and challenged anyone who disagreed to confront him outside. The meeting chair stopped that exchange before the discussion became personal. She worried that growing animosity between neighbors would outlast the immediate decision about a few hours on the weekend schedule.
A contentious subject did not require every participant to behave aggressively, and the chair made that distinction clear. She asked the belligerent speaker to state his concern without threats or personal attacks, then invited a quieter resident to describe the effect of the proposed schedule. Some animosity remained because earlier complaints had gone unanswered. Recording those concerns separately allowed the group to discuss the courtyard proposal without pretending that one vote would resolve every strained relationship in the building.
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.