A Time for Decision

Words in Use (Lesson 42)

• maintain
• snub
• endure
• wrath
• expose
• legend
• ponder
• resign
• drastic
• wharf
• amend
• ballot

Read the following passage to see how the new words are used in it.
  
A Time for Decision
Carl Brown walked wearily* from the bus stop, his thoughts preoccupied* with the day's events. He had become accustomed to receiving the blame for his colleagues'* mistakes. He could remain complacent* when less deserving workers were promoted* ahead of him. He could even maintain an air of indifference* when the young man he had trained now snubbed him. What he could not endure was the ridicule of his fellow employees.* His wrath flamed at the thought that his secret had been exposed. The legend of his honesty had died. Carl Brown pondered his next move. Should he resign or take even more drastic measures? His steps led past the wharf where the ships were unloading their cargoes of fruit. He looked into the dark waters and took a deep breath. No, this was not a sin that could be erased. He heaved a sigh and determined to amend his ways. Never again would he sign his ballot "Carl Smith."