B2 Vocabulary: Ethics

Reading: The Dilemma of Elias

Instructions: Read the story carefully, then answer the comprehension questions that follow. Choose the best option for each question.

Elias, a junior engineer, discovered a flaw in his company's new product. The defect was minor, unlikely to cause immediate harm, but it could shorten the product's lifespan significantly. Reporting it would delay the launch, costing the company millions, and likely jeopardize his promotion. His manager, known for prioritizing profits, had hinted at the importance of meeting the deadline.

Elias felt his conscience prick. He believed in integrity and customer value. Was it his duty to report it, even if it meant risking his career? He had to weigh his personal ambitions against his professional responsibility. He also considered the potential dilemma for customers if the product failed prematurely. He needed to reflect on his core ethical principles before acting.

1. What is the main ethical dilemma Elias faces?

Whether to ask for a raise or a promotion.
Whether to report a product flaw or protect his career and the company's profits.
How to repair the defect without delaying the launch.
How to convince his manager to prioritize customer safety.
2. In the sentence, "Elias felt his **conscience** prick," what does 'conscience' refer to?

A sudden pain in his finger.
An inner feeling about what is right or wrong.
His fear of being fired.
The company's ethical guidelines.
3. What does the manager's action of "hinting at the importance of meeting the deadline" suggest about his priorities?

He values ethical behavior above all else.
He is most concerned about product quality.
He prioritizes financial gains and deadlines over potential product issues.
He is unaware of the product flaw.
4. The word "weigh" in the second paragraph means Elias had to:

measure the exact mass of his options.
consider carefully before making a decision.
put his problems on a scale.
ignore the less important details.
5. The "potential dilemma for customers" refers to:

their inability to afford the new product.
the choice they would have to make between two versions of the product.
the problems they might face if the product breaks down prematurely.
their responsibility to report any issues they find.
6. Based on the story, Elias clearly values:

quick promotions and high salaries.
ethical conduct and customer satisfaction.
avoiding confrontation with his manager.
making the product launch on time at any cost.
7. The "flaw" in the product is described as:

immediately dangerous to users.
a minor issue that only affects appearance.
something that could reduce the product's durability over time.
a mistake that could easily be fixed without delay.
8. What does "jeopardize his promotion" mean in this context?

To guarantee he gets the promotion.
To make his promotion uncertain or put it at risk.
To make his promotion happen faster.
To change the terms of his promotion.
9. What will Elias most likely do after reflecting on his ethical principles?

He will immediately ignore the flaw and launch the product.
He will probably decide whether to report the flaw based on his moral beliefs.
He will try to secretly fix the defect without anyone knowing.
He will ask his manager for a definitive order on what to do.
10. The story is primarily about:

the importance of meeting deadlines in business.
how product development works in a large company.
a personal struggle with a professional ethical decision.
the challenges of being a junior engineer.

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