Ng was preparing to sit the A-level examinations. He had dropped out of most of his extra-curricular activities to prepare for them. His dad had pinned all his hopes on him. He must secure a university place and get a degree.
His friend Bobby approached him one day. He knew somebody who could get access to the public examination questions. Of course, a price had to be paid. But it would guarantee good results and, consequently, a place at university. He asked if Ng was interested.
Ng was in a dilemma. He tried to weigh the pros and cons. Competition for university places was keen. He was above average in his studies and might just make it if he studied very hard. On the other hand, luck could be against him. He might simply panic and fail.
Buying those questions was illegal. If he got caught, his future would be ruined. Even if he got away with it, would he be able to live with the secret all his life? There were other people to consider. If he cheated, would it be fair to his classmates sitting the same examination? If his teachers knew, how would they feel having a student like him? Would the school's reputation be tainted? Most important of all, if his place at university was secured by false means, would it bring honour or disgrace to his dad? Vocabulary 1. pinned all his hopes on him (cl) - all his hopes were put on him 2. in a dilemma (ph) - facing a difficult choice between two (undesirable) alternatives 3. weigh the pros and cons (cl) - consider the arguments for and against 4. tainted (adj) - blackened, harmed 5. secured by false means (cl) - gained in a dishonest way