Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. on the spot (idiom) [on thuh spot] – immediately; right where something has just happened
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. on the spot (idiom) [on thuh spot] – immediately; right where something has just happened
Example: The job applicant did
not have to go through training after he was hired on the spot.
2. violate (v.)
[vahy-uh-leyt] – to do something that is against the rules
Example: Wearing sleeveless
shirt violates the company’s policy
on uniforms.
3. liability (n.) [lahy-uh-bil-i-tee] – (in legal terms) a situation where one (company or service provider) is
responsible for another (customer) and must pay the latter an amount of money
for damages or failure to give what is expected
Example: The company has liability over the safety of its
employees at work.
4. decline (v.)
[dih-klahyn] – to say no to something
Example: The worker declined his boss’ offer of a promotion.
5. knowingly (adv.) [noh-ing-lee] – done with full knowledge of the situation and possible results of one’s
actions
Example: The lawyer knowingly hid important evidence from
the judge.
Article
Read the text below.
Tomas Lopez, a 21-year-old lifeguard was fired on the spot after saving a man from drowning in Hallandale Beach, South Florida.
The man he saved
was 1,500 meters outside of the protection zone of Jeff Ellis Management, the
company that Lopez worked for. Lopez was fired for violating a company rule, which states that lifeguards are not
allowed to go outside their assigned areas.
According to the
company, the rule was made to avoid liability
issues. The rule ensures that the company is not legally responsible for the
lives of swimmers outside the protection zone. If someone outside the
protection zone should need help, lifeguards should call the emergency number
911 and wait for medics to arrive.
Lopez said he knowingly violated the company rule,
but he believes he did the right thing, and added that he would do it again
if he had to. During the incident other
lifeguards called 911 and watched over Lopez’ area while Lopez went to help
the man.
Jeff Ellis, the
company president, admits that the management’s decision to fire Lopez was
unjustified. Lopez was offered his job back, but he declined the offer, saying he would like to focus on school and start
his career.
Five lifeguards
involved in the case were also offered their jobs back. Previously, two were fired
for supporting Lopez’ decision to save the man and three quit in protest to
the firing of their co-worker.
The man Lopez saved
was rushed to Ventura hospital, where he is now reportedly in good condition.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Do you agree with the company’s decision to
fire Lopez? Please explain your answer.
·
What are the situations wherein an employee can and
should go against company policies?
Discussion B
·
Could you share a past experience in which you
had to make a difficult choice or decision?
·
When faced with a dilemma, how can someone make
the right decision?