C1 English Reading – Short Story & Grammar Quiz
Arthur, a seasoned attorney, used to consider himself calm. He would often joke that no client or courtroom surprise could truly rattle him. Today, however, things were going to be different.
The morning began with a particularly contentious client meeting. Mr. Henderson, a man whose demands seemed utterly arbitrary, was constantly interrupting Arthur, making it nearly impossible to articulate a coherent legal strategy. Arthur was used to challenging personalities, but this client’s continuous negativity was exhausting. He had gotten used to the high-pressure environment of law for over two decades, yet this felt hard.
Later, in the firm’s main assembly room, Arthur prepared for his afternoon appearance. He used to feel a familiar surge of confidence here, surrounded by legal apparatus and stacks of documents. But then, a crucial witness unexpectedly withdrew. Arthur would usually rely on his meticulous preparation, but this sudden void shocked him.
In court, the stern judge sat on the bench. While Arthur was waiting for the verdict, a cold knot was tightening in his stomach. He was feeling profoundly insecure about the result despite his exhaustive efforts. Thankfully, the judge announced that the trial would be adjourned to a later date. Arthur breathed a sigh of relief and walked out. The city lights blurred into a distant backdrop. He used to love the intellectual battle, the fight for justice. Tonight, he just wanted silence. He went for a drink, thinking of ways to amend his appeal strategy immediately.