Every human being is fallible; we make mistakes. In America when a mistake has been made, it is considered fitting for the person (1) to acknowledge his or her error and to apologize to anyone who has been inconvenienced. Even (2) are expected to admit their mistakes and apologize for them. Trying to (3) a mistake and denying your guilt are considered to be indicative of serious (4) .
If you make a mistake that (5) a group of people, a public apology is considered the best method for (6) . If the mistake was a serious one, or if some people were inconvenienced more than others, then the (7) should follow the public apology with private ones to (8) .
It is especially important for executives and company heads to be able to admit their mistakes. Sometimes leaders are afraid that if they (9) , they will lose the respect of their employees. Actually (10) — if you are honest with your employees and yourself, (11) , and show that you are willing to accept blame when you make a mistake, then your employees will be (12) you. They will also be more likely to admit their own mistakes.
If you (13) one person, it is usually best to apologize to that person alone, unless your mistake (14) by a large group of people. For example, if Leonard (15) to Mr. Todd during a committee meeting, it would be (16) for Leonard to apologize to Mr. Todd at the next committee meeting. If the (17) created by the initial mistake is public, then the apology should be public. However, if Leonard raised his voice to Mr. Todd when only the two of them (18) , he may apologize privately. Notice as well (19) the apologies are. As soon as you realize you have made a mistake, you should (20) .
参考答案：at fault
解析：[听力原文]1-20 Every human being is fallible; we make mistakes. In America when a mistake has been made, it is considered fitting for the person at fault (1) to acknowledge his or her error and to apologize to anyone who has been inconvenienced. Even supervisors and chief executives (2) are expected to admit their mistakes and apologize for them. Trying to cover up (3) a mistake and denying your guilt are considered to be indicative of serious character flaws (4). If you make a mistake that affects (5) a group of people, a public apology is considered the best method for repairing your wrong (6). If the mistake was a serious one, or if some people were inconvenienced more than others, then the guilty party (7) shall follow the public apology with private ones to the individuals most hurt (8). It is especially important for executives and company heads to be able to admit their mistakes. Sometimes leaders are afraid that if they admit mistakes (9), they’ll lose the respect of their employees. Actually the opposite is true (10) — if you are honest with your employees and yourself, treat them fairly (11), and show that you’re willing to accept blame when you make a mistake, then your employees will be more likely to respect (12) you. They will also be more likely to admit their own mistakes. If you have offended (13) one person, it is usually best to apologize to that person alone, unless your mistake was viewed (14) by a large group of people. For example, if Leonard raised his voice (15) to Mr. Todd during a committee meeting, it would be appropriate (16) for Leonard to apologize to Mr. Todd at the next committee meeting. If the embarrassment (17) created by the initial mistake is public, then the apology should be public. However, if Leonard raised his voice to Mr. Todd when only the two of them were present (18), he may apologize privately. Notice as well how timely (19) the apologies are. As soon as you realize you have made a mistake, you should apologize for it (20).