Scene to read · Communication, Problem solving
The text nobody asked for
You are the older sibling, visiting your parents' home, and your mother and sister have asked you to help them talk.
It is Sunday afternoon in your parents' front room. Your mother, Ignatius, 62, lives here with your younger sister, Ianthe, 29, who recently moved back home. Ignatius expects a text whenever Ianthe is out late but has never said so; Ianthe feels watched and has started avoiding the house.
The scene
Ianthe: I've started staying away because coming home feels like being checked on.
Ignatius: I worry when you're out late, but I never actually explained that.
Ianthe: I'll talk about expectations, but I don't want permission to go out.
Ignatius: Could we agree on something simple without making you feel monitored here?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to your mother and sister, and would you encourage a clear arrangement or leave things informal? Why?
- 2Tell us about a time you had to talk through an unspoken expectation with someone close to you. How did you approach it?
What raters look for
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
- Problem solving
- Gathers facts before acting, considers options and consequences, and chooses a workable next step.
Answer scenarios like this on the real timers
Answer both questions on the clock, and get each one scored 1–9 the way raters score. Your first set is free, no card.
Practice free
