Scene to read · Communication, Empathy
Open it with me
You are a student worker at a university financial aid office.
It is your second week. Tessa, a third-year student, has come to the front desk for the decision on her emergency grant, which you know was denied. Decisions are never discussed at the open counter, where the line can overhear. Your supervisor, Mr. Cole, hands you the envelope.
The scene
Mr. Cole: Hand it over and call the next person. Nothing gets discussed at this counter.
Tessa: Could you open it with me? I can't read this one alone.
Mr. Cole: There's an advisor free on Thursday. I can book you in.
Tessa: Rent's due Friday. Please, just two minutes. Tell me what it means.
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Tessa, and to Mr. Cole?
- 2How can someone be kind to a person in distress while keeping to a rule that limits what they may do?
What raters look for
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
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
