Scene to read · Empathy, Communication
Only once a month
You live with your cousin Lakshmi and your aunt Helene, who moved in last month and speaks limited English.
Lakshmi promised to drive Helene to a gathering of people from her home country, which meets once a month. Helene has waited by the front door in her coat for two hours. Lakshmi, who has a work deadline tonight, comes into the hallway as you are leaving to meet friends.
The scene
Helene: Two hours I wait. You said four. It is only one time each month.
Lakshmi: I know, and I'm sorry. My report's due at nine. We'll go tomorrow.
Helene: Tomorrow is nobody there. At home, family does not forget like this.
Lakshmi: I didn't forget, I'm drowning. Please, not now. Are you heading out?
The two questions
- 1What would you do, and what would you say to each of them?
- 2Describe a time you stepped into, or stayed out of, a disagreement between two people close to you. What happened?
What raters look for
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
- Communication
- Listens first, speaks clearly and respectfully, and adapts the message to the listener.
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
