Scene to read · Empathy, Problem solving
Twelve for the coat
You run the weekend register at a thrift store whose takings pay for a youth sports league.
Heather has twelve dollars, and the winter coat she has brought to the register is tagged fifteen. Svetlana, the manager, banned discounts, and staff topping up from their own pockets, after last year's giveaways left the league unable to cover its fees. She is sorting hangers right behind you.
The scene
Heather: Twelve's all I've got till the first. It's the only one that fits.
Svetlana: I wish I could. Every discount came out of the kids' fees last year.
Heather: I understand. I'll put it back. It's just getting cold.
Svetlana: I'm not heartless. You're on the register. Tell me what's fair.
The two questions
- 1What would you do, and what would you say to Heather and Svetlana?
- 2Describe a time you had to apply a rule to someone you wanted to help. What did you do?
What raters look for
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
- 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
