Scene to read · Ethics, Communication
Dated tomorrow
You are riding a commuter train on a paper companion ticket for two.
The friend you bought the ticket with missed the train, so one paid place is unused. Gauri, a retired judge in the next seat, has just noticed that the ticket she bought online is dated tomorrow, and has muttered that you could say she is your second traveler. Octavio, the ticket inspector, reaches your row and takes both tickets.
The scene
Octavio: This ticket's dated tomorrow, ma'am. Today that's a penalty fare. Eighty dollars.
Gauri: I paid full price for this very train. One wrong click on a date.
Octavio: I can only go by what's printed. And this paper one's for two?
Gauri: Yes. I'm the second. Go on, tell him.
Octavio: Is this lady your companion?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Octavio, and why?
- 2When, if ever, is it acceptable to say something untrue to spare someone a penalty you think is undeserved?
What raters look for
- Ethics
- Weighs competing duties honestly, protects people from harm, and stays accountable to rules and values.
- 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
