Scene to read · Ethics, Empathy
One fare short
You are a passenger standing beside the driver's seat on a city bus.
At a stop, you alone see Yaw, a worn-out rider with a diaper bag, walk past the fare reader without paying; fares are tap-only. Mercedes, the driver, missed it while lowering the ramp. An unpaid rider found by inspectors means a fine for the rider and a written warning for the driver. Passengers farther back are waiting to go.
The scene
Mercedes: Reader's one fare short, and I've had two warnings this year. Who didn't tap?
Yaw: Please. I'm out of money till Friday, and daycare closes in ten minutes.
Mercedes: You were standing right by the reader. I'm asking you. Did everyone pay?
The two questions
- 1How would you answer Mercedes, and why?
- 2Is breaking a small rule ever justified by a person's circumstances? Where would you draw the line?
What raters look for
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
