Scene to read · Motivation, Communication
Answer by Monday
You are visiting a close friend who has asked you to read her novel.
Your friend Analyn, 66, has spent four years on the novel. You read it last week and found it heartfelt but uneven. On her balcony, she tells you she has been offered a two-year job managing the county archive and must answer by Monday. Her brother-in-law Joaquin, who wears hearing aids, is visiting too.
The scene
Analyn: If it's good enough, I turn down the job and finish. Is it?
Joaquin: Analyn, you've heard 'lovely' from everybody for four years. Let one person be honest.
Analyn: I can take honest. I just can't take another year of not knowing.
Joaquin: Then go on. Monday's close. What did you really think?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Analyn?
- 2Describe a time someone asked for your honest opinion on something that mattered deeply to them. What did you say?
What raters look for
- Motivation
- Shows genuine, sustained drive and a clear reason for choices, including when work is unglamorous.
- 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
