Scene to read · Problem solving, Empathy
Two cooks, one stove
You are Jacinta's spouse and Izan's son or daughter, standing between them in your kitchen.
It is five in the afternoon in the kitchen you share. Izan, 64, is staying with you for several months and has cooked dinner daily. Jacinta, 34, has started cooking too, and tonight two meals are ready.
The scene
Izan: I started the rice at four, like always. I didn't know you were cooking.
Jacinta: It's fine, Izan. We'll just throw out whatever doesn't get eaten again.
Izan: I only want to help. Cooking is how I feel useful here.
Jacinta: I want to cook in my own kitchen. So, what do we do?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Izan and Jacinta, and how would you propose handling dinners?
- 2How do you decide when to change a routine that is comfortable for one person but frustrating for another?
What raters look for
- Problem solving
- Gathers facts before acting, considers options and consequences, and chooses a workable next step.
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
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
