Scene to read · Problem solving, Communication
The fixed part
You are the third housemate in a shared apartment, and you pay a share of the utility bill.
In the hallway, Tatiana, 41, and Thaddeus, 54, are reviewing a winter utility bill that separates fixed service charges from usage charges. Tatiana works from home and uses more heat and power; Thaddeus travels frequently, and your usage falls between theirs. The bill is due this week, but you have no records of individual usage or prior agreement about unequal shares.
The scene
Tatiana: The fixed charges don't change when you're away. Equal thirds seems reasonable.
Thaddeus: For those, yes. But the usage charges should reflect how often we're home.
Tatiana: Tracking next month might help, but it can't reconstruct this month's usage.
Thaddeus: Could you suggest estimates for today's bill that we'd all feel comfortable accepting?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Tatiana and Thaddeus, and what method would you propose for this bill and future bills?
- 2Tell us about a time you helped a group choose a fair way to share a cost or a task. What did you do?
What raters look for
- Problem solving
- Gathers facts before acting, considers options and consequences, and chooses a workable next step.
- 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
