A

Why are some people so pessimistic?

Some people are so pessimistic due to their nature or because of the bad experiences they may have had throughout their life.

What are the benefits of being optimistic?

The benefits of being optimistic are that you will worry less and have a better influence on the lives of those around you.

Why are most newspapers usually biased towards a certain political outlook?

Most newspapers are usually biased towards a certain political outlook as it may have certain financial or political benefits for them. They could also be trying to promote their own ideology which falls in line with that certain political outlook.

How should one deal with people who prejudice against others?

One should deal with people who prejudice against others by tactfully trying to change them with lots of patience and wisdom.

What kinds of things are you cynical about?

I am cynical about some technologies. Despite their advantages, they do have a negative impact. It’s just that it is mostly a little far away from home to be of absolute concern.

Do you know a person whose ideas mostly sound dubious/dodgy/iffy/suspicious to you?

Yes. I do know a person whose ideas mostly sound dubious/dodgy/iffy/suspicious to me. It’s a person in my family whose understanding of situations has constantly harmed his own life and the life of others around him. 

Would you say that it’s naive/gullible to suggest that it’s possible to create a society without crime?

Yes, I would say that it’s naive/gullible to suggest that it’s possible to create a society without crime. It’s possible to reduce it but not to eradicate it completely.

What kinds of changes in society are you sceptical about?

The changes in society I am sceptical about are to do with the pandemic and its management by the authorities worldwide.

What kinds of explanations are considered plausible if you have taken a few days off work?

The explanations related to an illness or a tragedy are considered plausible if you have taken a few days off work.

What kinds of ingenious excuses do kids come up with when they don’t want to go to school for one reason or another?

Kids come up with many ingenious excuses when they don’t want to go to school for one reason or another. One of them is to put the thermometer near something hot and then show it to their parents to make them believe that the child has a fever.

Should languages be taught without baffling/puzzling/confusing/mixing up students with grammar terminology?

It depends on the learning style of the student whether languages should be taught with or without baffling/puzzling/confusing/mixing up students with grammar terminology. If they show that they have difficulties, then the best thing to facilitate the usage of the concept by giving it simpler names that the student can internalise easily.

Why should we never discriminate against/prejudice against others in society?

We should never discriminate against/prejudice against others in society because it takes us far away from equality. It keeps the vicious circle going which could one day come and affect us in a negative way too.

Is talking to a prospective employee in a short interview enough to assess/evaluate/analyse their suitability for a job?

Talking to a prospective employee in a short interview is only enough to assess/evaluate/analyse their suitability for a job if the person conducting the interview has the right skills and experience to judge the suitability.

Why is it a bad idea to assume/suppose things without trying to make sure first?

It is a bad idea to assume/suppose things without trying to make sure first as assumptions could be wrong and get you into trouble.

How do governments justify spending so much on the armed forces/the army/the military?

Governments justify spending so much on the armed forces/the army/the military by highlighting the dangers and threats posed to the nation by other countries.

What kinds of professions involve speculating?

Working in the stock market and real estate often involves speculating.

Are you good at estimating the cost of running your house?

No, I am not good at estimating the cost of running my house by myself. I need my family’s help to work out everything we need and other stuff we can go without to be able to make a practical estimate.

How can we learn to deduce and read between the lines better?

We can learn to deduce and read between the lines better by becoming better observers. We also need to learn about the function of the words used which reveals what people are trying to get by using those words.

What would you say to a person who presumes/assumes that all of the countries of this world will eventually start to get on?

What I would say to a person who presumes/assumes that all of the countries of this world will eventually start to get on is that it’s a tall order meaning that it’s a very difficult task. There is always someone whose interests are not served if there is peace. This type of individual or entity has historically been the cause of a lot of failed attempts at global peace and unity.

Should everything bad that teenagers do reflect on their parents?

No, everything bad that teenagers do shouldn’t reflect on their parents as there must come a moment when the teenager becomes responsible for their own decisions and actions. However, this is not absolute.

B

Did it use to take you a long time to grasp what the aim of the games was as a kid?

No, it didn’t use to take me a long time to grasp what the aim of the games was as a kid. In the games I played, I grasped the aim very quickly and soon became good at them.

What kinds of things should the jury deliberate before they’re expected to reach a verdict?

The jury should deliberate on the evidence, witness statements, and forensic evidence before they’re expected to reach a verdict.

If you gathered from your child’s tutor that he/she was thinking of changing degrees at university during their first year/last year, what advice would you give him/her?  

If I gathered from my child’s tutor that my son was thinking of changing degrees at university during his first year, the advice I would give him would be the opposite of the advice I would give him if it were the last year of his degree. During the first year, I would support the change and in the last year, I would do my best to motivate him to reach the finishing line as it would be so close.

What kind of stuff really involves having to concentrate very hard when you are doing it?  

Reading or writing really involves having to concentrate very hard when I am doing it as I get mixed up if the level of concentration goes down.

After how long of having worked for a company, could you seriously contemplate/consider asking for a pay rise?

You could seriously contemplate/consider asking for a pay rise after having worked for a company well enough to earn the respect of your employers. The quality of your work would determine the response you could expect after asking for a pay rise.

How long do you reckon/suppose it takes to get to the capital of your country on a bicycle from your area?

I reckon/suppose it takes around a day to get to the capital of my country on a bicycle from my area. This calculation is based on an average person covering 15 km per hour and resting regularly.

I don’t suppose I could ask you to do two hours’ worth of homework today, could I?

Sure! Why not!

Please, ask me to lend you my car using this structure.

I don’t suppose I could ask you to lend me your car, could I?

Have you ever pondered/contemplated/considered the question ‘Why does the universe bother to exist?’

I don’t know any able-minded person who has never pondered/contemplated/considered the question ‘Why does the universe bother to exist?’ It’s a natural question to ask. There are answers if we ponder the concept often enough and properly. It’s just that we get really busy with our lives and often leave aside this contemplation.

Should we not even consider/contemplate the possibility of failure when we take on a challenge?

We should only consider/contemplate the possibility of failure or not consider/contemplate it when we take on a challenge if it helps our performance and doesn’t come in the way by damaging our self-confidence.

C

When was the last time you were in a real dilemma because you didn’t know which to choose between two options?

The last time I was in a real dilemma because I didn’t know which to choose between two options was recent. I didn’t know whether to travel abroad or not with all the changes that we see happening around the world; especially the changes in travel regulations.

What kinds of workers do bosses have complete faith in?

Bosses have complete faith in conscientious workers who get the balance between being responsible and doing the right thing at the right time, setting the welfare of the company as their priority.

Why are some geniuses not very practical at everyday things?

Some geniuses are not very practical at everyday things as they may not have spent enough time practicing those everyday things. It’s all about experience in these matters. The more you do, the better you become.

How can you develop the skill of using educated guesswork when you are doing your academic/professional tasks?

You can develop the skill of using educated guesswork when you are doing your academic/professional tasks by reading more and learning about alternative strategies. Your guesswork will become educated with the improvement of your logic and rationality.

What would give you a hunch that someone in your office was going to get promoted soon?

A colleague being given special treatment by the bosses and being given more responsibilities would give me a hunch that this person in my office was going to get promoted soon.

What makes the ideology of capitalism different from socialism?

What makes the ideology of capitalism different from socialism has to do with the way the market works and the rights that individuals have. Capitalism promotes individual freedom; whereas socialism puts the masses over the individual, and this priority is also reflected in the way the market is allowed to run in the two different systems.

Where do writers get their inspiration from for the characters in their books?

Writers get their inspiration from for the characters in their books from many different sources; for example their own experiences, other books they have read and content they have watched in movies and on TV, and so on.

What could you do if you had no evidence that a colleague at work had stolen something valuable from you, but all your intuition told you that this workmate of yours was the one who had done it?

If I had no evidence that a colleague at work had stolen something valuable from me, but all my intuition told me that this workmate of mine was the one who had done it, I could confront the person or choose to stay quiet and be careful from then on. I prefer the second option as it is less conflictive.

Who can students talk to if they’ve got a small query about the fee structure at the university?

Students can talk to the reception or the department dealing with the fees if they’ve got a small query about the fee structure at the university.

How interesting of a notion is paying mothers/fathers a salary to raise their children?

The notion of paying mothers/fathers a salary to raise their children is really interesting in societies where the birth rate has fallen with people blaming the cost of living as one of the main contributing factors.

What do you think of the paradox which states that more people would go to a particular holiday destination if that place wasn’t so crowded?

What I think of the paradox that states that more people would go to a particular holiday destination if that place wasn’t so crowded is that it is a reality that has been seen in multiple tourist destinations around the world. People initially started going there because these places were secluded and as more and more people went for the same reason, we saw the paradox being born. 

D

How are weak students and others with special needs treated in schools?

Weak students and others with special needs are treated much better now than in the past in schools. However, there is a lot of work to be done yet as not all schools have the funds and the training to deal with all the different aspects that need to be dealt with since there are multiple levels of special needs which normal teacher training programs don’t really cover thoroughly.

What are the signs of a conscientious student and how can you get more students to be so?

The signs of a conscientious student are the show of responsibility and maturity and you can get more students to be so by giving them incentives in the form of rewards and recognition along with having positive role models in their lives.

What are the effects of regularly cramming at the last minute for exams on the student’s academic and personal life?

The effects of regularly cramming at the last minute for exams on the student’s academic and personal life are quite negative as a whole: Meaning that the student could get used to leaving things for the last minute. The habit of procrastination or putting things off is not something desirable in a person to develop.

Why do they bother to have mock exams?

They bother to have mock exams to give students practice before the real ones. This simulation helps students become used to the pressure by developing strategies to deal with the situation.

Who helped you become more knowledgeable about your subjects at school?

Some teachers and many books helped me become more knowledgeable about my subjects at school.

What does the standard curriculum include and how is it implemented in state schools and universities compared to private ones?

The standard curriculum includes the century-old direction which needs to be updated according to the real situation in society and it is implemented in a very individual way both in state schools and universities and private ones. There is no across-the-board performance standard. You are at the mercy of the level of professionalism of the team of teachers and administration at each place.

What is the role of tuition in the education at school?

The role of tuition in the education at school is to help the students internalise concepts they have had difficulties with at school.

How can you learn to differentiate between plagiarising someone else’s work and making good use of someone else’s ideas?

You can learn to differentiate between plagiarising someone else’s work and making good use of someone else’s ideas by using your own words and trying to add to the ideas.

How should you go about self-study?

You should go about self-study by setting a routine and looking for content that is easier to work with when working alone.

What kinds of skills do many students still lack even when they have graduated from university?  

Many students still lack some soft skills even when they have graduated from university. These skills include communication, time management, and negotiation among others.

E

Why is it important to mull things over before making a final decision?  

It is important to mull things over before making a final decision as it will help you make the right one.

How do detectives piece together what happened during a crime?  

Detectives piece together what happened during a crime by analysing the evidence and witness statements. 

Talk about something that took you a long time to take in.  

Something that took me a long time to take in is inequality. However, I now understand the causes. I don’t agree with it, but I know that it is a part of human nature. It’s the yang to the yin.

How do you think the inventors of the Internet hit upon the idea?   

The inventors of the Internet hit upon the idea in the same way as other inventors have hit upon the idea of their own inventions which is through observation, contemplation and trial and error.

Why is it taking us so long to figure out how to live on this planet peacefully?  

It is taking us so long to figure out how to live on this planet peacefully because we always let someone push us into conflict for their own benefit.

How good were you at thinking up excuses at school?  

Even though I have always been good at thinking up excuses, I didn’t do it at school.

What are the harms of not thinking things through before acting upon them?  

The harms of not thinking things through before acting upon them are that mistakes are likely to occur.

F

What type of job offer would there be no need to think over before you accepted it?   

The type of job offer there would be no need to think over before I accepted it would have to offer a good work-life balance.

What kinds of brilliant ideas can you come up with to arrange an end-of-term party?  

I can only come up with one brilliant idea to arrange an end-of-term party which is to throw a typical party with food and beverages.

How can you get young adults to face up to the fact that they have responsibilities?  

You can get young adults to face up to the fact that they have responsibilities by removing some comforts away and making them see the harsh realities of life.

Which skills of yours would you like to brush up on?  

The skills of mine that I would like to brush up on are my digital and organisational skills.

What kinds of ideas about society did you never use to understand/like but have come round to now?  

One idea about society I never use to understand but have come round to now is people being fired from their job. I understand it now because in some cases it is necessary for the organisation, even though it contributes to unemployment.

Which subject did you need to swot up on the most and which one the least at school?  

The subject I needed to swot up on the most was Maths and the least was English at school.

Why do people go to events where they know they will be at the back unable to make out what is being said or done?  

People go to events where they know they will be at the back unable to make out what is being said or done because they want to enjoy the atmosphere or the company of the people they are going with.

When are we finally going to puzzle out how we got here on this planet?  

We will finally puzzle out how we got here on this planet if we do the right sort of research.

What kind of stuff do you love to read up on?  

I love to read up on the latest breakthroughs in technology.

G

How can parents find out how their children are doing at school?  

Parents can find out how their children are doing at school by staying in touch with the teachers and communicating with their own children regularly.

How would you check out if it’s better to go by ship or plane if you had used neither before?  

I would check out if it’s better to go by ship or plane if I had used neither before by talking to others who have used them or reading people’s comments on websites like Tripadvisor. 

When do kids suss out that fairy tales are not real?

Kids usually suss out that fairy tales are not real by the time they are ten years old.

What do kids get up to when they pile out into the playground at break time at school?   

Kids get up to stuff like playing football and talking to their friends when they pile out into the playground at break time at school.

Did you figure out how to create online accounts and change your passwords by yourself?  

Yes, I figured out how to create online accounts and change my passwords by myself by following instructions online.

What’s the point of going to a concert where the band is completely drowned out by all the screaming fans?  

The point of going to a concert where the band is completely drowned out by all the screaming fans can only be to enjoy the atmosphere and the company.

Why would you ask someone to sound out a company that you were considering joining?  

I would ask someone to sound out a company that I was considering joining in order to see how the company culture was.

What makes a project stand out from the rest?  

What makes a project stand out from the rest is the quality of its planning and implementation.

How would you worm a secret out of someone who was really good at keeping them?  

I would worm a secret out of someone who was really good at keeping them by making them believe that I know it already.

Is it hard to fathom out why poverty exists at such levels in some parts of the world?  

It is not hard to fathom out why poverty exists at such levels in some parts of the world because it is the result of the current global economic model where the wealth of one region enriches other regions far away.

H

What kinds of misapprehensions are some rich people under with regards to why poor people stay poor?

One misapprehension some rich people are under with regards to why poor people stay poor is that poor people are lazy.

What kinds of findings can cast doubt on the theory of evolution?

One finding that can cast doubt on the theory of evolution is that the remains of earlier humans are always found whenever scientists try to set a definitive period in history when humans didn’t exist in their current form.

Have you kept any photos that are out of focus but in which you can still more or less see the faces?

No, I haven’t kept any photos that are out of focus but in which you can still more or less see the faces as I see no point in keeping them.

Why is it necessary to look on the bright side of life?

It is necessary to look on the bright side of life to stay happy and avoid sadness and depression.

Are you against animal testing or in favour in principle?

Yes, I am against animal testing and not in favour in principle because of the way it is done behind closed doors with impunity. There needs to be global regulation to keep things within some ethical boundaries.

What do you associate with your last holiday away from your city?

I associate tiredness with my last holiday away from my city

What kinds of things do you have to bear in mind when you are working with children?

You have to bear many things in mind when you are working with children. One of them is that they get bored very quickly and need a variety of activities to keep them engaged.

How does someone’s belief in something help them or does the opposite?

Someone’s belief in something can help them or do the opposite if it affects their self-confidence positively or negatively or makes them go in a positive direction or negative direction.

Borrowing of what kinds of things from your friends is out of the question?

Borrowing of a huge amount of money from your friends is out of the question most of the time.

Hearing of what kind of news puts your problems in perspective?

Hearing of other people’s problems puts your problems in perspective.

What’s the best course of action to take on global warming in your point of view?

The best course of action to take on global warming in my point of view is to give developing countries incentives to reduce their emissions too.

On what basis would you hire someone if you managed a large firm?

If I managed a large firm, I would hire someone on the basis of a balance between their abilities and attitude.

On balance, is your government/company/teacher doing a good job?

On balance, my government/company/teacher is doing a good job.

Why is it important that employers/parents take their workers’/kids’ ideas into account when making important decisions?

It is important that employers/parents take their workers’/kids’ ideas into account when making important decisions as you need to work as a team to accomplish goals.

When do we use the phrase ‘in conclusion’? (use the structure) Please, give some synonyms of ‘in conclusion’.

We use the phrase ‘in conclusion’ when we want to summarise what we have said previously.

‘To sum up’ and ‘in short’ are a couple of synonyms for the phrase ‘in conclusion.’

I

When was the last time you were so tired that you couldn’t even think straight?  

The last time I was so tired that I couldn’t even think straight was on Tuesday last week because I hadn’t slept enough and had to finish really late at night too.

What are the pros and cons of being a person who doesn’t come straight to the point?  

A pro of being a person who doesn’t come straight to the point is that you could test the waters before you say what you have to say, and a con is that the person listening to you could get frustrated.

Why is it important to set the record straight if you are accused of something you haven’t done?  

It is important to set the record straight if you are accused of something you haven’t done because no one is going to do it for you in most cases. You don’t want people to think of you in the wrong way which could affect your opportunities negatively.

Do you know a child who has the mental age of an adult or vice versa?

 I have met a few children who have the mental age of an adult; however, vice versa is more common to find where adults have the mental age of a child or the behaviour of a child.

How does your society treat people who live with mental illnesses; some of which cannot be cured even nowadays?  

Our society treats people who live with mental illnesses, some of which cannot be cured even nowadays, better than in the past as there is more awareness and funding from the authorities to deal with the issue.

How good are you at mental arithmetic? Is there a point nowadays?  

I am OK at mental arithmetic. There is actually no point nowadays since calculators are readily available.

Which comedian does very funny impressions of famous people?  

Most famous comedians can do very funny impressions of famous people. It seems to be a prerequisite.

How can you make/create such an impression on someone in a job interview that they can’t stop talking about you once you have left?  

You can make/create such an impression on someone in a job interview that they can’t stop talking about you once you have left by creating rapport with the interviewers.

If you were under the impression that someone was a friend who it turned out, in reality, wasn’t, would you let them know that you knew?

If I were under the impression that someone was a friend who it turned out, in reality, wasn’t, I wouldn’t let them know that I knew. However, they would realise it over a period because they would be excluded from all of my personal matters.

What does it take to be the brains behind a criminal organisation?  

It takes cunning and ferocity to be the brains behind a criminal organisation.

Whose brain in your friends/family should I pick about good places to eat around here?  

You should pick my brother’s brain in my friends about good places to eat around here.

Would you need to rack your brains to think of a place to take your loved ones out to eat at?  

I wouldn’t need to rack my brains to think of a place to take my loved ones out to eat at. I know a couple of really nice restaurants that serve delicious food.

What would it be like to be a person who was colour blind with no sense of smell who couldn’t taste either?  

What it would be like to be a person who was colour blind with no sense of smell who couldn’t taste either would depend on whether you were born like that or it happened as a result of an illness or an accident. In the first case, you would be less affected psychologically than in the second case.

What kinds of things can’t you make sense of in this world?  

I can’t make sense of injustice in this world.

What kinds of things do you consider common sense?  

I consider common courtesy which is to say please and thank you common sense.

How would an inventor feel if their invention was thought not to work at all but ended up working like a dream?  

An inventor would feel relieved and overjoyed if their invention was thought not to work at all but ended up working like a dream.

What would you consider a dream come true for you?

I would consider my kids choosing and pursuing productive goals a dream come true for me.

Have you ever had the same recurring dream for some nights in a row?  

No, I have never had the same recurring dream for some nights in a row.

Do motorists always show consideration for pedestrians crossing the street at a zebra crossing?  

Motorists don’t always show consideration for pedestrians crossing the street at a zebra crossing. That’s why we sometimes have accidents.

What was the last proposal you gave some consideration to before getting back to the person?  

The last proposal I gave some consideration to before getting back to the person was a friend who wanted me to go on a day trip with them. I considered it but then decided against it.

What kinds of things would be stupid not to take into consideration when going for a mortgage?  

It would be stupid not to take your future plans in the area into consideration when going for a mortgage.

J

Why do some people say that it’s against their principles to trust anything they read on the Internet?  

Some people say that it’s against their principles to trust anything they read on the Internet because there is a lot of fake information circulating online which requires an extra effort to distinguish between truths and lies.

How far would you get if you started a Facebook group in the belief that others will share your views on aliens being in contact with us?  

You would far get if you started a Facebook group in the belief that others will share your views on aliens being in contact with us since there are many people who believe in or are curious about the topic.

What kind of information have you come across online recently that you find useful/have your doubts about?  

I have come across information about nutrition online recently that you find useful, and I have come across information about global warming that I have your doubts about.

There’s no question of shutting down the Internet even if it has real dangers; what’s your take on it/what do you make of it/where do you stand on this/what’s your stance?  

There’s no question of shutting down the Internet even if it has real dangers; however, my take on it/what I make of it/where I stand on this/what my stance is that it needs to be regulated in a way that offers privacy at the same time it keeps everyone safe.

What advice/tips/suggestions would you give to the bodies/entities/organisations which have been set up with the view to raising awareness of/about fake news that circulates online?  

The advice/tips/suggestions I would give to the bodies/entities/organisations which have been set up with the view to raising awareness of/about fake news that circulates online is to work with the organisers of the platforms where this problem is found.

What has contributed in making your mind up about being in favour of the Internet or against it?  

The speed of development and the type of life it has allowed us to have has contributed in helping me make my mind up about being in favour of the Internet or against it. I am currently in the process of making my mind up. I don’t know when I will have my mind made up.

K

What kinds of things never cross the mind of those breaking laws?  

Empathy is the kind of thing that never crosses the mind of those breaking laws.

What kinds of things help you come to a conclusion /arrive at a conclusion /reach a conclusion about important matters at work?  

Talking to the right people or being analytical can help you come to a conclusion /arrive at a conclusion /reach a conclusion about important matters at work.

You are at the police station: Please, give an account of your whereabouts last night?  

I will be glad to give an account of my whereabouts last night. I was teaching online at home.

Are you good at sussing out when someone is giving a false impression that they are something they are not?  

I am getting better at sussing out when someone is giving a false impression that they are something they are not. However, I don’t often expose the person. I allow them to live in their illusion or delusion as long as it doesn’t hurt me or others.

How can you strike a balance between your work and life?  

The best way you strike a balance between your work and life is to have a good routine and stick to it in such a way that other people know they can’t come in the way and spoil it.

Should couples with children who are having difficulties not split up out of consideration/feelings for their kids?  

Couples with children who are having difficulties should not split up out of consideration/feelings for their kids initially and do all that they can to work out their differences. However, if the relationship is toxic, it’s best to split up.

L

When was the last time someone’s name/face rang a bell, but you couldn’t place them?  

The last time someone’s name/face rang a bell, but you couldn’t place them was at an event where I saw a person who looked familiar but I couldn’t remember where I had seen them initially.

Why should one stop wasting time splitting hairs and look at the big picture?   

One should stop wasting time splitting hairs and look at the big picture in order to focus on the right things. Little things can come in the way of important things causing you harm on the long run.

Who would you ask about the local economy because they know what’s what?  

I would ask my best friend about the local economy because he knows what’s what.

Why is it important to have your wits about you to survive in life?  

It is important to have your wits about you to survive in life because without your wits about you, you would find yourself in problems all the time.

Why should we never let success go to our heads?  

We should never let success go to our heads because it may not last forever, and even if it does, it’s not an appealing quality in a person.

Why are some people excellent at putting two and two together professionally but hopeless in their social life?  

Some are people excellent at putting two and two together professionally but hopeless in their social life due to lack of experience in those social matters.

What kind of stuff/kinds of things would make you go round the bend?  

Living in a noisy neighbourhood where I couldn’t sleep properly would make me go round the bend.

Why is it essential for you to take stock of a situation before making your mind up?

It is essential for you to take stock of a situation before making your mind up as it will help you make the right decisions.

What kinds of things do parents keep their kids in the dark about for as long as they can?

 Parents keep their kids in the dark about for as long as they can about some mythical creatures or death.

What would it be like working with someone who couldn’t see the wood for the trees?  

It would be really awkward to work with someone who couldn’t see the wood for the trees because they would always distract you with useless ideas.

What can you do to make sure that you become quicker on the uptake than now when it comes to your English?  

You can read and listen more to make sure that you become quicker on the uptake than now when it comes to your English.

What do you think of people who stubbornly stick to their guns even when their argument doesn’t have a leg to stand on?  

People who stubbornly stick to their guns even when their argument doesn’t have a leg to stand on waste other people’s time and energy as well as their own. However, they make their own choice but others are forced to deal with the consequences of their stubbornness in many situations.

M

What kinds of things can cause confusion for students during an exam?  

Unclear instructions can cause confusion for students during an exam.

When was the last time you saw someone crying and behaving completely irrationally in a public place when they should have just calmed down and pulled themselves together?  

The last time you saw someone crying and behaving completely irrationally in a public place when they should have just calmed down and pulled themselves together was earlier this year at an airport. The person had an issue with their ticket and started to get frustrated with people who were in no position to do anything.

Why has the brilliance of many artists and scientists gone unnoticed in their lifetime throughout history?  

The brilliance of many artists and scientists has gone unnoticed in their lifetime throughout history because society was not ready for their work. In some cases, their competitors or other people around them prevented the recognition. For women, it was quite common not to receive credit for their work in the past.

What would the definitive guide to your country have included in it?   

The definitive guide to my country would have the gastronomy and the local celebrations included in it.

What are some inexplicable actions you would like your government to shed light on?  

Some inexplicable actions you would like your government to shed light on are related to the management of the pandemic.

When was the last time you found yourself in a situation where you had no choice but to stand there in disbelief as someone told you something?

The last time I found myself in a situation where I had no choice but to stand there in disbelief as someone told me something was when a person I know made an obvious mistake but was not aware of it in the least.

How can you help someone who is unhappy with being indecisive?

You can help someone who is unhappy with being indecisive by encouraging them to take smaller decisions regularly and then increasing the level of importance of their decision-making: Practice makes perfect.

What are the effects of kids creating imaginary friends on them and the people around them?

The effects of kids creating imaginary friends on them are that they are always busy playing and can keep themselves entertained, and the effects on people around them are that they find it amusing.

What do you think of people who are found not guilty of brutal murders by reason of insanity and sent to a mental institution rather than a prison?

I think that people who are found not guilty of brutal murders by reason of insanity and sent to a mental institution rather than a prison is well and good if the mental illness is really serious. However, many other relatively sane criminals try to avoid prison using insanity as an excuse. 

What kinds of illogical arguments seem to prevail in society nowadays?

Many arguments illogical seem to prevail in society nowadays. One of them is to allow kids to focus more on their rights than their duties.

N

Why is most doctors’ handwriting illegible?

Most doctors’ handwriting is illegible because they have to take down notes all the time throughout their studies which affects the quality of their handwriting.

What would you learn in a course on illustration?

You would learn to draw in a course on illustration.

Is there enough help available for illiterate people in government offices to fill in forms?

There is some help available for illiterate people in government offices to fill in forms.

Who has had an illustrious career as a politician/an entrepreneur in your book?

Nelson Mandela had an illustrious career as a politician in your book, and Elon Musk has had an illustrious career as an entrepreneur in your book.

What kinds of laws/opinions are considered illiberal in your society?

Laws/Opinions related to traditional gender roles are considered illiberal in my society.

What do you think of several senior politicians resigning over the illegality of the Iraq war?

What I think of several senior politicians resigning over the illegality of the Iraq war is that it didn’t really make any difference.

What kind of social recognition are illegitimate children given now compared to the past?

Illegitimate children are given more social recognition now compared to the past. They have rights to the name of the father and their inheritance.

When do children start to realise that magicians don’t really cut their assistants in half and that it’s only an illusion?

Children start to realise that magicians don’t really cut their assistants in half and that it’s only an illusion when they are around nine years old.

Which cities in your country are illuminated/lit up by the lights of their skyscrapers at night?

The capital of my country is illuminated/lit up by the lights of their skyscrapers at night.

O

How far does the concept of equality date back?

The concept of equality dates back to the beginning of mankind. People have always wanted it. However, the concept applied is something new and recent.

What is the underlying assumption behind the concept of equality?

The underlying assumption behind the concept of equality is that there are no differences between us that make us superior or inferior and that everyone deserves the same level of respect and access to opportunities.

What kinds of things make a finding doubtless?

Acceptance and approval from experts make a finding doubtless.

Why is it unthinkable for a successful politician/teacher to be a poor communicator?

It is unthinkable for a successful politician/teacher to be a poor communicator as it is one main of the requirements of their job.

Why do people tend to believe politicians when they talk complete nonsense but what they say they say with conviction?

People tend to believe politicians when they talk complete nonsense but what they say they say with conviction due to the certainty in their voice and the self-confidence shown in the delivery of the content. The lies get hidden by the sparkling and convincing language.

What’s the value of having wisdom and knowledge if you cannot communicate them effectively to your peers or to the next generation?

The is no value of having wisdom and knowledge if you cannot communicate them effectively to your peers or to the next generation since it is our duty to share the knowledge just like those before us have shared it with us to make our lives easier and better.

What can help you develop a combination of clear reasoning and sound judgement?

Reading and analysing what you have read from different points of view can help you develop a combination of clear reasoning and sound judgement.

Why should we never come across as opinionated and ignorant, and how can this be avoided?

We should never come across as opinionated and ignorant because other people will not respect our opinion, and this can be avoided by listening more and speaking less.