Enhancing Soft Skills and Personality

Week 8/ Assignment 8
MSQ: 1-10

MCQ: 11-20

True/False: 21-25

MSQ

Multiple Select Questions (1-10)

1. Surabhi, a highly skilled professional, becomes the leader of her team, as everyone in

her office thinks she has excellent business etiquette. Which of the following

characteristics could be responsible for such an opinion?

• She always arrives late at meetings and interrupts the speaker.

• She has no regard his clients, who wait long hours in the waiting rooms.

• She always tries to be assertive and promotes a solution for everyone.

• She often starts rumours about her colleagues for fun.

• She does not share any confidential official matters with others.

• She takes many leaves without permission and apologises later.

(Lecture 37 talks about business etiquette, a professional’s mannerisms in business and social

situations. It also discusses various norms that one should follow in professional situations.

Speaking in a common language understood by all, being punctual and assertive, taking

leaves only with permission, and respecting colleagues are only some of them. The correct

options mention some of the business etiquette one should remember. The incorrect ones

indicate lousy business etiquette.)

2. While Surabhi is known for her excellent business etiquette, some of her colleagues

generally have poor etiquette. Identify those colleeagues.

 • Rohan eats paan and spits on the corridor.

• Geethika bites her nails during meetings.

• Karthik talks loudly on the phone in public places.

• Tarun follows traffic rules and is always on time.

• Apala uses foul language during business meetings.

• Ishani vacates seats for older people on public transport.

(Lecture 36 discusses Ethics and Etiquette and how they affect one’s personality. They are

moral principles and norms, respectively, that determine socially acceptable behaviour. A

person with good values and mannerisms can create a lasting impression on people and is

liked and respected in society. Meanwhile, someone with poor etiquette displays lousy

personality traits. Some examples of poor etiquette are spitting on roads, biting nails, using

foul language, talking loudly on the phone, taking people’s pictures without consent, lacking

gratitude, and poor e-mail etiquette. For more examples, refer to Lecture 36.)

3. During a business meeting, Surabhi notices that one of her team members starts

conversing casually with a few close associates, speaking in a regional language

unfamiliar to most of the team. Noticeably, some team members look uncomfortable

as they are left out of the discussion. How could she address this situation respectfully

and encourage inclusiveness in line with professional etiquette?

• Politely suggest to the group that conversations should be in a language

everyone understands.

• Tell the excluded team members to learn the regional language so they can

participate in the discussion.

• Approach the group afterwards to mention the importance of a common

language for team cohesion.

• Gently steer the conversation toward work-related topics in a language

everyone understands.
 • Allow the conversation to continue, thinking it is not their responsibility to

make everyone feel inclusive.

• Exclude the person speaking in the regional language from future meetings

entirely.

(Politely suggesting that conversations be in a common language ensures everyone can

participate without singling anyone out, fostering team cohesion. Approaching the group

afterwards reinforces the importance of inclusivity without causing embarrassment in the

moment, allowing for a constructive discussion. Gently steering the conversation back to

work-related topics in a shared language resolves the issue immediately and subtly,

maintaining professionalism. The other options are incorrect because they either shift the

responsibility to excluded members, ignore the exclusion, or escalate the situation

unnecessarily, none of which support a respectful and inclusive team dynamic.)

4. Ayush is in a dilemma and needs some clarity. Which advice would you choose for

him to think clearly to sort out the dilemma?

• “It is all right. Do not stress yourself out now; sleep and think about it in

the morning.”

• “You cannot take so much time to think. Just hurry up!”

• “It is a pleasant day outside. It might help you if you take a walk on the

lawns.”

• “Do not seek suggestions and opinions from anyone. You must be able to think

on your own.”

• “Instead of stressing yourself out so much by being alone, you should call

your friend and see how she sees this problem.”

• “Before concluding, you should collect all the relevant information and

fact-check what you know.”

(Dilemmas can make one go through an alarming time. Fact-checking is essential to gain

clarity on any matter. It helps one escape unnecessary mental stress. Thinking about one’s

confusion with a calm and clear mind is helpful in a dilemma. Solving a problem after

calming oneself down, whether through sleep or walking, will help with clarity. It is also of

great help if one shares one’s problems with friends or family. They will give one a more

transparent, more objective perspective on things while simultaneously sharing one’s burden.

Refer to Lecture 38 for more suggestions.)

5. Ragini, a college professor, has difficulty sleeping and feels fatigued. She is open to

lifestyle changes. She goes to her friend, Monalisa, who did this Enhancing Soft Skills

and Personality course. Based on the course, which practices could Monalisa suggest

to improve Ragini’s sleep quality?

• Avoid heavy or spicy food at dinner.

• Keep electronic devices nearby for convenient use in bed.

• Use soothing music or breathing exercises if she struggles to fall asleep.

• Keeping the bedroom environment clean.

• Sleep with all the lights on in the bedroom.

• Try eating a banana or drinking warm milk before going to bed.

(The correct options align with scientifically backed strategies to improve sleep quality and

promote relaxation. Avoiding heavy or spicy food at dinner reduces digestive discomfort,

which can interfere with falling asleep. Using soothing music or breathing exercises helps

calm the mind and body, making it easier to drift off. Maintaining a clean bedroom

environment creates a conducive atmosphere for rest by reducing distractions and promoting

comfort. Consuming a banana or warm milk before bed can aid relaxed sleep. The other

options, such as keeping electronic devices nearby or sleeping with the lights on, disrupt the

natural sleep cycle.)

 6. A community faces frequent water shortages, and the local council wants to introduce

conservation measures. As a resident on the council’s sustainability committee, what

actions would Tara recommend to reduce wastage of water?

• Educate residents on turning off taps, such as while brushing their teeth,

when not in use.

• Install water-saving fixtures and encourage minimal water use for

washing fruits and vegetables.

• Recommend the use of sprinkler systems for gardens and lawns all day.

• Promote the use of recycled water for non-potable uses, like gardening.

• Introduce community awareness sessions on water conservation.

• Encourage residents to wash their vehicles and driveways frequently to

maintain hygiene.

(The correct options here promote practical and sustainable water conservation measures.

Educating residents to turn off taps while brushing or performing other tasks helps minimise

unnecessary water usage. Installing water-saving fixtures and encouraging efficient washing

practices reduce water waste at the household level. Promoting the use of recycled water for

non-potable purposes like gardening conserves fresh water for essential uses. Community

awareness sessions enhance understanding and participation in water conservation efforts,

fostering a collective approach to addressing shortages. The other options, such as using

sprinkler systems and encouraging frequent washing of vehicles and driveways, contradict

conservation goals by increasing water usage unnecessarily.)

7. Angana is appointed as the Teaching Assistant of her supervisor’s class. She is

responsible for assisting her supervisor in making lists of the students and collecting

and distributing copies. Since she does not know all the students, she finds it

challenging to help her supervisor. She decides to memorise the students’ names to be
 more efficient. Based on what you learned from this course, what tips would you give

her?

• “Use numbers and alphabets to memorise and recall names.”

• “Associate names with images.”

• “Call them by random, inappropriate names for fun.”

• “Associate names with qualities.”

• “Write all 65 names on your hand.”

• “Do not be a Teaching Assistant!”

(Lectures 38 and 39 discuss the power of the mind and the importance of managing the mind

to improve memory. It is mentioned that human beings can organise their minds and

emotions, which effectively affect their personalities and mindsets. Memory is crucial in this

respect, as it contributes significantly to personal and social life. For instance, remembering

faces and names is considered a good quality, which is appreciated socially. Lecture 39

discusses ways to improve memory, including Harry Lorayne’s methods. Associating names

with images or numbers, linking names and faces, and remembering specific features of a

face. The correct options comprise some of these methods, while the incorrect ways are

impractical, disrespectful, and defeatist.)

8. Plabita and Shashank are volunteering at an environmental education camp for

children. They want to teach kids practical ways to reduce their environmental impact

at home. Which activities would be most beneficial to include?

• Encourage kids to plant small trees or plants in their yards or community

spaces.

• Provide disposable plastic water bottles for convenience.

• Teach children to reuse jars, containers, and bags instead of discarding

them.

• Explain the importance of turning off electronics when not in use.

 • Organise a ‘Plastic-Free Challenge’ for kids to reduce plastic waste.

• Encourage children to use single-use items for hygiene purposes.

(Encouraging kids to plant trees or plants helps improve air quality, sequester carbon, and

foster a connection to nature. Teaching them to reuse jars, containers, and bags promotes a

reduction in waste and instils the habit of repurposing items rather than discarding them.

Explaining the importance of turning off electronics when not in use reduces energy

consumption, fostering mindful energy use. Organising a ‘Plastic-Free Challenge’ engages

children in reducing plastic waste creatively and collaboratively. All these are practical and

impactful ways to reduce their environmental footprint. In contrast, providing disposable

plastic bottles and promoting single-use items increase waste and contradict the principles of

sustainability and environmental conservation.)

9. Which of the following is an anthropocentric act?

• Jiya rebukes a youngster for caring about endangered birds, saying

people should be prioritised instead.

• Raman illegally occupies forest land to build a vacation home.

• Lokesh teaches his children to respect animals and value their lives.

• Pritha designs a project that balances human housing with the conservation of

local plant and animal species.

• Gautam prioritises human comfort and cuts animal welfare funds in

government policies.

• Chayan advocates for dumping plastic in water bodies for future

construction use.

(An anthropocentric approach refers to the perception of considering life experiences and

moral values centring on humans. This approach regards human life and human benefits as

central to the consideration of any act. In the given situations, Jiya, Raman, Gautam, and
Chayan consider human benefits more important than animal and plant life, thus making

their actions anthropocentric. On the contrary, Lokesh and Pritha value the ecosystem and its

inhabitants equally, giving no precedence to human benefits specifically. Refer to lecture 40

to read more about Anthropocentricism.)

10. Sakshi and Subrata are organising a formal conference with a diverse audience to

discuss sensitive issues like business practices and ethics. How would they manage an

unexpected debate among attendees with opposing views on a controversial topic?

• By encouraging everyone to express their viewpoints fully

• With necessary guidelines at the beginning to promote respectful and

open dialogue

• By politely suggesting that the attendees continue their debate in a

separate session

• By allowing the debate to continue as it fosters engagement

• By steering the conversation toward solutions without personal criticisms

• By halting the discussion if it becomes too heated and moves off-topic

(Establishing necessary guidelines at the beginning ensures all participants understand the

expectations for respectful and constructive dialogue. Politely suggesting that attendees

continue their debate in a separate session prevents the main event from being derailed while

allowing for deeper discussion in an appropriate setting. Steering the conversation toward

solutions avoids unnecessary personal criticism and keeps the discussion goal-oriented.

Halting the discussion if it becomes too heated or irrelevant ensures the conference remains

professional and aligned with its objectives. Conversely, allowing the debate to continue

unchecked or encouraging attendees to express viewpoints fully without moderation risks

escalating conflict or alienating participants.)

Multiple Choice Questions (11-20)

 11. Of the following options, choose the one that defines the term “etiquette.”

• It is a legal framework that governs business transactions.

• It is the art of painting in a socially acceptable manner.

• It refers to the norms or rules governing socially acceptable behaviour.

• It is a psychological term describing how individuals react to social pressure.

• It is the formal dress code required for specific social gatherings.

• It refers to the scientific study of animal behaviour in social settings.

(Etiquette, as defined in lecture 36, are norms or rules governing socially acceptable behaviour.

These norms foster respect, consideration, and harmony among people. Refer to the lecture for

more information.)

12. Atika works for an NGO focused on climate change and is tasked with developing an

awareness campaign highlighting the effects of a growing “anthropocentric” mindset.

During the campaign, a few people asked her what “Anthropocentrism” is. Identify

the correct definition.

• It is the new variant of the COVID-19 virus.

• It is the name of a movie.

• It is the ability to centre your mind by meditating.

• It refers to human-centred ideas and beliefs.

• It is a technique to improve memory.

• It refers to the movement of ants against centre of gravity.

(As is mentioned in Lecture 40, “anthropocentrism” refers to human beings’ self-centred

ideas and beliefs due to their arrogance and sense of entitlement. Because of this approach,

nature is constantly harmed as it is not cared for.)

13. Select the one true for Harry Lorayne’s Secrets of Mind Power from the following

statements.
 • He suggests that a sound memory can be developed if one gets a sound sleep

for more than twelve hours.

• He illustrates how unrelated objects can be connected by association.

• He suggests eating expensive almonds to improve memory

• He believes that no one can memorise numbers.

• He says that one can become a god through meditation.

• He discusses several ways of hypnotising people.

(In his book Secrets of Mind Power, Harry Lorrayne discusses effective ways to remember

people’s names and faces. He notes that sometimes we forget names and cannot recall them,

and perhaps we never even listen to people. He suggests that one can improve one’s memory

using the power of association. Linking names with images, pairing words in a ridiculous and

fun manner, etc., can help us remember names and improve our memory. For more

information, refer to Lecture 39)

14. Tulika, who teaches climate fiction to undergraduate students, asks her students to

watch the following movies: Snowpiercer, Soylent Green, and Water World for her

course. In the next class, she asks her students to tell her what message these movies

convey. Identify the right message.

• It is high time we realised that Global Warming is a myth.

• Human Civilization does not need Nature.

• The Earth is becoming healthier over time.

• Climate Change can lead to a dystopic state of being.

• Movies should not talk about the environment.

• Mother Nature cannot be affected by any environmental disaster.

(Lecture 40 on “Care for Environment” discusses how humans have negatively impacted the

environment with their selfish and greedy ways. With human beings’ indiscriminate
exploitation of natural resources, fossil fuels, and emission of carbon dioxide and other

harmful gases, the earth is slowly being depleted of life. Global Warming and Climate Crisis

are very much today’s reality. Many films talk about these issues and suggest that climate

change can lead to a dystopic state of being. Films like “Snowpiercer”, “Soylent Green”,

and “Water World” talk about water and food scarcity and crisis and make us realise that

global warming is not a myth, and that Mother Nature is constantly being harmed. For more

on this topic, refer to Lecture 40.)

15. Tulika asks another student to give a speech on Climate Change based on his

understanding of it from the movies. Which of the following statements can he add to

his speech?

• Climate change is a conspiracy developed by climate fiction writers.

• It is a phenomenon that turns people into zombies.

• Climate change is not affected by the activities of human beings.

• If we eliminate wild animals from Earth, climate change will stop.

• Climate change can lead to natural disasters and affect all creatures.

• Increased use of fossil fuels is our only way to subvert climate change.

(Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and

deforestation, can result in various adverse effects, including more frequent and severe

natural disasters, disruptions to ecosystems, and impacts on both human and non-human life.

Know more about climate change in lecture 40)

16. A high school student has difficulty remembering lessons discussed in class, often

forgets homework and wants to improve recall to boost productivity. Which strategy

would be most effective?

• Rely on a classmate to write his homework.

• Use a to-do list or whiteboard to track daily tasks.

 • Note only urgent tasks and attempt to remember the rest.

• Rely on his listening skills in class without taking notes.

• Set reminders on digital devices without reviewing them.

• Over-prioritise tasks to ensure better memory recall.

(The most effective strategy for improving recall and boosting productivity is to use a to-do

list or whiteboard to track daily tasks because it provides a clear visual representation of

what needs to be done, offloading the cognitive load from memory and helping individuals

stay organised. This approach reduces the likelihood of forgetting tasks by making them

visible and accessible, allowing for better prioritisation and a structured plan. It also

encourages accountability, as tasks can be checked off once completed. In contrast, relying

solely on memory or others or using ineffective methods like setting unreviewed reminders or

over-prioritizing tasks can lead to stress, missed tasks, and decreased productivity.)

17. In a planning session, Shubham notices that a participant frequently picks her teeth

with a toothpick, causing visible discomfort to others. How can Shubham tactfully

address this situation to maintain decorum without embarrassing the participant?

• Ask the participant to leave the room immediately.

• Make an insulting comment to discourage the behaviour subtly.

• Remind the group about meeting etiquette by giving the participant’s example

at the start of the next session.

• Discuss the importance of professional conduct in private afterwards.

• Ignore it, assuming the behaviour will eventually stop.

• Shout at her directly to stop to prevent others’ discomfort.

(The right thing to do would be to discuss the importance of professional conduct in private

afterwards, as it allows Shubham to address the issue privately without embarrassing the

participant to make her understand the impact of her behaviour in a respectful, non-
confrontational manner while maintaining a professional environment. The other options are

inappropriate because asking the participant to leave immediately or shouting at her would

escalate the situation and cause unnecessary discomfort. Making an insulting comment or

reminding the group to use the participant as an example would publicly humiliate them.

Ignoring the behaviour assumes it will resolve on its own, which may allow the discomfort to

persist.)

18. Fill in the blank: “Nature is not a place to visit. It is ____.”

• dead

• far away

• home

• dirty

• imaginary

• extinct

(This quote is mentioned at the end of Lecture 40. Gary Snyder said, “Nature is not a place to

visit. It is home,” and, therefore, we must take care of it.)

19. A school principal wants to teach his students some everyday lifestyle changes they

can make to impact the climate positively and not add to the existing crisis. Identify

the INCORRECT one from the list.

• Be mindful and do not buy products that are not needed.

• Use water efficiently and do not waste it during any usage.

• Use more plastic-based products.

• For small distances, commute by walking or taking public transport.

• Avoid buying new containers and reuse the existing ones.

• Switch off the lights and fans when you leave the classrooms.
(Knowing the causes and effects of global warming and climate change is essential to

spreading awareness about global warming and climate change. By controlling those causes

and promoting solutions to reduce the effects, we can move closer to making our planet

healthier. As discussed in Lecture 40, some ways to do this are reducing unnecessary

consumption of products, recycling effectively, reusing things to their potential, carpooling to

reduce carbon emissions, saving electricity, promoting solar power, saving water and other

natural resources, and many more. The use of certain materials like plastic should also be

discouraged. For more on this topic, refer to Lecture 40.)

20. During a history lecture on British political figures, the professor discusses Benjamin

Disraeli’s views on personal habits and their relationship to society. The professor

quotes Disraeli: “Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of

education, and like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them.” What does

he mean by that?

• Cleanliness and order are inherited traits and part of one’s nature.

• Cleanliness and order are essential but only influenced by social class.

• Cleanliness and order must be learned and developed through education.

• Cleanliness and order come naturally to those with a high level of intelligence.

• Cleanliness and order are trivial matters and do not require much attention.

• Cleanliness and order are solely based on cultural norms and not individual

effort.

(“Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education, and like

most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them,” is a quote by Benjamin Disraeli,

mentioned in Lecture 37. According to Disraeli, cleanliness and order are not innate qualities

(i.e., not matters of instinct) but are learned behaviours that must be cultivated. In his quote,

he emphasises that these traits are shaped through education and personal development,

much like other vital aspects of life.)

 True or False (21-25)

21. In a sustainable, eco-centric approach, human needs are paramount, with the right to

unconditionally use natural resources.

• True

• False

(In a sustainable, eco-centric approach, the focus is on balancing human needs with the

preservation of the environment and the responsible use of natural resources. It emphasises

that humans do not have an unconditional right to exploit resources without considering their

impact on ecosystems and future generations. Sustainability advocates for a more

harmonious relationship with nature, where the use of resources is mindful and equitable and

strives for long-term environmental health. Therefore, it is not true that human needs are

paramount to the extent of unconditionally using natural resources.)

22. A father tells his young son to have an organised mind with a clear focus because it is

more effective at managing complex tasks than a scattered mind.

• True

• False

(An organised mind with a clear focus is more effective at managing complex tasks because it

allows for better prioritisation, decision-making, and the efficient allocation of mental

resources. A focused mind helps to reduce distractions and improve concentration, which is

essential for completing tasks that require critical thinking and problem-solving. Therefore,

the father’s advice is correct.)

 23. In the event of a climate change-induced disaster, vulnerable groups, including

women, children, and economically marginalised individuals, are likely to be

impacted the most.

• True

• False

(Vulnerable groups, including women, children, and economically marginalised individuals,

are more likely to be impacted by climate change-induced disasters due to factors such as

limited access to resources, inadequate protection, and heightened social and economic

inequalities. These groups often face more significant challenges in recovering from

disasters, making them disproportionately affected by climate change.)

24. Mr Chopra dresses casually and interrupts others in their offices to assert his

authority. His behaviour demonstrates strong business etiquette.

• True

• False

(Good business etiquette involves respectful and professional behaviour, which includes

maintaining appropriate dress codes and respecting others’ time and personal space.

Wearing informal clothes and barging into offices disrupts the workplace environment and

demonstrates a lack of consideration for others, which is not aligned with proper business

etiquette. Effective business etiquette encourages communication, respect, and a professional

demeanour, which fosters a positive and productive work atmosphere.)

25. Ethics are the emotional tactics of a loser.

• True

• False
(As discussed in Lecture 36, ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour;

without them, man is no different from an animal. The ability to tell right from wrong is an

essential aspect of ethics. They are not the tactics of a loser, as great people display great

ethics. Moreover, ethics and etiquette are crucial in the professional sphere as they greatly

determine how people perceive us.)