Navigating Social Signals Pretest Answer Key

1. Sarah accidentally bumped into you in the hallway. What is the kindest way to respond?

• Correct Answer: "It's okay, no problem!"
• Reasoning: This response shows understanding, forgiveness, and helps maintain a positive social interaction. The other options are confrontational or escalate the situation.

2. Your friend looks sad and is quiet during recess. What are two ways you can show you care or try to help?

• Possible Answers:
  • Listen to them if they want to talk.
  • Ask if they are okay.
  • Offer to play a quiet game with them.
  • Give them space if they need it.
  • Tell a trusted adult if they seem really upset.
• Reasoning: These actions demonstrate empathy, concern, and offer support while respecting the friend's feelings and potential need for space. (Accept any two reasonable, empathetic responses.)

3. If someone is talking to you, what is one important thing you should do to show you are listening?

• Correct Answer: Make eye contact
• Reasoning: Making eye contact shows respect and that you are paying attention to the speaker. Fidgeting or interrupting indicates disinterest or rudeness.

4. Imagine you want to join a game on the playground, but everyone is already playing. What could you say or do to politely ask to join?

• Possible Answers:
  • "Can I play too?"
  • "Is there room for one more?"
  • Wait for a break in the game and then ask politely.
  • Ask, "What are the rules?"
• Reasoning: These are polite and direct ways to express interest in joining without interrupting or demanding. (Accept any polite, appropriate suggestion.)

5. When someone's eyebrows are furrowed and their mouth is turned down, what emotion are they most likely feeling?

• Correct Answer: Angry
• Reasoning: These facial cues are commonly associated with anger or frustration. Recognizing non-verbal cues is essential for understanding others' emotions.

6. You are working on a group project, and one person keeps talking over others and not letting anyone else share ideas. What is a polite way to handle this situation?

• Possible Answers:
  • "Could we make sure everyone gets a turn to share their ideas?"
  • "I have an idea too, can I share it after you finish?"
  • "Let's take turns so everyone's voice is heard."
  • "I appreciate your ideas, but I have something I'd like to add."
• Reasoning: These responses politely assert the need for equal participation and turn-taking without being aggressive or dismissive of the other person's contributions. (Accept any polite, constructive suggestion.)