Figurative Language
A friend says, "Oh yeah, because your music taste is so mainstream," with an eye roll. What might they mean by this?
They likely mean the opposite—that your music taste is unique or not very popular. The sarcasm implies they’re teasing you for liking music that's different from what most people like
You walk into a quiet classroom where students are taking a test. What should you do?
Remain silent, find a seat quietly if you need to stay, and avoid disturbing others.
A friend says, "Yeah, I'm fine," but avoids eye contact and has a tense posture. What might they be feeling?
They might be upset or uncomfortable but unwilling to admit it directly.
A friend tells you they’re stressed about a big test. What’s a good follow-up question to show you’re interested?
"What part of the test are you most worried about?"
A family member wants to go out to eat, but you’d prefer to stay in. What could you do to compromise?
Suggest ordering takeout from a place they like or going out another time.
Someone says, "He really threw me under the bus with that comment." What does "threw me under the bus" mean?
It means he betrayed or blamed me, making me look bad to benefit himself.
At a family gathering, adults are deep in conversation about a serious topic. How should you join or respond?
Listen quietly if invited to join, or politely excuse yourself if it seems inappropriate for you to join.
Someone smiles while saying, “I’m not even worried about it," but taps their foot rapidly. What might they actually be feeling?
They could be feeling anxious or stressed, despite saying they aren’t worried.
A classmate mentions they started a new job. How could you follow up to learn more?
"What kind of work are you doing there?"
Your classmate wants to choose a topic for a group project that you’re not interested in. How can you compromise?
Agree to their topic but ask if you can focus on a specific aspect that interests you.
When someone says, "Wow, you really hit the nail on the head," what do they mean?
They mean you were exactly right or accurately understood the situation.
During a group project, one teammate has taken the lead in organizing. What is your role?
Support their leadership by completing assigned tasks, offering help, and asking if there’s anything they need.
Your friend is unusually quiet and sighs frequently while working on a difficult project. What might they be feeling?
They might be feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or discouraged.
Your teacher says they had an interesting weekend. What could you ask to find out more?
"What did you do over the weekend?"
You have limited time, and a friend wants to hang out, but you need to study. How might you handle this?
Propose studying together, or set a short hangout time before you get back to studying.
If a person says, "I'm just pulling your leg," what are they doing?
They are joking or teasing you in a playful way.
At a social event, you notice someone looking uncomfortable in a loud group. How could you respond?
Respect their need for space, maybe ask quietly if they’re okay, or suggest moving to a quieter area.
After receiving a compliment, a classmate looks down and shrugs. What might this indicate?
They might feel embarrassed, shy, or unsure about accepting the compliment.
A family member mentions they have an important meeting tomorrow. What’s a good follow-up question?
"What’s the meeting about?"
You and your sibling are arguing over who gets to use the car after school. How could you both get what you need?
Suggest setting a schedule where each of you gets the car on different days, or split the time after school based on each person’s needs that day.
A friend says, "Yeah, good luck with that," after you tell them you plan to finish a big project in one night. What might this mean, given their tone?
They’re being sarcastic and implying they don’t think it’s realistic to finish the project in one night.
You’re at a job interview, and the interviewer seems rushed and focused. How should you adjust your behavior?
Be concise with your answers, stay focused on relevant points, and avoid unnecessary small talk.
A teammate says, “It’s no big deal,” but seems withdrawn and doesn’t engage much afterward. What might they be experiencing?
They could be feeling disappointed, hurt, or left out, even if they’re trying to hide it.
A friend says they have a big decision to make. What follow-up question could you ask?
"What options are you deciding between?"
Your study group wants to meet at a time that doesn’t work for you. How could you compromise to still be involved?
Offer to contribute by completing a part of the work on your own before the group meets, or suggest a brief virtual check-in to stay updated.