Enhancing Soft Skills and Personality
Week 3/ Assignment 3
MSQ: 1-10
MCQ: 11-20
True/False: 21-25
MSQ
1. At a family function, a group of youngsters get into a debate with the elders. Based on
their behaviour, choose the appropriate answer that suits these people.
Alishba nodded politely and shifted the dialogue towards a more neutral subject
because she prefers to be inactive and does not want to state her opinion.
Roy, calmly articulating his thoughts, spoke with conviction, making sure his
perspective was acknowledged and gave equal space for others to articulate their
opinions, to which he carefully listened and calmly responded to his agreements and
disagreements. Anamika forcefully dismissed opposing viewpoints and imposed her
stance on the conversation, leaving little room for others to convey their ideas.
• Alishba is a passive person.
• Roy is an assertive person.
• Alishba is an aggressive person.
• Roy is a passive person.
• Anamika is an assertive person.
• Anamika is an aggressive person.
(As mentioned in Lecture 11, passive people usually refrain from voicing their opinions,
while aggressive people try to dominate the conversation by forcing their viewpoints. On the
contrary, assertive people are open-minded and give equal space for others to express their
ideas, but at the same time, instead of complying with others’ ideas, they will politely
articulate their point of view. Thus, Alishba is passive, Roy is assertive, and Anamika is
aggressive.)
2. Which of the following individuals show aggressive behaviour?
• Vinod, in a discussion with his teammates, resorts to hostile tactics. He
undermines his opponent’s opinions and uses offensive remarks against any
rebuttal.
• Aditya remains calm and composed in the face of a rude remark, responding with a
polite tone that diffuses tension effortlessly.
• Sana approaches any challenging encounter with a composed attitude by choosing
polite words to navigate the situation gracefully.
• Kiran, in order to dominate others, consistently thrusts her opinions on others
without regard for their feelings.
• Gaurav tries to be in control by putting others down, believing he is better,
which harms relationships.
• Aisha always communicates her opinions forcefully, hurting others emotionally
and weakening their confidence.
(As implied in Lecture 11, aggressive people have harmful communicative practices arising
from hostile motives to be dominant. They often express their opinions by insulting or
criticising others. From the given options, Vinod, Kiran, Gaurav and Aisha exhibit these
traits.)
3. From the people below, choose the ones that are in agreement with Stanley and
Nancy’s Ten Commandments for escaping restrictive inner beliefs and achieving
one’s goal.
• Swati, attempting to find quiet time for herself, practices yoga every
morning, followed by gentle stretches and meditation that brings her a sense
of calm and solitude.
• Charu never pursued her passion for painting because she was convinced that she
lacked the innate ability to create meaningful art.
• After being fed up with pretending to fit in with society’s expectations,
Govind decides to be honest about his fears and insecurities, inviting others
to share their true selves in return, fostering mutual understanding and
genuine connection.
• Despite having numerous business ideas, Hussain felt restricted by his inadequate
monetary state, holding back from entrepreneurial pursuits due to a perception of
financial limitations.
• Ishita, a firm believer in self-reliance, seeks answers within and undergoes a
self-discovery process, extensively relying on her inner wisdom to guide her
through life’s complexities.
• Dua’s belief that she lacks intelligence limited her academic aspirations, causing
her to avoid challenging courses and advanced learning opportunities, hindering
her personal and professional growth.
(The Ten Commandments of Stanley and Nancy include everyday exercises with meditation
for peace, being honest with others, forming deeper connections with others, and attempting
to look within yourself and discover answers from within. Thus, Swati, Govind, and Ishita are
in agreement with the commandments. Refer to Lecture 12 for further understanding)
4. Given below are certain situations that happen in our day-to-day lives. Identify the
situations that you think represent correct behaviour based on this week’s lectures.
• You are hungry and go to the kitchen to get some food. You see that your least
favourite food is cooked. You get angry and start shouting at your family
members.
• You are busy doing your assignments. Your brother comes to your room
asking if you would like to go out for ice cream. You say “No” to him and
continue doing your assignment.
• You have been trying to call your friends for a very long time. None of them
answered your calls, and you start thinking they are not your real friends.
• You are trying to finish an urgent report. You get a notification on your
phone, but you ignore it because it is unimportant.
• You are out with your family. Everyone is trying to talk to you, but you are
busy texting on your phone.
• All your friends are planning a one-day trip you are not interested in.
They insist you join them, but you tell them you will not as you had
scheduled your upcoming exam preparation on that day.
(According to this week’s lectures, getting angry and shouting at others is the characteristic
of an aggressive person, and one should be assertive, not aggressive. Saying “No” to ice
cream or a trip one is not interested in helps them to be assertive; in the same way, not
checking unimportant notifications or entertaining unnecessary distractions helps overcome
procrastination.)
5. Which of the following individuals are using the correct tactics to control their anger?
• Ranveer, when faced with a triggering situation, makes efforts to delay his
reaction. He waits for some time before responding to the situation.
• Aarav immediately shouts at the person who triggered his anger, believing that
expressing it loudly will help him feel better.
• Saiba is listening to a speaker whose statements are making her angry. She feels
aggression rising in her, but she focuses on the damage her anger may cause her
if she acts upon it.
• Kabir responds to anger by breaking objects around him to release his frustration.
• Varun avoids dealing with his anger by distracting himself with unhealthy habits like
overeating or excessive screen time.
• Riya holds grudges and silently plans ways to get back at the person who made her
angry.
(Lecture 13 discusses extensively on anger and ways to control it. Among many others is
delaying the response to triggering situations or simply focusing on the damage angry
responses may cause you. Ranveer and Saiba follow these tactics well. Go through the lecture
to learn more about controlling anger.)
6. Identify the possible reasons for which George Orwell created his masterpieces 1984
and Animal Farm?
• To channel his anger positively
• To dedicate them to his friends killed in concentration camps
• To sarcastically attack totalitarian societies
• Creatively express his anger against the dictatorship
• To express his love for animals
• To commemorate his son’s birth year, which is 1984
(As discussed in Lecture 13, one should learn to channel anger positively by focusing on
creative endeavours. George Orwell, for example, did this by creating his masterpieces when
he was outraged and upset with the totalitarian setup around him.)
7. Identify all those statements that describe the characteristics of people who think
positively.
• They are highly efficient in manipulating people.
• They give hope to sad and frustrated people around them.
• They desire to make others happy.
• They offer people perspective to appreciate the beauty life has to offer.
• They derive pleasure from the suffering of others.
• They believe only good things can happen in life.
(The “Two Dying Patients” anecdote in Lecture 14 teaches the importance of channelling
positive emotions. It narrates the story of a person who thinks positively and tries to give
hope to other people to make them appreciate the beauty life can offer them. The story is an
example of how people with positive thinking behave in stressful situations. Go through the
lecture to understand more about positive thinking.)
8. Identify the steps involved in changing negative thoughts into positive ones.
• Delving deep into the self.
• Blaming others.
• Discarding limitations.
• Developing a positive image.
• Constantly gossiping.
• Synchronising body, mind, and the world.
(As implied in Lecture 15, to convert negative thoughts into positive ones, one must first stop
limiting thoughts and try to introspect oneself deeply within one’s mind. Further, one should
discard any low self-image and develop a positive image of oneself. Importantly, one should
synchronise with body, mind, and the world.)
9. Choose the correct pairs:
• Positive Mental Attitude: Attracts opportunities
• Negative Mental Attitude: Makes room for self-development
• Negative Mental Attitude: Repels opportunities
• Positive Mental Attitude: Discourages the will to find a way
• Positive Mental Attitude: Facilitates Self-actualisation
• Negative Mental Attitude: Guides toward your full potential
(As discussed in Lecture 14, Positive Mental Attitude attracts opportunities for success and
will help one find a way. At the same time, Negative Mental Attitude repels those
opportunities and refuses to take the first step even if the way is clear. Negative thinking
deprives one of self-development and keeps them in a perennial vacuity. It will not let one
actualise themselves.)
10. According to Roald Dahl, a person’s thoughts have a direct impact on their facial
features. Choose the options that reflect his opinion correctly.
• Ugly thoughts make a person’s face look mean and unpleasant.
• A person with bad thoughts will always remain physically attractive.
• Thinking negatively makes a person’s face more symmetrical.
• A person filled with positivity and kindness radiates warmth and beauty.
• Good thoughts naturally brighten the eyes and bring a glow to the face.
• People with ugly thoughts always look the same as those with good thoughts.
(According to Roald Dahl, ugly thoughts have a direct impact on a person’s facial features.
He believed that negative thoughts make a person look unattractive, while positive thoughts
enhance beauty. Go through Lecture 15 to read Roal Dahl’s quote and know more about his
ideas on beauty.)
MCQ
11. Fill in the blank with the correct word, as quoted from Bhagavad Gita.
“From anger delusion occurs; from delusion bewilderment of memory; after
forgetfulness of memory; the loss of ___________ …”
• spiritual intelligence
• faithfulness
• physical strength
• happiness
• patience
• positive thoughts
(This complete verse states, “From anger delusion occurs; from delusion bewilderment of
memory; after forgetfulness of memory; the loss of spiritual intelligence and losing spiritual
intelligence one perishes.” Go through Lecture 13 to understand more.)
12. Which one among the following list of self-labelling statements does not fall under a
negative mindset?
• “If I try my best, I can win this competition.”
• “All my classmates are better than me!”
• “I always fail no matter what I do.”
• “I am not capable of doing anything.”
• “I cannot do this.”
• “I lack the intelligence to do this work.”
(Self-labelling statements that show one’s tendency to believe in negative things about
oneself and limit their possibility to develop and have growth fall under a negative mindset.
They assert self-doubt and stop one from believing in and realising their true potential. The
statement, “If I try my best, I can win this competition.” does not limit one’s possibility to
develop and win; hence, do not fall under a negative mindset. Refer to Lecture 13 for more.)
13. Which one of the following options describes a passive personality correctly?
• Individuals with a passive personality naturally seek continuous engagement in
various activities. Whether it is pursuing hobbies, participating in social events, or
taking up new projects, they thrive on staying involved and finding stimulation in
diverse experiences.
• A passive personality is marked by being emotionally dishonest, self-evasive,
and inexpressive, often leading to anxiousness as individuals struggle to
openly communicate their true feelings and needs.
• A passive personality is characterised by an abundance of vibrant energy,
reflected in a lively and animated approach to daily life. This energy often
translates into a proactive attitude, motivating individuals to take on challenges
enthusiastically.
• Passive personalities approach life with a dynamic mindset. They are open to
change, adaptable to challenges, and constantly seek ways to evolve.
• A passive personality often goes hand in hand with an adventurous spirit. These
individuals are more likely to seek out novel experiences, embrace challenges, and
find excitement in exploring the unknown and learning new skills.
• Personality often serves as an inspiration to others. Their energy and passion can
motivate people around them.
(A Passive personality is marked by being dishonest, self-evasive, and inexpressive, often
leading to anxiousness as individuals struggle to openly communicate their true feelings and
needs. Refer to Lecture 11 to learn more about passive personality.)
14. Irshad is working on a crucial project when his friend Mahoor interrupts and compels
him for a coffee break. Irshad is caught in a dilemma between choosing friendship
and academic engagement. As Mahoor continues to persuade him, Irshad tries to find
a solution that will neither hurt his friend nor affect his work. Considering this week’s
lectures, what will be Irshad's correct course of action?
• Irshad should accept the invitation and accompany Mahoor to the coffee
shop. There, he should inform Mahoor of his time constraint and leave early
without staying long.
• Irshad must say ‘Yes’ to his friend’s request and go to the coffee shop despite
having a lot of work because friendship is more important than work.
• Irshad should get angry and tell Mahoor that he would not be available and not
disturb him again for petty reasons like going to a coffee shop.
• Irshad should tell his mother to inform Mahoor that he does not want to see her
because he is involved in work and avoids engaging with her directly.
• Irshad should change his home to a new place so that Mahoor will not come and
disturb him like this.
• Irshad should give Mahoor an indecisive answer that will confuse her and try to
give false hope that Irshad might be joining her later.
(It is important to communicate properly and be assertive to say ‘No.’ But in case of
unavoidable situations, being involved in a task and informing others about your time
constraint will help you get back to your work without wasting too much time on unnecessary
things. Refer to Lecture 12 to learn to say ‘No’ and be assertive.)
15. When Robert Lowell says, “I myself am my enemy, nobody else.” What does he
mean?
• He does not allow anyone to be his enemy.
• His negative thoughts are his enemy.
• He is designed to be his own enemy.
• There are neither friends nor enemies.
• He is cut off from the rest of the world.
• He likes being his own enemy.
(When Robert Lowell made the statement mentioned above, he meant that his thoughts are
his enemies, nobody and nothing else, good or bad, that happens to him is because of his
thoughts, not because of anybody else. Refer to Lecture 15 for more on this.)
16. From the options given below, identify the one that appropriately represents positive
and negative emotions.
• Experiencing constant anger is beneficial for maintaining a healthy mental state,
while joy and happiness are detrimental to overall mental health.
• Feeling overwhelming sadness, all the time enhances one’s overall well-being,
while feeling constant contentment hinders personal and professional growth.
• Chronic anxiety is a key factor in achieving success and personal growth, while
optimism has no impact on one’s ability to overcome challenges.
• Sustained feelings of despair contribute positively to long-term happiness, while
constant love and affection have no positive impact on interpersonal relationships.
• Embracing guilt is beneficial for maintaining healthy social connections while
feeling consistent hopefulness has no bearing on achieving life goals.
• Sharing negative emotions and exposing their honest self reduces the burden
of grief, while sharing positive feelings increases the joy of happiness, making
everyone around you emanate with positivity.
(It is well-known that when someone is grieving or sad, sharing their thoughts and problems
with others will reduce the sorrow while sharing their happiness with others will equally
make those around them happy. Refer to Lecture 14 to understand more about positive and
negative emotions.)
17. Identify the practice that can help one control emotions and become a better person.
• Avoiding regular exercise and leading a sedentary lifestyle.
• Getting inadequate sleep.
• Indulging frequently in self-analysis to identify your limitations, weaknesses,
faults, and mistakes.
• Consuming processed foods, sugary snacks, and low-nutritional items.
• Suppressing emotions, avoiding self-reflection, and neglecting mental health.
• Spending long hours on screens and binge-watching Netflix shows.
(As mentioned in Lecture 15, controlling emotions requires knowing oneself better. One of
the best ways to know oneself is through introspection; introspecting often will help one
understand one’s limitations, weaknesses, faults, and mistakes.)
18. Which of the following acts is a step towards becoming assertive?
• Accepting genuine praise and criticism.
• Apologising excessively, even when not at fault.
• Letting others make decisions for you.
• Interrupting others to make your point heard.
• Avoiding eye contact and speaking hesitantly.
• Seeking approval of others for all your actions.
(Lecture 12 discusses ways to become assertive. These include not seeking the approval of
others, not apologising out of compulsion and accepting genuine praise and criticism.)
19. What, according to Josh Billings is one of the hardest arguments to refute?
• Sarcasm
• Flattery
• Silence
• Anger
• Lies
• Denial
(This question is based on a quote by Josh Billings, who said, “Silence is one of the hardest
arguments to refute.” Go through Lecture 13 to know more about this quote.)
20. Which of the following acts exhibits emotional intelligence?
• Anger management
• Academic excellence
• Overthinking
• Creative pursuits
• Health consciousness
• Monetary achievements
(Emotional intelligence helps one to control negative emotions. Since anger is one of the
negative emotions, people with emotional intelligence will always be calm and composed.
Refer to Lectures 13 and 14.)
True/False
21. Negative thinking can be repeated and reinforced, whereas positive thinking comes
naturally.
• True
• False
(As discussed in Lecture 15, negative thinking comes so spontaneously, habitually, and
naturally that unless somebody points out that it is negative thinking, one will not think about
it.)
22. If you are not able to say ‘No’ to someone, you should just avoid the person for some
day.
• True
• False
(To become assertive, one must learn to say ‘No’ to unreasonable requests and intrusions.
When one finds oneself saying ‘No’ directly, one could try meeting the other person halfway
and offer compensation. It would help one respect the other person and one’s own time and
routine. One should not escape the situation or avoid the person in such cases. Refer to
Lecture 12 for more on when and how to say ‘No.’)
23. The word “emotion” is derived from the French word “emouvoir”, which means “to
stir up.”
• True
• False
(The word “emotion” is derived from the French word “emouvoir”, which means “to stir up.”
It is synonymous with passion, strong feelings. Refer to Lecture 13)
24. If you live your life to please others, you will develop a positive self-image.
• True
• False
(In lecture 11, Beverly Engel is quoted as saying, “If you live your life to please everyone
else, you will continue to feel frustrated and powerless. Go through lecture 11 to read and
understand the entire quote.)
25. Avoiding a situation is the best way to develop an upright personality
• True
• False
(Confronting situations and dealing with them with grace, positivity, and patience has been
an essential lesson throughout this week. For example, instead of avoiding conflict situations,
the correct way would be to confront in an assertive way and put forward one’s ideas without
harming anyone.)