CASPer Scenario #1 - Collaboration

[response_method]

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Hi all,

To help with CASPer test preparation, I'll be posting a new scenario each month in this format. Note that CASPer has a new format for the 2025–2026 cycle - each of the 11 scenarios (4 video, 7 typed) now has 2 questions, scored individually.

Scenario:
You share a flat with three other students. One flatmate has taken it upon themselves to create a strict cleaning rota and leaves passive-aggressive notes when they feel it hasn't been followed. The other flatmates are starting to avoid common areas to escape the tension.

1. What steps would you take to address this situation? Explain your reasoning.
2. Briefly describe a time when you found it difficult to raise an issue with someone you lived or worked closely with. What did you learn from that experience?

Feel free to write responses to both questions below. I'll come back with some observations on what tends to work well in this type of scenario, based on my experience as a former evaluator.

Warmest regards,

Helena

 

[response_method]

Hi everyone,

Here are strong response examples to the scenarios and questions above:

Question 1
I get why the flatmate set up the rota. Living with people who don't pull their weight is genuinely frustrating. But I also understand why passive-aggressive notes feel exhausting rather than motivating.

I'd talk to them one-on-one first, acknowledge that they've been carrying something no one else stepped up for, and be honest that the notes are landing badly and making people avoid the kitchen rather than clean it. Then I'd suggest a short group conversation to agree on something together, simpler than the current rota, but one everyone's actually signed up to.

This approach matters because when people help set the rules, they are more likely to be followed. When one person enforces them alone, everyone else checks out.


Question 2
In my second year, a lab partner stopped contributing to our project about halfway through. I covered for them for three weeks, told myself they were probably dealing with something, and said nothing. We submitted on time, but I ended up doing most of the work, and I was resentful by the end.

I learned that I'd confused staying quiet with being kind, when really I was just avoiding an uncomfortable conversation. I also realized that by not saying anything, I'd taken away their chance to fix it, which wasn't fair to either of us.

Now when similar things happen, I try to say something early, focused on the situation rather than the person. It feels harder in the moment, but it's almost always the right call in the long run.

What makes these work

Q1 acknowledges both sides before jumping to action, and gives two specific steps with the reasoning behind each. That combination of empathy and clear thinking is key in situational questions.

Q2 tells a complete story, describes a real outcome, then draws two distinct lessons from it. The reflection goes beyond what happened and speaks to what it revealed about the person. That's the difference between a response that describes an experience and one that demonstrates self-awareness.

Helena 🙂