Final test & Certificate

Choose the best answer for each question.

To pass: at least 8 of 10 correct.

1. Question 1. What is the core principle of the pyramid structure?

   ARecount your analysis in the order you actually did itBState the conclusion first, then the reasons and evidenceCPresent all the data first and let the listener conclude

2. Question 2. Why does sequential storytelling get you asked 'so what's the point?'

   ABecause you speak too fastBBecause it forces the listener through your entire thinking journey before the destinationCBecause you lack supporting figures

3. Question 3. What are the three levels of a pyramid?

   AIntroduction – Body – ConclusionBMain message – Key reasons – Data & evidenceCProblem – Solution – Budget

4. Question 4. How do you test the 'ideas above summarise those below' rule?

   ACount whether there are exactly three ideasBRead only the top level and see whether you grasp the whole contentCCheck whether you have enough figures

5. Question 5. What does MECE stand for?

   AMutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive — no overlap, no gapsBMeasure, Evaluate, Compare, ExecuteCMain Elements of Clear Explanation

6. Question 6. What's wrong with the group 'high costs, large headcount, big payroll'?

   AA gap — an important group is missingBOverlap — 'headcount' and 'payroll' both sit inside 'high costs'CNothing is wrong

7. Question 7. Which grouping frame is most reliably MECE?

   AGrouping by personal impressionBGrouping by formula (e.g. revenue = customers × value per customer)CGrouping alphabetically

8. Question 8. What does SCQA stand for?

   ASituation – Complication – Question – AnswerBSummary – Content – Quality – ActionCStart – Continue – Quit – Assess

9. Question 9. What should the 'Situation' in SCQA be?

   AA surprising new piece of informationBSomething the listener already knows and agrees with, to establish common groundCYour conclusion stated briefly

10. Question 10. When asked unexpectedly in a meeting, how should you structure the answer?

    ARecount the process, then concludeBAnswer first → state how many reasons → list them in orderCAsk for more time and answer later