47 Resolving problems between individuals or groups isimportant. What should be considered or kept in mind inresolving problems between individuals or groups? Usespecific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Conflict resolution is very important. The technique is the samewhether it’s between people, between groups, or betweennations. You need to find a common ground; you need to learnwhat both sides want; and you need to plan steps to resolve the conflict.

Finding a common ground is the first important step in any conflict resolution. For example, if twocountries are fighting, a mediator could do what is the single thing that both counties areconcerned about. One answer might be their children’s future. Agreeing on the future of theirchildren is an important first step.

The next step would be to try to determine what both sides want for their children. For example, Country X says, “Security from Country Y.” Country Y says, “Security from Country X.” Obviously, they feel threatened by one another.

The third step is to plan steps to resolve the conflict. A mediator might ask what would make eachside more secure: Stronger borders? Increased trade? Smaller military forces? Once the steps areestablished, the peace process has begun.

I don’t mean to imply that this is easy. Resolving long-term disputes is not simple. But the processcan be broken down into three steps (common ground, needs, steps to resolution) and thenrepeated and repeated until there is peace.

48 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Self-confidence is the mostimportant factor for success in school or at work. Use specific reasons and examples tosupport your opinion.

Self-confidence is one very important factor for success, but there are two other equally importantfactors: knowledge and sensitivity. All three are required for success in any area.

One needs to feel one can accomplish a task. If one thinks he or she is incapable of doingsomething, he or she will not succeed. For example, if you think you are going to do poorly on anexam, you will probably do poorly. It is important to tell yourself that you can do well. If you haveconfidence in yourself, you will probably do well.

Even if you have a great deal of self-confidence, you won’t be able to well on the exam withoutknowledge. You have to understand your subject very well. With knowledge and self-confidenceyou have a better chance of success.

In areas other than exams, you will need to be sensitive to your surroundings in order to succeed. You will need to know whether to boast about yourself or be modest; you will need to knowwhether you should take the lead or let others. This is a difficult skill to learn, but an important onefor success.

To be successful in school or work, you need three qualities: self-confidence, knowledge, andsensitivity. Along, none of these factors will help you succeed. But together, they ensure success.