The Parts of an Apology: teacher key

Arguing and Making Up, grade 9 edition, written for 9th grade. Researchers have counted how often friends fight and described what makes an apology work. Anger in the body, listening, seeing another person's side and studies of children all play a part.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

1. Which psychiatrist found that an effective apology has up to four parts?
   • Brett Laursen
   • Aaron Lazare (answer)
   • Gwen Pursell
2. How do children most often resolve conflicts, according to Laursen's research?
   • By letting a teacher choose who is right
   • By giving up the toy for good
   • By taking a break, then trying again (answer)
3. Why can a long explanation hurt an apology?
   • It can sound like an excuse (answer)
   • It makes the apology too short
   • It leaves out who was hurt
4. What does reparation mean in an apology?
   • A clear list of who was at fault
   • A promise never to disagree again
   • A way to make up for harm (answer)
5. In the torn drawing experiment, who preferred the person who showed remorse?
   • Four-year-olds
   • Five-year-olds (answer)
   • Both ages equally

Words

• empathy: feeling with others
• remorse: deep regret
• reparation: making amends
• mediators: go-betweens