If I need to do laundry or clean my room, I turn on a reality show in the background. Somehow hearing the voices gives me energy. Usually a completely dumb show that doesn’t need much attention.

“Are you married?” - To my job! [say it like it’s a joke so they can’t tell if you’re serious]

“Do you want kids?” - I don’t know, what do you think is best? [this is actually a good one if you can turn it to ask for advice from them and then just let them talk]

“Do you have kids?” - Omgosh let me show you a picture of my senior rescue dog! My baby!

“Are you interested in a blind date?” - I’m so busy with work now sorry

Or alternatively make a list of innocuous facts about you to have handy. Favorite hobbies (I love walking in nature, I love exercise, I love reading self help books), or zodiac sign and the possible interpretations of the approximately a dozen associated celestial positions, or favorite Taylor Swift fan theories.

Let’s say a random coworker (or superior!) asks if you’re planning on having children. (So inappropriate, has happened to me.) Say “You’re so sympathetic, always looking out for others and interested in their lives. Where did you get that ability?”

Coworker: weirded out but stops asking

You: starts looking for WFH

Yes! For me, the best way to resolve conflict at work is to understand that they need help with their job responsibilities.

formula does not apply in cases of criminality and/or evil

I’m guessing you are in grad school because this sounds extremely familiar. I always felt pressed for time. Never enough time to read everything in depth.

If it’s not a novel, I would always focus most on beginnings and endings of chapters. If there’s an introduction or afterword, it often has a summary of the content.

Good luck on the test.