NSU Admission Test

28/09/2026

North South University (NSU) reaffirmed its status as a strictly apolitical institution following student protests against a political party's activities on campus. In a notification signed by Registrar Dr. Ahmed Tazmeen, the university emphasized its long-standing prohibition of political activities within its premises. While individuals can express political views outside the campus, NSU's name and property cannot be used for political purposes. The administration took this stance to preserve discipline and maintain a peaceful academic environment.

Below are GRE style multiple-choice questions by the Bright Prep

Question 1: Sentence Equivalence

Choose TWO options that best convey the meaning of the following statement:

"While individuals can express political views outside the campus, NSU's name and property cannot be used for political purposes."

A. Individuals may express political opinions off campus, but university resources cannot be used for political activities.

B. NSU prohibits all political expression, regardless of location.

C. Personal political expression is permitted outside campus, whereas the university's identity and property must remain separate from political activities.

D. NSU encourages political parties to use its facilities for peaceful campaigns.

E. Political activities are permitted on campus as long as the university's name is not mentioned.

Question 2: Critical Reasoning

Which assumption most directly underlies the university administration's stated rationale?

A. Political activities on campus could interfere with discipline and the peaceful academic environment.

B. All students support the university's political neutrality.

C. Political parties are legally prohibited from operating in the country.

D. Students are not interested in political issues.

E. Academic institutions should participate actively in political campaigns.

Question 3: Tone

Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

A. Sarcastic and dismissive

B. Emotional and persuasive

C. Informative and formal

D. Hostile and accusatory

E. Humorous and conversational

Question 4: Strengthening the Argument

Which additional piece of information would most strengthen the administration's stated rationale for prohibiting political activities on campus?

A. Evidence that political activities have previously disrupted classes or caused conflicts on campus.

B. Evidence that students frequently discuss politics outside the university.

C. Evidence that the political party has a large number of supporters nationwide.

D. Evidence that students participate in academic competitions.

E. Evidence that the university offers courses on political science.

Answer Key and Explanations
Q1. A and C

Both options preserve the distinction between personal political expression and the use of university resources or identity.

Q3. C

The passage presents the university's policy and rationale in a formal, informational manner.

27/09/2026

Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, have pledged $1 billion to the University of Oregon to establish a new engineering school in Eugene. This is the largest donation in the university’s history.

According to reports from The New York Times and local Oregon media, the donation will help recruit new faculty members and build facilities for the new school. The school will be located at the existing Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact and will focus on bioengineering and related fields.

University of Oregon President Karl Scholz expressed his gratitude for the couple’s generosity. He said that Phil and Penny Knight have a history of supporting ambitious projects before they become a reality. He also highlighted the scale of their latest contribution and its importance to the university.

Phil Knight explained that great American universities have historically provided opportunities for people to turn ambitious ideas into reality. He said that he and his wife were grateful for the opportunity to invest in the future of promising young people.

Knight graduated from the University of Oregon in 1959 with a business degree. He completed his studies in three years while competing as a middle-distance runner for the university’s track and field team under coach Bill Bowerman.

After graduation, Knight served in the U.S. Army for one year before enrolling at Stanford Graduate School of Business. He earned his MBA in 1962.

During an entrepreneurship course at Stanford, Knight was asked to develop a business idea and marketing plan. He chose to focus on athletic shoes and wrote a paper titled, “Can Japanese sports shoes do to German sports shoes what Japanese cameras did to German cameras?”

His idea eventually became a reality. Knight and Bowerman founded Nike, which grew into one of the world’s most successful companies in footwear, apparel, and sports equipment.

According to Forbes, Knight is worth more than $25 billion and ranked 101st on the Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest Americans.

Phil and Penny Knight have donated more than $5 billion to higher education institutions, making them among the most prominent philanthropists in the United States. They ranked 11th on Forbes’ list of top philanthropists.

In 2025, the couple pledged $2 billion to the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University. At the time, the donation surpassed Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion gift to Johns Hopkins University, setting a record for the largest donation to a higher education institution in American history.

The Knights have also supported the University of Oregon through several major donations. Several campus buildings bear their name, including the university library and the basketball arena, which is named after their son, Matthew, who died in a scuba diving accident in 2004.

In 2016 and 2021, the couple made two separate donations of $500 million each to establish the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. The campus focuses on bioengineering, applied scientific research, and training.

The couple has also made significant contributions to Stanford University. One of their largest gifts, a $400 million donation, established the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.

These 12 SAT/NSU+ admissions style questions of the Bright Prep test main ideas, vocabulary in context, inference, author's purpose and evidence-based reasoning.

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

A. To criticize the growing influence of wealthy donors on public universities.
B. To describe a major philanthropic gift and provide background on Phil Knight's career and charitable contributions.
C. To explain how Nike became the world's most profitable sportswear company.
D. To compare engineering programs at American universities.

2. What is the primary purpose of the $1 billion gift?

A. To establish a new engineering school at the University of Oregon.
B. To expand the university's athletic facilities.
C. To fund the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
D. To establish a new cancer research institute.

3. According to the passage, where will the new engineering school be located?

A. At Stanford Graduate School of Business.
B. At the Knight Cancer Institute.
C. At the existing Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.
D. At Nike's corporate headquarters.

4. As used in the passage, the word 'audacious' most nearly means:

A. Cautious.
B. Ambitious and bold.
C. Unrealistic.
D. Conventional.

5. What role did Bill Bowerman play in Phil Knight's life?

A. He was Knight's professor at Stanford Business School.
B. He helped Knight establish Nike and coached him in track and field at Oregon.
C. He funded Knight's first business venture.
D. He served as the first president of the University of Oregon.

6. What inspired Knight's business concept during his MBA studies?

A. An assignment that asked him to develop a business idea and marketing plan.
B. A proposal from the University of Oregon's engineering department.
C. A research project on bioengineering.
D. A conversation with the CEO of a German shoe company.

7. Which statement best describes the relationship between Knight's education and his business career?

A. His engineering degree directly led to his invention of athletic footwear.
B. His experience as a runner and his business education contributed to the development of his shoe business idea.
C. His military service provided the original funding for Nike.
D. His university studies focused primarily on cancer research.

8. Why does the author mention the couple's earlier donations to the University of Oregon?

A. To suggest that the university has become financially independent.
B. To demonstrate that the $1 billion gift is part of a longer history of philanthropic support.
C. To explain why the university decided to discontinue its engineering programs.
D. To establish that the couple founded the university.

9. What can reasonably be inferred from the description of the new engineering school?

A. The university intends to expand its scientific research and educational capabilities.
B. The school will focus exclusively on athletic equipment design.
C. The university plans to replace its existing science programs.
D. The school will be operated by Nike rather than the university.

10. Which statement best describes the author's tone toward the donation?

A. Predominantly informative, with emphasis on the scale of the gift and Knight's achievements.
B. Strongly critical of the couple's philanthropic activities.
C. Sarcastic about the university's decision to accept the money.
D. Dismissive of the role of private philanthropy in higher education.

11. Why does the author mention the $2 billion donation to Oregon Health & Science University?

A. To show that the couple's philanthropy extends beyond the University of Oregon and includes major medical research support.
B. To explain why the engineering school will focus on cancer treatment.
C. To suggest that the University of Oregon received less money than Stanford.
D. To demonstrate that Knight's wealth comes primarily from medical research.

12. Which statement best captures the central idea of the passage?

A. Phil Knight's athletic career was more influential than his business education.
B. The University of Oregon plans to replace its existing research campus with a new engineering school.
C. A major philanthropic gift from Phil and Penny Knight will establish an engineering school, continuing their longstanding support for higher education.
D. Nike's success was primarily the result of university funding.

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑘𝑒𝑦, 𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑏𝑜𝑥.

22/09/2026

North South University Law and Mooting Society (NSULMS) hosted Law Fest Season III from September 17 to 19, uniting law students from over 20 universities in Bangladesh. The festival combined academic and practical activities, including a Career Fair aimed at enhancing legal education. Notable attendees included Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman and various university officials, who emphasized the importance of practical skills in law. The event featured competitions like the National Legal Drama and Quiz and concluded with awards recognizing participants' achievements. Key speakers underscored the legal profession's ethical responsibilities and the value of continuous learning and integrity.

GRE-style practice questions by the Bright Prep:

1. The mention of the National Legal Drama and Quiz competitions serves primarily to:

A. Demonstrate the variety of activities included in the festival
B. Show that the festival was primarily entertainment-oriented
C. Explain why some universities were unable to participate
D. Compare the academic abilities of participating universities
E. Illustrate the shortcomings of traditional legal education

Answer: A

2. The speakers' emphasis on “ethical responsibilities” and “integrity” suggests that they regard legal professionals as having:

A. Responsibilities extending beyond technical legal knowledge
B. A primarily political role in society
C. An obligation to participate in academic competitions
D. A responsibility to prioritize career advancement
E. Limited responsibilities toward the public

18/09/2026

Staff at the University of Birmingham are to vote on whether to take industrial action in a dispute over planned redundancies affecting translation and interpreting staff.

The University and College Union (UCU) said five employees, all from migrant or minority ethnic backgrounds, were at risk of compulsory redundancy. A formal ballot is expected to be held.

The dispute began in May, when the university announced plans to cut its postgraduate translation and interpreting programmes. Consultation with affected staff ran from June to August, and the proposals were originally due to be considered in October.

However, UCU said the university brought the decision forward and considered the consultation outcome on 10 August. A recommendation was then sent to the university's council, its supreme governing body, by written circulation.

More than a month later, the union said neither staff nor UCU had received written confirmation of the council's decision. Birmingham UCU also said it had not received a response to its objections.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said the university had “torn up its own timetable” by deciding the future of the five employees early and failing to communicate the outcome.

The union's Birmingham branch has written an open letter to university management, calling for compulsory redundancies to be halted, a meeting with staff to be arranged, and equality impact assessments to be released.

The UCU said the proposed cuts were part of a fifth round of redundancies at the university in which most of those at risk were migrants or people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Grady described strike action as “a last resort” and called on the university to withdraw compulsory redundancies, address staff grievances and clarify its decision in writing.

In a previous statement, a university spokesperson said falling demand for certain programmes had led to the proposals and that the university remained satisfied it had conducted a “meaningful consultation”.

Spokesperson said the university had sought to treat affected staff with sensitivity, signposted them to available support and was exploring tailored outplacement assistance if required.

The university has been contacted for further comment.

Here are SAT-style reading questions based on the passage by the Bright Prep. We focus on central ideas, evidence, inference, vocabulary in context and authorial purpose.

SAT Reading Questions
1. Central Idea

Which choice best states the main purpose of the passage?

A. To explain why postgraduate translation programmes have become less popular
B. To describe a dispute between university staff and management over proposed redundancies
C. To argue that universities should not make changes to language programmes
D. To compare the policies of the University of Birmingham and the UCU

2. Supporting Evidence

According to the passage, why are five employees at risk of redundancy?

A. They refused to participate in the university's consultation.
B. They were unable to find alternative employment.
C. Their roles are affected by proposed cuts to postgraduate translation and interpreting programmes.
D. Their departments failed to meet the university's financial targets.

3. Inference

What can reasonably be inferred about the UCU's concerns regarding the consultation process?

A. The union believes the university did not follow the timetable it had originally established.
B. The union believes the university has already dismissed the five employees.
C. The union supports the university's decision but disagrees with its timing.
D. The union was responsible for bringing the decision forward.

4. Chronology

Which event occurred first?

A. The university's council considered the consultation outcome.
B. The UCU wrote an open letter to university management.
C. The university announced plans to cut postgraduate translation and interpreting programmes.
D. The university contacted affected staff about outplacement support.

5. Vocabulary in Context

As used in the passage, the phrase “brought the decision forward” most nearly means:

A. Cancelled the decision
B. Made the decision earlier than planned
C. Reversed the decision
D. Announced the decision publicly

6. Author's Purpose

Why does the passage include the university spokesperson's previous statement?

A. To demonstrate that the university has accepted the UCU's demands
B. To provide the university's explanation and response to the union's criticism
C. To prove that the consultation process was legally invalid
D. To explain why the UCU supports the proposed redundancies

7. Evidence and Claims

Which statement is presented as a claim made by the UCU rather than as an independently established fact?

A. Consultation ran from June to August.
B. The university's council is its supreme governing body.
C. The university had “torn up its own timetable.”
D. The university announced programme cuts in May.

8. Tone

The overall tone of the passage is best described as:

A. Humorous and informal
B. Neutral and informative, while presenting competing perspectives
C. Strongly critical of the university
D. Optimistic about the outcome of the dispute

9. Rhetorical Function

What is the primary function of Jo Grady's statement that strike action is “a last resort”?

A. To indicate that the union views industrial action as a measure to be taken only after other efforts have failed
B. To announce that the union has cancelled its proposed ballot
C. To suggest that the university has agreed to halt the redundancies
D. To explain the university's financial difficulties

10. Main Conflict

The dispute described in the passage primarily concerns:

A. The university's refusal to provide outplacement support
B. The closure of all language departments at the university
C. Proposed redundancies, the consultation process, and communication of the university's decision
D. A disagreement over the legal status of the UCU

Answer Key and Explanations
Question Answer Explanation
1 B The passage focuses on the proposed redundancies and the disagreement between UCU and the university.
2 C The redundancies are linked to proposed cuts to postgraduate translation and interpreting programmes.
3 A UCU objects to the decision being considered earlier than the original October timetable and to the lack of written communication.
4 C The programme cuts were announced in May, before the open letter and the council's consideration in August.
5 B “Brought the decision forward” means moved it to an earlier date.
6 B The statement provides the university's perspective and response to the union's allegations.
7 C “Torn up its own timetable” is Grady's characterization of the university's actions.
8 B The passage reports the claims and responses of both sides without adopting an openly partisan tone.
9 A The phrase suggests that industrial action is being considered only after other attempts to resolve the dispute.
10 C These are the central issues described throughout the passage.

𝑺𝑨𝑻 𝒕𝒊𝒑: 𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆, 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆.

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02/09/2026

An Australian university Macquarie University has introduced classes featuring an AI chatbot Virtual Peer with minimal human interaction in two psychology subjects. While these AI activities are optional and intended to supplement core learning, the university has shifted towards online-only instruction, eliminating mandatory in-person classes until 2027. A student expressed dissatisfaction, feeling replaced by the chatbot. Despite the university's assurance that Virtual Peer supports rather than replaces educators, concerns about the lack of human engagement persist. The tool answered nearly 80,000 student questions in just the first half of 2026, indicating its growing significance, though backlash against AI teaching methods is increasing across institutions.

Here’s a Bright Prep GRE style Reading Comprehension question based on the passage:

The passage suggests that the primary concern surrounding Macquarie University’s use of Virtual Peer is that:

A. The chatbot provides inaccurate answers to students’ psychology questions.
B. Students are required to use AI instead of attending university classes.
C. AI-assisted instruction may reduce opportunities for meaningful human interaction in education.
D. The university plans to eliminate all human educators by 2027.
E. Students have overwhelmingly rejected the use of AI in higher education.

𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑙 𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑅𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛.

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01/09/2026

29/08/2026

North South University (NSU) observed Eid-e-Miladunnabi 2026 with a discussion meeting and prayer session focusing on the life, teachings and ideals of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

The programme was held on Thursday at the university’s main auditorium, featuring a range of activities including recitation from the Holy Quran, Hamd and Naat, a documentary screening, discussion and special prayer. Teachers, students, officials, employees and invited guests attended the event.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Md. Shamim Kaiser attended the programme as the chief guest, while NSU Board of Trustees member and former chairman Benazir Ahmed was present as the special guest.

Dr. Ziaul Haque Adnan, Chairman of the NSU Department of Management, delivered the keynote discussion, highlighting key lessons from the life and character of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Senior Lecturer of the Department of Management MM Nawaz Amin led the prayer.

The programme was presided over by NSU Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, while Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Nesar U Ahmed delivered the welcome address.

In his welcome speech, Professor Nesar said that the life and ideals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remain a source of inspiration for people in every situation. He emphasized the importance of using the ability to think independently to understand the Prophet’s teachings and incorporate them into everyday life.

State Minister Md. Shamim Kaiser said the Holy Quran, brought to humanity through the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), provides guidance on various aspects of life, including science, technology, business and commerce. He stressed that meaningful change in individual, social and national life can be achieved by not only reading the Quran but also understanding its teachings and applying them in practice.

Benazir Ahmed said Eid-e-Miladunnabi provides an important opportunity to reflect on the humane teachings and ideals of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He highlighted the Prophet’s honesty, justice, humility and exemplary character, saying that following these principles can contribute significantly to personal development, social harmony and nation-building.

In his discussion, Dr. Ziaul Haque Adnan identified five important lessons from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH): remaining firmly committed to one’s goals and ideals, never losing hope, maintaining a strong relationship with Allah, treating others with kindness and respect, and demonstrating compassion. He said the Prophet’s life offers enduring lessons in patience, humanity and good character.

NSU Treasurer Professor Abdur Rob Khan expressed hope that love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and adherence to his Sunnah would help promote peace, harmony and well-being in personal and social life.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury described the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as a selfless and humanitarian leader who devoted his life to the welfare of humanity. He said the Prophet’s life demonstrates how an individual can dedicate himself not only to the welfare of a nation but also to the well-being of humankind as a whole.

Here are Bright Prep SAT practice reading questions based on the passage, focusing on main ideas, inference, vocabulary in context, author’s purpose and evidence.

1. Which choice best states the main purpose of the passage?

A. To compare the religious traditions of different universities in Bangladesh
B. To describe an NSU event commemorating Eid-e-Miladunnabi and summarize the key messages delivered by its participants
C. To explain the historical origins of Eid-e-Miladunnabi in Bangladesh
D. To evaluate the religious views of NSU’s faculty and students

Answer: B

2. According to the passage, what was the primary focus of the discussion at the NSU event?

A. The role of universities in national development
B. The history of Islamic education in Bangladesh
C. The life, teachings, and ideals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
D. The relationship between science and modern technology

Answer: C

3. As used in the passage, the word “exemplary” most nearly means

A. unusual
B. worthy of imitation
C. historically important
D. difficult to understand

Answer: B

4. Which statement best describes Professor Nesar U Ahmed’s view of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)?

A. They should be studied primarily for their historical significance.
B. They should be followed without independent thought.
C. They can provide inspiration and guidance when understood and applied in daily life.
D. They are mainly relevant to religious scholars.

Answer: C

5. What can reasonably be inferred from Md. Shamim Kaiser’s remarks?

A. Reading the Quran is more important than understanding it.
B. Religious teachings can influence areas of life beyond personal faith.
C. Modern science conflicts with the teachings of the Quran.
D. National development depends exclusively on religious education.

Answer: B

6. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

A. “Teachers, students, officials, employees and invited guests attended the event.”
B. “The programme was held on Thursday at the university’s main auditorium.”
C. “This Quran contains science, technology, business and commerce, and guidelines on how to conduct our lives.”
D. “Senior Lecturer of the Department of Management MM Nawaz Amin led the prayer.”

Answer: C

7. Dr. Ziaul Haque Adnan’s discussion suggests that the Prophet’s life emphasizes all of the following EXCEPT

A. perseverance
B. compassion
C. maintaining a relationship with Allah
D. achieving personal success through competition

Answer: D

8. Why does the passage mention the different activities held during the event, such as Quran recitation, Hamd-Naat, documentary screening, and prayer?

A. To demonstrate the variety of programs included in the observance
B. To argue that religious events should replace academic activities
C. To explain why the event lasted several days
D. To compare NSU’s celebration with celebrations at other universities

Answer: A

9. The statements made by Benazir Ahmed and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury are similar in that both emphasize

A. the political achievements of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
B. the importance of scientific education
C. the Prophet’s humanitarian qualities and their relevance to society
D. the need for universities to organize more religious events

Answer: C

10. Which choice best describes the overall tone of the passage?

A. Critical and skeptical
B. Formal and celebratory
C. Humorous and informal
D. Argumentative and confrontational

Answer: B

SAT Evidence-Based Question

11. Which quotation from the passage best supports the answer to Question 9?

A. “The programme was held on Thursday at the university’s main auditorium.”
B. “The life and ideals of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are a source of inspiration for each of us.”
C. “His life, honesty, fairness, humility and good character are exemplary for us.”
D. “Senior Lecturer of the Department of Management MM Nawaz Amin led the prayer.”

Answer: C

12. The passage most strongly suggests that the speakers viewed the observance of Eid-e-Miladunnabi as an opportunity to

A. promote political participation among university students
B. encourage people to apply the Prophet’s moral and humanitarian teachings in their lives
C. introduce students to new scientific discoveries
D. discuss the administrative policies of NSU

Answer: B

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25/08/2026

North South University
Department of Public Health

2026 Fall MPH & EMPH Admission Test Result

24/08/2026

中国国家主席习近平祝贺米尔扎·法赫鲁尔·伊斯兰·阿拉姆吉尔就任孟加拉国第23任总统，并表示愿同他一道，进一步深化两国全面战略合作伙伴关系。

习近平在贺电中表示，中孟是邻国，有着悠久的友好关系，两国关系经受住了国际形势变化的考验。

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16/08/2026

Bright GMAT: In 'The Manager’s Handbook', David Dodson, MBA ’87, describes the book as “the book I wished someone had handed me when I first became a manager.” As a lecturer in management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dodson presents it as a practical guide for managers who are serious about getting things done—including building strong teams by hiring the right people and, when necessary, letting the wrong people go.

Terminating an employee is one of the most difficult responsibilities a manager faces. Leaders often delay the decision because they do not want to hurt someone’s feelings, but postponing it can make the situation worse. According to Dodson, effective leadership requires accepting that difficult conversations are sometimes part of the job.

So how can a manager handle a termination with respect and fairness?

Meet one-on-one. Having another manager or HR representative present can make the employee feel distrusted and may not necessarily provide additional legal protection. Unless circumstances require otherwise, the conversation is best handled privately.

Protect the employee’s privacy. Losing a job can be deeply embarrassing and may be one of the most difficult experiences of someone’s professional life. Hold the meeting somewhere other employees cannot observe. If the employee needs a moment to collect themselves, give them privacy before continuing.

Be direct and brief. Dodson argues that “directness is kindness.” A termination meeting should be short—ideally no more than about 10 minutes—and the message should be unmistakably clear. Avoid vague language that could leave the employee believing the decision is negotiable or that their role is simply changing.

Focus on what comes next. The initial conversation should concentrate on the terms of the separation rather than a detailed explanation of past performance. In the moment, extensive feedback can cause the employee to become defensive or discouraged. If they want a fuller explanation, consider offering a separate conversation after they have had time to process the news.

Prepare for practical questions. Managers should be ready to explain logistics such as final pay, unused vacation, benefits, insurance, and other transition details. As Dodson puts it, “Preparation is compassion.” Employees are likely to feel more secure when they leave knowing what happens next.

Provide a written transition agreement. Give the employee a clear document outlining the terms of the separation and allow appropriate time for review.

Keep the focus off your own emotions. Avoid comments such as “This is so hard for me” or “I hope we can still be friends.” The conversation should not become an outlet for the manager’s discomfort. Nor should responsibility be shifted to a boss, board, or other authority. As Dodson emphasizes, the person making the decision needs to own it.

Ultimately, letting someone go with dignity requires clarity, preparation, privacy, and respect. The goal is not to make an inherently difficult conversation painless, but to handle it in a way that is honest, humane and fair.

Here are some Bright Prep style GMAT practice questions based on the passage, focusing on Reading Comprehension skills such as main idea, inference, application and author’s purpose.

1. Main Idea

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the passage?

A. To argue that employee termination should always involve an HR representative
B. To explain how managers can terminate employees in a respectful and effective manner
C. To demonstrate that most managers are uncomfortable making termination decisions
D. To compare different approaches to employee dismissal
E. To argue that employee performance reviews are ineffective

Answer: B

2. Inference

The passage suggests that managers who postpone terminating an employee because they are concerned about hurting the employee’s feelings are likely to:

A. Improve the employee’s performance
B. Increase the employee’s confidence
C. Make the eventual termination more difficult
D. Avoid potential legal problems
E. Strengthen their relationship with the employee

3. According to the Passage

According to Dodson, why should a manager avoid saying, “This is so hard for me”?

A. It could make the employee question the legality of the termination.
B. It shifts attention from the employee to the manager.
C. It suggests that the manager is uncertain about the decision.
D. It could encourage the employee to negotiate the terms of separation.
E. It makes the meeting unnecessarily long.

Answer: B

4. Application

A manager has decided to terminate an employee. Before the meeting, the manager reviews the employee’s unused vacation balance, insurance status, final paycheck, and separation documents. Which principle from the passage is the manager most clearly following?

A. Respect their privacy
B. Keep it quick
C. Look ahead
D. Preparation is compassion
E. Take responsibility for the decision

5. Inference

Why does Dodson recommend discussing detailed performance feedback in a separate meeting, if necessary?

A. Employees generally do not have the right to receive performance feedback during termination.
B. Performance feedback is irrelevant once a termination decision has been made.
C. The employee may be too emotionally affected by the termination to respond constructively.
D. Performance feedback can create additional legal exposure for the company.
E. Managers generally do not have enough time to discuss performance.

Answer: C

6. EXCEPT Question

According to the passage, all of the following are recommended practices when terminating an employee EXCEPT:

A. Providing information about the terms of separation
B. Holding the meeting privately
C. Preparing answers to practical questions
D. Explaining in detail why the employee failed to meet expectations
E. Communicating the decision clearly and directly

7. Author’s Reasoning

The statement “Directness is kindness” most strongly implies that:

A. Managers should avoid discussing the employee’s feelings.
B. A short and unambiguous explanation can reduce unnecessary uncertainty for the employee.
C. Managers should terminate employees as quickly as possible.
D. Employees generally prefer not to know why they are being dismissed.
E. Managers should communicate termination decisions in writing rather than verbally.

Answer: B

8. GMAT Critical Reasoning

A manager believes that having an HR representative present during every termination meeting demonstrates professionalism and protects the company from potential legal problems. Based on Dodson’s advice, which of the following would most weaken the manager’s reasoning?

A. HR representatives are often responsible for handling separation paperwork.
B. Some employees may feel more comfortable speaking with HR than with their managers.
C. The presence of another manager or HR representative may signal distrust without necessarily reducing legal exposure.
D. Termination meetings can sometimes last longer than 10 minutes.
E. Employees may have questions about benefits and insurance.
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𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝 𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐺𝑀𝐴𝑇 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛:

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 → “𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒” 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑠 → 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 → 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒/𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 → 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐺𝑀𝐴𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡-𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒.

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