20 Social Norms and Etiquette Quiz Questions and Answers

1. Question: What is the proper way to introduce two people at a social event?
A) Say the name of the more important person first
B) Say both names at the same time without explanation
C) Introduce the person you know less well to the one you know better
D) Avoid introductions and let them introduce themselves
Answer: C
Explanation: Introducing the person you know less well to the one you know better shows respect and helps make the interaction smoother.

2. Question: When dining in a formal setting, where should you place your napkin after finishing a meal?
A) On your plate
B) On the table to the left of your plate
C) Crumpled in your lap
D) Hung over the back of your chair
Answer: B
Explanation: Placing the napkin to the left of your plate signals that you have finished eating and maintains a tidy table appearance.

3. Question: What is the appropriate response if you accidentally bump into someone on the street?
A) Ignore it and keep walking
B) Say “excuse me” or apologize
C) Blame them for not watching where they were going
D) Laugh it off loudly
Answer: B
Explanation: Apologizing shows courtesy and acknowledges the other person’s space, helping to diffuse any potential awkwardness.

4. Question: In a professional email, where should the recipient’s name be placed?
A) In the subject line
B) At the end of the body
C) In the greeting
D) Nowhere, to keep it concise
Answer: C
Explanation: Starting with a proper greeting that includes the recipient’s name adds a personal touch and demonstrates respect in professional communication.

5. Question: What should you do if you arrive late to a scheduled meeting?
A) Enter quietly and start participating immediately
B) Apologize briefly and take your seat
C) Blame traffic or other excuses
D) Pretend you were on time
Answer: B
Explanation: A brief apology acknowledges the disruption caused by your lateness and maintains professionalism without drawing undue attention.

6. Question: When giving a gift in many cultures, what is generally considered polite?
A) Expecting the gift to be opened immediately
B) Wrapping it nicely and including a card
C) Asking for something in return
D) Giving it without any presentation
Answer: B
Explanation: Nicely wrapping a gift and including a card shows thoughtfulness and respect for the recipient’s feelings.

7. Question: How should you handle your phone during a meal with others?
A) Keep it on the table and check it frequently
B) Silence it and put it away
C) Use it to take photos of the food
D) Place a call if it seems important
Answer: B
Explanation: Silencing your phone and putting it away promotes undivided attention and respect for the people you are with.

8. Question: What is the best practice for queuing in a public place?
A) Cut in line if you’re in a hurry
B) Maintain a reasonable distance and wait your turn
C) Start a conversation with the person in front
D) Hold your place by saving it for a friend
Answer: B
Explanation: Waiting your turn with proper spacing ensures fairness and prevents conflicts in shared spaces.

9. Question: When visiting someone’s home, what should you do upon arrival?
A) Walk in without knocking
B) Remove your shoes if asked and greet the host
C) Immediately ask for food or drinks
D) Sit down and make yourself comfortable
Answer: B
Explanation: Removing shoes when requested and greeting the host shows respect for their home and customs.

10. Question: In a conversation, what is the polite way to end if you’re not interested?
A) Walk away abruptly
B) Excuse yourself politely
C) Change the topic rudely
D) Keep talking to avoid offense
Answer: B
Explanation: Politely excusing yourself maintains goodwill and allows for a graceful exit without hurting feelings.

11. Question: What is the standard etiquette for tipping in a restaurant in many Western countries?
A) Never tip, as it’s included in the bill
B) Tip 15-20% of the bill for good service
C) Tip only if the service was exceptional
D) Tip the exact amount of the tax
Answer: B
Explanation: Tipping 15-20% is a common norm to show appreciation for service and support the server’s income.

12. Question: How should you address someone you don’t know well in a formal email?
A) Use their first name casually
B) Use “Dear [Full Name]” or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”
C) Start with “Hey”
D) Omit any greeting
Answer: B
Explanation: Using a formal greeting respects the professional relationship and sets a courteous tone.

13. Question: What is appropriate when borrowing something from a friend?
A) Keep it as long as you want without returning
B) Return it in the same condition promptly
C) Forget to mention you’re borrowing it
D) Sell it if you like it
Answer: B
Explanation: Returning borrowed items promptly and in good condition builds trust and maintains healthy relationships.

14. Question: In a social media post, what should you avoid to maintain etiquette?
A) Sharing personal achievements
B) Posting without tagging friends
C) Sharing sensitive information about others
D) Using emojis freely
Answer: C
Explanation: Avoiding the sharing of others’ sensitive information respects privacy and prevents unintended harm.

15. Question: What is the proper way to respond to an invitation you cannot attend?
A) Ignore it
B) Reply with a polite regret and thanks
C) Make up an excuse later
D) Attend anyway if you change your mind
Answer: B
Explanation: Responding with polite regret shows consideration for the inviter’s effort and keeps communication open.

16. Question: When in a library or quiet public space, what is the expected behavior?
A) Speak loudly on your phone
B) Whisper or remain silent
C) Play music out loud
D) Move furniture around
Answer: B
Explanation: Whispering or staying silent respects the need for quiet, allowing others to concentrate.

17. Question: How should you behave when someone is sharing personal problems with you?
A) Interrupt with your own stories
B) Listen actively and offer empathy
C) Change the subject quickly
D) Offer unsolicited advice immediately
Answer: B
Explanation: Active listening and empathy show support and strengthen interpersonal connections.

18. Question: What is the etiquette for public transportation seating?
A) Spread out to take more space
B) Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers
C) Eat messy food on the seat
D) Play loud music
Answer: B
Explanation: Offering your seat demonstrates courtesy and consideration for those who may need it more.

19. Question: When attending a wedding, what gift etiquette should you follow?
A) Give cash only if it’s a large amount
B) Bring a gift from the registry or a thoughtful item
C) Regift something from your home
D) Wait until after the event to give it
Answer: B
Explanation: Choosing a gift from the registry or something thoughtful honors the couple’s preferences and traditions.

20. Question: What is the best way to handle a disagreement in a group setting?
A) Argue loudly to prove your point
B) Express your view calmly and listen to others
C) Walk away without saying anything
D) Insult the other person’s opinion
Answer: B
Explanation: Expressing views calmly and listening promotes respectful dialogue and resolution.