UNDERSTANDING THE SELF - FINAL EXAM

The movie “3 Idiots” is a deeply inspiring and thought-provoking narrative that

explores the journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the pursuit of genuine
happiness. Set in an academically competitive engineering college, the story
revolves around three friends—Rancho, Farhan, and Raju—who struggle with
societal expectations, academic pressure, and personal challenges.
Rancho, the free-spirited protagonist, challenges the norms of traditional
education by prioritizing creativity, passion, and understanding over rote
learning and competition. The film highlights critical themes such as the
importance of pursuing one’s true passions, the devastating effects of academic
stress, and the value of a strong support system. It critiques rigid societal and
educational expectations while encouraging individuals to redefine success
based on personal fulfillment and well-being.
Ultimately, “3 Idiots” inspires viewers to reflect on their goals, relationships, and
mental health, reminding us that happiness lies in embracing our unique paths
and values.

After watching the movie, please answer the following questions thoughtfully
and comprehensively. Each question is worth “10 points” and is designed to
assess your understanding of the themes and lessons presented in the film.

Guidelines for Submission:

1. Paper Format: Use A4-sized bond paper for your responses.
2. Text Format: Font - Tahoma, Font Size: 11, Line Spacing - Single.
3. Language: Write your answers in clear and grammatically correct English.
4. Submission Deadline: Submit your responses on or before December
10, 2024. Online Submission: Upload your answers via Google
Classroom (GClass)
Hard Copy: Provide a printed hard copy directly to me.

Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the quality and timely
submission of your work.

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: Final 1 | Page

Examination INSTRUCTOR: Jericco A.
Paglinawan
 Here’s a rubric for evaluating the final exam responses in Understanding the
Self (UTS): Rubric for Evaluating Final Exam Responses

Criteria Content Critical Clarity and Language Adherence

and Thinkin Organizatio and to
Relevance g n Grammar Instructions
Excellent Response is Demonstrates Response is Language is Fully adheres
(10-9 points) insightful, exceptional well- fluent and to all
thoroughly analysis and structured professional, instructions
addresses original , logical, and with no or regarding
the thought, easy to minimal format,
question, providing follow; ideas grammatical length, and
and clear are errors. submission
demonstrat connections presented requirements.
es a deep between the clearly.
understandi movie and
ng of the personal
topic. reflections.
Proficient Response is Shows good Response is Language is Adheres to
(8-7 clear and analysis with mostly clear but most
points) mostly some organized, contains instructions
relevant, connections but some minor with minor
addressing between the ideas may grammatical deviations.
key aspects movie and lack clarity or spelling
of the personal or flow. errors.
question. experiences.
Satisfactory Response is Analysis is Response has Language is Partially follows
(6-5 points) partially basic noticeable occasionally instructions
relevant but with limited organization unclear, with but shows
lacks depth or unclear al issues or noticeable several
or misses connections unclear grammar and noticeable
key points. to the movie ideas. spelling errors.
or personal issues.
experiences.
Needs Response is Lacks analysis Response is Frequent Does not
Improveme off-topic, or disorganized grammatical follow
nt (4-0 lacks connections; , difficult to errors or instructions
points) relevance, response is follow, or unclear regarding
or overly lacks language that format,
demonstrate simplistic or coherence. hinders length, or
s minimal generic. understanding. submission.
understandi
ng

Scoring Guide:
Total Score: 50 points (10 points per criterion)
This rubric ensures a fair and detailed evaluation of each student's response
while encouraging critical thinking, clarity, and adherence to instructions.

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: Final 2 | Page

Examination INSTRUCTOR: Jericco A.
Paglinawan
FINAL EXAM Questions:

1. The movie emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s strengths and

aligning them with personal passions and career choices. Reflect on how
understanding your unique abilities can shape your decisions and lead to a
fulfilling life. Provide examples from the movie and relate them to your
own experiences.

When I watched 3 Idiots, one of the most powerful lessons I took away
was the importance of aligning my strengths and passions with my career
choices. Rancho’s journey really hit home for me—he wasn’t studying
engineering for the degree but because he genuinely loved learning. That
passion made him excel naturally, something I’ve experienced too.

2. Rancho’s belief in understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts

challenges traditional learning methods. Analyze how this mindset
contributes to his success in academics and life. How can you adopt this
approach in your own studies to enhance your learning and critical
thinking skills?

Rancho's success in 3 Idiots was largely due to his learning style, which
prioritized comprehension of ideas over memorization. In contrast to Chatur's
rote learning, he was able to simplify concepts, such as defining a machine.
This made me think about how memorizing information has frequently made
it more difficult for me to use it realistically. Rancho's innovative and useful
application of knowledge, such as creating the baby-delivery vacuum,
inspired me to reconsider my learning techniques and concentrate on gaining
a deeper comprehension.

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: Final 3 | Page

Examination INSTRUCTOR: Jericco A.
Paglinawan
 3. Joy Lobo’s tragic story highlights the severe impact of academic pressure
on mental health. Discuss the factors that contributed to his struggles and
propose solutions that students, educators, and institutions can implement
to create a more supportive and balanced academic environment.

Joy Lobo's story in 3 Idiots highlights the negative impact of academic

pressure on mental health. The rigorous academic system prioritized
performance over creativity and personal wellbeing, leading to despair and
fear of rejection. Institutions should prioritize mental health by offering
therapy and creating a safe space for students to discuss their difficulties.
Parents and institutions should set realistic goals, while educators should
prioritize holistic development, valuing creativity and abilities beyond just
academics.

4. The strong bond between Rancho, Farhan, and Raju plays a crucial role in
their personal growth and success. Examine how their friendship reflects
the importance of having a supportive network. How can positive
relationships contribute to your self-development and resilience in
challenging situations?

In "3 Idiots," Rancho, Farhan, and Raju's relationship showcases the

transformative power of a supportive network. Rancho's encouragement
inspired Farhan to pursue his passion for photography, while Raju's fear of
failure was overcome by his friends' belief and confidence. Their constant
support during tough times, like Raju's suicide attempt, exemplifies the
strength and stability of true connections. Positive partnerships like these
promote self-development by providing emotional support, encouragement,
and critical feedback. Surrounding oneself with supportive people helps
maintain motivation, overcome setbacks, and pursue goals with greater
dedication. Friends who believe in one can make a significant difference.

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: Final 4 | Page

Examination INSTRUCTOR: Jericco A.
Paglinawan
 5. Rancho’s mantra, “All is well,” serves as a reminder to stay positive and
calm during difficult times. Discuss how adopting this mindset can help
students effectively manage stress and uncertainties in their academic
and personal lives. Provide examples from the movie and suggest ways to
cultivate this perspective.

Rancho's "All is well" motto is a powerful strategy for managing anxiety

and uncertainty. It helps people relax during stressful situations, like
delivering a baby with makeshift instruments. It's crucial to control your
attitude under pressure, as it doesn't solve problems. To adopt this mindset,
remind yourself that worry won't solve problems and that there will be a
solution. Use deep breathing techniques and constructive self-talk when
overwhelmed. Rancho's story also demonstrates how perspective and humor
can make difficult situations more bearable. Maintaining composure can lead
to greater clarity and change the way we handle challenges.

UNDERSTANDING THE SELF: Final 5 | Page

Examination INSTRUCTOR: Jericco A.
Paglinawan