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Hell and Back

Make one clear request

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HAB University

Real-life education for life during and after incarceration.

Lesson 5 of 6 · about 7 minutes

Make one clear request

I already know this — skip it

What is it?

A clear request names a specific action rather than expecting the other person to guess.

Why would I need this?

Practice discussing a manageable issue instead of every disagreement at once.

Show me.

  1. Choose one issue.
  2. Describe what happened without guessing the other person’s intention.
  3. Say what you are asking for now.
  4. Let them answer and clarify what each of you agreed to.

Try it.

Practice asking a housemate for a quieter hour during an online class.

Watch out for this.

You can request a change, but you cannot assume the other person has agreed.

Explain this another way

Focus on one small task: make one clear request. You can practice aloud, on paper, or with someone you trust.

Show me an example

HAB practice example: Alex says: “My class is from six to seven. Could we keep the television lower during that hour?”

What does that word mean?Open the full glossary

You did it.

You have practiced a useful next step. Repeat it if you want, or continue at your own pace.

Related lessons

Ask for a pause and a return time
Check what each person actually agreed to

Put this lesson into practice

Open the related HAB helper →My HAB / saved work

Take the next step

Location-specific HAB resource connection: not connected yet. No local eligibility, facility rule, or service availability is assumed here.

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Lesson version 1 · editorial review 2026-09-12. General education. Individual requirements can differ.

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