PLRD Security Officer Refresher Quiz (Singapore) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the key legal risk for a security officer who wrongfully detains a person without lawful justification?

No liability arises if the officer believed in good faith that the person was guilty
The officer's agency will bear full responsibility and the officer faces no consequence
The officer may only be disciplined internally by their agency
The officer may be liable for wrongful confinement under the Penal Code (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The officer may be liable for wrongful confinement under the Penal Code

Wrongful confinement is an offence under Section 342 of the Singapore Penal Code. A security officer who detains a person without lawful authority may face criminal charges personally.

Question 2: When handing over to the next shift, a security officer should:

Only handover if there were incidents during the shift
Leave notes on loose paper at the guard post
Provide a written handover in the Occurrence Book and brief the incoming officer (Correct answer)
Give a verbal briefing only to save time

Correct answer: Provide a written handover in the Occurrence Book and brief the incoming officer

A written handover in the Occurrence Book combined with a verbal briefing ensures continuity of information and that the incoming officer is fully aware of all relevant matters.

Question 3: What is a security officer's authority regarding arrests in Singapore?

Security officers can detain people for 24 hours
Security officers can make a citizen's arrest for seizable offences committed in their presence, but must hand the person to the police as soon as possible (Correct answer)
Only police can make arrests
Security officers can arrest anyone they suspect

Correct answer: Security officers can make a citizen's arrest for seizable offences committed in their presence, but must hand the person to the police as soon as possible

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, any person (including security officers) can arrest someone committing a seizable offence in their presence. The arrested person must be handed to the police without unnecessary delay.

Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a 'chain of custody' record when handling evidence at a security post?

To document who handled the evidence and when, ensuring its integrity (Correct answer)
To record the personal details of all staff on duty
To determine who is legally responsible for the loss
To track the financial value of recovered items

Correct answer: To document who handled the evidence and when, ensuring its integrity

A chain of custody record documents every person who handled the evidence and the time of transfer, ensuring the evidence has not been tampered with and remains admissible in court.

Question 5: If a security officer makes an error in a written incident report, the correct procedure is to:

Tear out the page and start on a new one
Erase the error completely if writing in pencil
Use correction fluid (white-out) to cover the mistake
Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correction

Drawing a single line through the error and initialling it maintains the integrity and authenticity of the document while showing the correction transparently.

Question 6: What should a security officer do upon discovering a suspicious package at a Singapore premises?

Do not touch or move the package, evacuate the immediate area, report to the supervisor and police, cordon off the area, and await bomb disposal experts (Correct answer)
Open the package to check its contents
Ignore it if it looks harmless
Throw the package away

Correct answer: Do not touch or move the package, evacuate the immediate area, report to the supervisor and police, cordon off the area, and await bomb disposal experts

Singapore takes bomb threats seriously. Never touch suspicious packages. Evacuate the area, cordon it off, report to security management and the police (999), and wait for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

Question 7: Which of the following activities requires a licence under Singapore's Private Security Industry Act?

Conducting in-house security training for employees
Performing fire warden duties in an office building
Installing CCTV cameras as a technical contractor
Providing guard dog services for a client's premises (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Providing guard dog services for a client's premises

Providing guard dog services is classified as a regulated security service under the Private Security Industry Act and requires a valid licence from PLRD.

Question 8: A security officer's licence is suspended by PLRD. What is the officer legally required to do?

Transfer to administrative duties within the agency
Stop performing security work immediately (Correct answer)
Continue working until formally notified in writing
Appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs before stopping work

Correct answer: Stop performing security work immediately

Once a security officer's licence is suspended, the officer must immediately cease performing security work. Continuing to work while suspended is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act.

Question 9: A security officer detains a suspected thief in a shopping mall. How long may the officer legally hold the person before handing them to the police?

Indefinitely as long as the mall management approves
Only for the shortest time necessary until police arrive (Correct answer)
Up to 24 hours if the person is uncooperative
Up to 6 hours before any legal obligation arises

Correct answer: Only for the shortest time necessary until police arrive

A citizen's arrest does not confer the right of prolonged detention. The officer must transfer the suspect to the police as quickly as possible. Extended detention without lawful authority constitutes wrongful confinement.

Question 10: Under the Singapore Private Security Industry Act, which authority is responsible for licensing security agencies and security officers?

Security Industry Regulatory Authority
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) (Correct answer)
Ministry of Manpower

Correct answer: Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD)

The Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD), under the Singapore Police Force, is the statutory authority responsible for licensing and regulating security agencies and security officers under the Private Security Industry Act.

Question 11: What is 'contraband screening' and when is it required at Singapore facilities?

Checking bags, packages, and persons for prohibited items using X-ray machines, metal detectors, or manual inspection at high-security facilities (Correct answer)
Only at airports
Only for international visitors
Never required at private premises

Correct answer: Checking bags, packages, and persons for prohibited items using X-ray machines, metal detectors, or manual inspection at high-security facilities

Some Singapore facilities (government buildings, events, critical infrastructure) require screening for weapons, explosives, and prohibited items using technology and manual checks as part of enhanced security measures.

Question 12: What should a security officer do when an access card system fails?

Close the building until repaired
Switch to manual access control procedures, verify identity through alternative means, log all entries manually, report the system failure, and request urgent technical support (Correct answer)
Leave all doors open
Let everyone in without checking

Correct answer: Switch to manual access control procedures, verify identity through alternative means, log all entries manually, report the system failure, and request urgent technical support

System failures require seamless transition to manual procedures: physical ID checks, manual logging, supervised access, and immediate notification to management and technical support for system restoration.

Question 13: When documenting witness statements during an incident, a security officer should:

Combine multiple witness accounts into a single narrative
Paraphrase the witness's words to make the report cleaner
Record the witness's exact words in quotation marks where possible (Correct answer)
Only record statements from witnesses who appear credible

Correct answer: Record the witness's exact words in quotation marks where possible

Recording exact words in quotation marks preserves the witness's original account and prevents distortion that could affect investigations or court proceedings.

Question 14: Which of the following best describes 'security work' as defined under Singapore's Private Security Industry Act?

Guarding or protecting any person, property, or premises against unlawful acts (Correct answer)
Providing IT infrastructure security consulting
Monitoring staff attendance records for an employer
Any work carried out inside a secure government building

Correct answer: Guarding or protecting any person, property, or premises against unlawful acts

The Private Security Industry Act defines 'security work' as work that involves guarding or protecting a person, property, or premises against unlawful acts such as theft, damage, or unlawful entry.

Question 15: What is a 'fire safety manager' and how does the security officer interact with them?

The security supervisor
A SCDF officer stationed at the building
A role that does not exist in Singapore
A registered professional responsible for the building's fire safety management plan; the security officer reports fire safety concerns and coordinates fire drills with them (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A registered professional responsible for the building's fire safety management plan; the security officer reports fire safety concerns and coordinates fire drills with them

Fire Safety Managers (FSMs) are registered with SCDF and responsible for the building's fire safety plan. Security officers report fire hazards to the FSM and support fire drills and emergency procedures.

Question 16: What information should be recorded in a visitor log at a Singapore security post?

Only the visitor's name
Nothing — visitor logs are optional
Only the time of entry
Name, NRIC/passport number, company, person to visit, purpose, time in, time out, vehicle number (if applicable), and visitor pass number (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Name, NRIC/passport number, company, person to visit, purpose, time in, time out, vehicle number (if applicable), and visitor pass number

A comprehensive visitor log provides an audit trail: who visited, when, why, and who they met. This information is crucial for security, emergency management, and investigation purposes.

Question 17: Under the Private Security Industry Act, how long is a standard security officer licence valid before renewal is required?

1 year
3 years
5 years
2 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2 years

A security officer licence in Singapore is typically valid for 2 years. Officers must renew their licence before expiry to continue working legally.

Question 18: What is 'access control' in security management?

Controlling vehicle speed
Controlling computer access only
Controlling the air conditioning
A system and procedures to regulate who can enter specific areas, when they can enter, and recording their movements (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A system and procedures to regulate who can enter specific areas, when they can enter, and recording their movements

Access control encompasses all measures — physical barriers, electronic systems, and procedural checks — used to regulate entry and exit of persons, vehicles, and materials to and from a premises.

Question 19: Under Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code, which of the following offences is classified as non-seizable, meaning it does NOT support a citizen's arrest?

Theft
Mischief causing minor property damage (Correct answer)
Voluntarily causing grievous hurt
Outrage of modesty

Correct answer: Mischief causing minor property damage

Mischief causing minor damage is typically a non-seizable offence, meaning police need a warrant to arrest for it and a citizen's arrest is not justified. Seizable offences like theft and outrage of modesty do support citizen's arrest.

Question 20: A security officer suspects a person of carrying a weapon. Which of the following is the correct course of action?

Alert the police immediately and keep the person under observation (Correct answer)
Ignore the suspicion unless an offence is actually committed
Physically restrain and search the person independently
Confront the person aggressively to make them reveal the weapon

Correct answer: Alert the police immediately and keep the person under observation

When a security officer suspects a person is carrying a weapon, the correct procedure is to alert the police and maintain surveillance without escalating the situation independently, as searching the person is not within the officer's legal authority.

Question 21: What is the minimum number of fire drills required per year in Singapore?

At least two fire drills per year as required under the Fire Safety Act (Correct answer)
None — fire drills are voluntary
One
Four — one per quarter

Correct answer: At least two fire drills per year as required under the Fire Safety Act

The Fire Safety Act requires at least two fire drills per year (every 6 months) for most commercial and residential buildings in Singapore. Security officers play key roles in organising and conducting drills.

Question 22: Which of the following would disqualify a person from obtaining a security officer licence in Singapore?

Having previously worked as a police officer
Being a permanent resident of Singapore
Having a criminal record for a violence-related offence (Correct answer)
Being above 50 years of age

Correct answer: Having a criminal record for a violence-related offence

A person with a criminal record, particularly for offences involving dishonesty or violence, would be disqualified from obtaining a security officer licence under the Private Security Industry Act.

Question 23: What documentation must a security officer maintain during their shift?

No documentation is required
An occurrence book/daily activity report recording all incidents, patrols, visitor details, deliveries, and unusual observations during the shift (Correct answer)
Only photographs of incidents
Only a sign-in sheet

Correct answer: An occurrence book/daily activity report recording all incidents, patrols, visitor details, deliveries, and unusual observations during the shift

The occurrence book (OB) is a critical record documenting all events: patrol times, incidents, visitor logs, deliveries, maintenance work, alarms, and handover notes for the next shift.

Question 24: If a security officer is unsure how to classify the severity of an incident for reporting purposes, the officer should:

Choose the lowest severity level to avoid unnecessary alarm
Consult their supervisor or refer to the site's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) (Correct answer)
Use their own judgment and file under any category
Skip the classification field and submit the report incomplete

Correct answer: Consult their supervisor or refer to the site's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

When uncertain, officers must consult their supervisor or the site SOP to ensure incidents are accurately classified, as wrong classification may delay the appropriate response.

Question 25: Which of the following should a security officer AVOID when writing an incident report?

Including the names and descriptions of all parties
Using jargon, abbreviations, or ambiguous terms (Correct answer)
Using clear and simple language
Recording the sequence of events chronologically

Correct answer: Using jargon, abbreviations, or ambiguous terms

Jargon and ambiguous terms can cause misunderstandings; reports should use clear, plain language that any reader can understand, including those unfamiliar with security terminology.

Question 26: After making a citizen's arrest, what must a security officer do with the arrested person?

Detain the person indefinitely until the client gives instructions
Hand over the person to the police without unnecessary delay (Correct answer)
Conduct a full investigation before contacting the police
Release the person if they promise not to repeat the offence

Correct answer: Hand over the person to the police without unnecessary delay

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, a person making a citizen's arrest must hand the arrested individual over to the police as soon as possible and without unnecessary delay.

Question 27: What is a 'tailgating' security threat?

Following a vehicle too closely
A social media threat
A type of cybercrime
When an unauthorised person enters a secured area by following closely behind an authorised person without using their own credentials (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When an unauthorised person enters a secured area by following closely behind an authorised person without using their own credentials

Tailgating (or piggybacking) occurs when someone follows an authorised person through a controlled access point without using their own credentials. This is a common security vulnerability.

Question 28: Which of the following is a seizable offence under Singapore law that would allow a citizen's arrest?

Using vulgar language
Trespassing on private property
Robbery (Correct answer)
Littering in a public area

Correct answer: Robbery

Robbery is a seizable offence under the Penal Code, which means it allows for arrest without a warrant and supports a citizen's arrest if witnessed by the security officer.

Question 29: Which of the following is the MOST important principle when writing an incident report as a security officer in Singapore?

Summarise events without specific times or dates
Write the report from memory several days later
Record only facts that are accurate and observed firsthand (Correct answer)
Include personal opinions and assumptions

Correct answer: Record only facts that are accurate and observed firsthand

Incident reports must be factual and based on direct observation to be accurate and credible in any subsequent investigation or legal proceeding.

Question 30: Can a security officer search a detained person's belongings following a citizen's arrest in Singapore?

Yes, if the client company's policy allows for searches
Yes, but only with the permission of their supervisor
No, only a police officer has the authority to conduct a lawful search (Correct answer)
Yes, a security officer may search anyone they detain

Correct answer: No, only a police officer has the authority to conduct a lawful search

Under Singapore law, only police officers have the statutory authority to conduct searches of a detained person. A security officer conducting an unauthorised search may face criminal liability.

Question 31: What types of electronic access control systems are commonly used in Singapore?

Only combination locks
Only key locks
Card readers, biometric systems (fingerprint, facial recognition), keypads, QR code scanners, and integrated security management systems (Correct answer)
Only padlocks

Correct answer: Card readers, biometric systems (fingerprint, facial recognition), keypads, QR code scanners, and integrated security management systems

Modern Singapore buildings use electronic access control: proximity cards, biometric scanners, PIN keypads, QR codes, and integrated systems that log all access events for security and audit purposes.

Question 32: What is the proper procedure for visitor registration at a Singapore security post?

Only check visitors during working hours
Wave visitors through without checking
Only ask for their name
Verify visitor identity, check if they have an appointment, record their details, issue a visitor pass, and inform the host of their arrival (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Verify visitor identity, check if they have an appointment, record their details, issue a visitor pass, and inform the host of their arrival

Proper visitor management includes verifying ID (NRIC/passport), confirming the appointment with the host, recording details in the visitor log, issuing a temporary pass, and briefing on any security rules.

Question 33: A security officer is attacked by a person wielding a knife. Which response is legally permissible under Singapore's right of private defence?

Using sufficient force to repel the attack and protect oneself (Correct answer)
Only using verbal commands to de-escalate the situation
Running away and filing a police report the next day
Using any available force including lethal means regardless of proportion

Correct answer: Using sufficient force to repel the attack and protect oneself

When facing an attack that may cause death or grievous hurt, such as a knife attack, the right of private defence under the Penal Code permits using force sufficient to repel the attack, including force that could cause death.

Question 34: What does the acronym 'SMEAC' stand for in the context of security reporting and briefings?

Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, Command (Correct answer)
Surveillance, Monitoring, Evidence, Assessment, Communication
Security, Management, Emergency, Access, Control
Safety, Method, Evidence, Arrest, Custody

Correct answer: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, Command

SMEAC (Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Logistics, Command and Signal) is a standard briefing format used in security and military contexts.

Question 35: What is the key responsibility of a security officer during a building evacuation?

Remain at the control room to monitor CCTV during the evacuation
Accompany the most important persons to safety before others
Wait at the main entrance to count evacuees as they exit
Direct occupants to the nearest safe exit and ensure no one remains in the evacuated area (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Direct occupants to the nearest safe exit and ensure no one remains in the evacuated area

During an evacuation, the security officer's responsibility is to guide all occupants to the nearest safe exit and to sweep the area to ensure no one is left behind, including people with mobility difficulties.

Question 36: Under the Singapore Penal Code, a private person may use force to defend property. What condition limits this right?

Force is only permitted after the property has been damaged
Force may be used freely to protect any property regardless of its value
The force used must not be intended to cause death or grievous hurt unless the defence is against deadly assault (Correct answer)
The right of private defence of property is unlimited

Correct answer: The force used must not be intended to cause death or grievous hurt unless the defence is against deadly assault

The right of private defence of property under the Singapore Penal Code is subject to clear limits. Force likely to cause death or grievous hurt is only justified in specific circumstances such as robbery or housebreaking by night.

Question 37: Under the Private Security Industry Act, what must a security agency do before deploying a security officer on a new assignment?

Obtain approval from the client's insurers
Verify that the officer holds a valid and current licence (Correct answer)
Notify PLRD at least 48 hours in advance
Require the officer to complete a new background check

Correct answer: Verify that the officer holds a valid and current licence

A security agency is legally obligated to verify that every security officer they deploy holds a valid licence. Deploying an unlicensed officer is an offence under the Private Security Industry Act.

Question 38: Under Singapore law, what is the guiding principle for a security officer's use of force?

Force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced (Correct answer)
Any force is permitted when protecting client property
Force is only permitted if authorised in writing by the client
Maximum force should be used to deter future offenders

Correct answer: Force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced

Singapore law requires that any use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat. Excessive or disproportionate force can result in criminal liability for the security officer.

Question 39: In Singapore, if a security officer witnesses a crime in progress, what is the FIRST action regarding documentation?

Only document after the police have concluded their investigation
Mentally note key details immediately and document them as soon as safely possible (Correct answer)
Ask a colleague to document it while you observe
Wait until the end of the shift to write the report

Correct answer: Mentally note key details immediately and document them as soon as safely possible

Memory fades quickly, so mentally noting key details immediately and documenting them as soon as safe ensures accuracy while the incident is fresh.

Question 40: Under what circumstances should a security officer submit a 'Near Miss' report?

Only when property damage exceeds S$1,000
Whenever an incident could have resulted in harm but fortunately did not (Correct answer)
Only when a serious injury occurs
Near miss incidents do not require reporting

Correct answer: Whenever an incident could have resulted in harm but fortunately did not

Near miss reports are vital for identifying hazards and preventing future incidents; they allow management to address risks before an actual injury or damage occurs.

Question 41: What is the purpose of a visitor pass in Singapore security management?

Only required for government buildings
To allow free access to all areas
It is a souvenir for visitors
To identify authorised visitors on the premises, control their movement to designated areas, and ensure all visitors are accounted for and exit properly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To identify authorised visitors on the premises, control their movement to designated areas, and ensure all visitors are accounted for and exit properly

Visitor passes serve multiple purposes: identification of authorised visitors, restriction of movement to approved areas, accountability (matching passes to visitor log), and ensuring proper check-out.

Question 42: What are the emerging security technologies being adopted in Singapore?

AI-powered video analytics, facial recognition, drone surveillance, IoT sensors, robotic patrols, and integrated security management platforms (Correct answer)
Only guard dogs
Only traditional CCTV
Only metal detectors

Correct answer: AI-powered video analytics, facial recognition, drone surveillance, IoT sensors, robotic patrols, and integrated security management platforms

Singapore is at the forefront of security technology adoption: AI analytics detect anomalies in CCTV feeds, facial recognition enhances access control, drones patrol large areas, and IoT sensors monitor environmental threats.

Question 43: Under Singapore law, what is a security officer's power of arrest in a private premises context?

A security officer can arrest anyone suspected of any offence
A security officer has the same arrest powers as a police officer
A security officer cannot make any arrest under any circumstances
A security officer may make a citizen's arrest if a seizable offence is committed in their presence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A security officer may make a citizen's arrest if a seizable offence is committed in their presence

Security officers in Singapore have no special statutory arrest powers but may exercise citizen's arrest powers under Section 64 of the Criminal Procedure Code if a seizable offence is committed in their presence.

Question 44: What is the security officer's role during a delivery at the premises?

Verify the delivery against a purchase order, check the delivery person's identity, inspect goods if required, record the delivery details, and notify the recipient (Correct answer)
Only sign for the delivery
Accept all deliveries without checking
Refuse all deliveries after business hours

Correct answer: Verify the delivery against a purchase order, check the delivery person's identity, inspect goods if required, record the delivery details, and notify the recipient

Delivery management includes verifying the order, checking driver identification, inspecting goods for damage or discrepancies, recording details in the log, and notifying the recipient to collect.

Question 45: What should security officers know about sprinkler systems in Singapore buildings?

Individual sprinkler heads activate only when heat reaches their activation temperature; each head operates independently; never obstruct sprinkler heads (Correct answer)
All sprinklers activate at once during a fire
Security officers maintain sprinkler systems
Sprinklers are optional

Correct answer: Individual sprinkler heads activate only when heat reaches their activation temperature; each head operates independently; never obstruct sprinkler heads

A common misconception is that all sprinklers activate together. In reality, each head activates independently when heated to its rated temperature (typically 68°C). Security must ensure nothing obstructs the sprinkler heads.

Question 46: What is a 'key management' system in security operations?

A systematic process for issuing, tracking, storing, and auditing all keys and access cards to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain accountability (Correct answer)
A musical key system
A master lock brand
A typing speed test

Correct answer: A systematic process for issuing, tracking, storing, and auditing all keys and access cards to prevent unauthorised entry and maintain accountability

Key management involves secure storage (key cabinet), a sign-out/sign-in log, accountability for each key, regular audits, and procedures for lost keys. It is fundamental to physical security.

Question 47: What is the purpose of an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) at a secured premises?

To provide a list of clients who must be notified in any emergency
To set out the disciplinary procedures for officers who mishandle emergencies
To document the security agency's insurance coverage for emergencies
To outline procedures for responding to various emergencies to minimise harm and ensure orderly response (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To outline procedures for responding to various emergencies to minimise harm and ensure orderly response

An ERP provides a structured, pre-planned framework for responding to different types of emergencies, reducing response time and ensuring all personnel act consistently to minimise harm.

Question 48: What must a security officer do if a person they have detained claims they are being wrongfully held?

Release the person to avoid any legal complications
Handcuff the person to prevent escape while investigating the claim
Ignore the claim and wait for the client's instructions
Call the police immediately to take over custody (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Call the police immediately to take over custody

When a detained person disputes the lawfulness of their detention, the security officer must promptly contact the police to assume responsibility, as the officer has no authority to adjudicate such claims.

Question 49: A security officer uses excessive force to detain a shoplifting suspect, causing injury. What is the likely legal consequence?

The officer's employer bears sole legal responsibility
The officer may be charged with voluntarily causing hurt under the Penal Code (Correct answer)
No consequence arises if the officer acted in good faith
The officer is protected because the suspect was committing a crime

Correct answer: The officer may be charged with voluntarily causing hurt under the Penal Code

Use of force must be proportionate to the threat. Excessive force that causes injury can result in a charge of voluntarily causing hurt under the Penal Code, regardless of whether the detained person was guilty of an offence.

Question 50: What is the minimum age requirement for a person to be licensed as a security officer in Singapore?

25 years old
21 years old
16 years old
18 years old (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 18 years old

Under the Private Security Industry Act, a person must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a security officer licence in Singapore.

PLRD Security Officer Refresher Quiz (Singapore)

The PLRD Security Officer Refresher Quiz is a mandatory online assessment administered by POLWEL under the Singapore Police Force. All licensed security officers in Singapore must pass this quiz to renew their security officer licence, covering laws, security procedures, powers of arrest, and industry regulations under the Private Security Industry Act.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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You can skip questions and return to them later
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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
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