Deck 3: Formation of Unilateral Contracts

Question 1

How does an offer of a unilateral contract differ from that of a bilateral contract?

A) An offer of a unilateral contract does not require acceptance to be communicated, but a bilateral one does.
B) The supply of consideration is not mandatory for the valid acceptance of an offer of a unilateral contract.
C) The informal nature of an offer of a unilateral contract means it is reserved for domestic transactions only, whereas a bilateral one is suitable for both domestic and commercial contracts.
D) An offer of a unilateral contract entails the offeror promising something in return for the offeree doing a specified act, but the offeree does not promise to do the act, whereas a bilateral contract involves an exchange of promises.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

A offers £300 in return for information about his missing dog. B, A's neighbour, witnessed the dog being abducted and duly informs A. In which scenario would B be entitled to the reward? Please select all that apply.

A) Whilst on the way to A's house, B sees a poster advertising the reward, but is uninterested.
B) B heard about a reward offered for a lost pet on the radio but did not realise the pet in question was A's dog.
C) B heard about the reward after informing A.
D) B learns about the reward during his conversation with A.

Answer 2

A,D

Question 3

In which of the following scenarios might an offeror revoke an offer of a unilateral contract without consequence? Please select all that apply.

A) At any point before the offeree has completed the requested act.
B) When the offeree has embarked upon the requested act but before any significant degree of progress has been achieved.
C) The offer expressly stated that the offeror was free to revoke it at any time and no benefit had been conferred on the offeror.
D) Before the offeree has begun to perform the requested act.

Answer 3

C,D

Question 4

O, an eccentric millionaire, offers a prize of £500,000 to anyone who can travel to the Himalayas and bring a plant sample back to her within two months. A takes up the challenge and invests a large sum into preparation for the journey. A week after setting off, and virtually certain to succeed in the task, A learns that O has revoked the offer. Does A have a remedy, and if so, what is the most likely remedy available?

A) Yes, A can sue O in an action for breach of contract for £500,000.
B) Yes, A can sue O for damages for breach of contract for the expense she has incurred.
C) Yes, she can still claim £500,000 if she completes the journey and returns with the sample before the stipulated deadline.
D) No, since she has not performed the requested act.

Question 5

An offeree can dispense with communication of an acceptance if he wishes.