Observations of a youth worker

There are a few things that I can't help notice when doing youth work. One of my observations is that young people aren't always great at listening and often respond to the question that they think was asked or should have been asked. This is the classic....

Amanda: 'There is loads of mess here. I don't want to know who did it, but will someone please clear it up? Here's a dustpan and brush.'

Young people: 'It was .... (various finger pointing ensues as they all grass on each other).

Amanda: 'That wasn't my question. Maybe you could clear it up even if you didn't make the mess.'

Young people: ????????? (confused and perturbed looks).

Anyone got any more of these? Young people - maybe you have got some thoughts from the other perspectives, something that adults always do/say without fail...?