Wikipedia:RfA cheatsheet

On a request for adminship, there are three standard questions on every RfA. Although the page says they are optional, not answering them will bring lots of opposition to your candidacy. Additionally, there is a trend to add "stock" optional questions. Unlike the three "real" questions, these are generally questions which have a right answer, and if you answer it wrongly, your RfA will probably fail. Here is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions:

• What is the difference between a ban and a block?

The answer to this is found in the banning and blocking policies. Basically, a ban is something that is given to a very small number of users. It means that they cannot edit Wikipedia, ever, under any circumstances. Bans are given by ArbCom, the community, or Jimbo. A user is de facto banned if no admin will unblock. A block is something that occurs on Wikipedia pretty much all the time. It basically "blocks" the user from editing. It is designed to be preventative, such as against a vandal. It normally does not last long, and an indef-blocked user can return productively under another account if they choose. Blocks and bans can be of varying lengths, but bans are normally longer, and cannot be revoked without a discussion of some sort. Unlike blocks, bans are placed as a consensus of users, instead of just one admin.

• When should cool down blocks be used and why?

They should never be used. See the policy concerning this.