TASK DEFINITION: In this task, you're given a statement and three sentences as choices. Your job is to determine the neutral choice based on your inference from the statement and your commonsense knowledge. The neutral choice is a sentence that neither agrees nor disagrees with the statement. Indicate your answer as '1', '2', or '3', corresponding to the choice number of the selected sentence. If sentence X agrees with sentence Y, one's correctness follows from the other one. If sentence X disagrees with sentence Y, they can not be correct at the same time.
PROBLEM: Statement: The 18th century was not a good time for the native Irish, but the Protestant Ascendancy flourished. Choices: 1. During the 18th century, the Protestant Ascendancy flourished. 2. The 18th century was a time of great joy for the native irish. 3. The Protestant Ascendancy was embraced by many during the 18th century.

SOLUTION: 3

PROBLEM: Statement: Slate 's Sarah Kerr says that for someone so bent on unmasking pieties, Smiley is not above her own kind of sanctimony. Choices: 1. Smiley is bent on unmasking pieties. 2. Sarah Kerr thinks Smiley is contradictory. 3. Smiley is known for hiding pieties and trying not to be sanctimonious.

SOLUTION: 2

PROBLEM: Statement: Certainly not. We all trooped out into the corridor, leaving the two doctors alone, and I heard the key turned in the lock behind us.  Choices: 1. We stayed with the doctors.  2. We left the two doctors alone and locked the door.  3. The doctors conducted their work. 

SOLUTION:
3