M: I don't really trust big advertisers, so... W: Oh, it's not like that. We're a small nonprofit organization, and we're hoping to save our local papers and all the jobs they create. M: Oh, that's an awesome cause! Fire away! W: Great. So, tell me what you like about newspapers. M: Well, there is a certain feel to holding a paper and turning the pages. The touch and sound of the paper as I fold it are so pleasant... A tablet can't give you this kind of feeling at all. W: Do you usually read the whole paper or go through different sections to pick out your favorite articles? M: I like being able to look around and find what I want. I can do this very quickly with a newspaper, but online news is tough for me to sort through. It takes me forever just to find something good, and sometimes when I do, it turns out to be something different! W: Do you dislike anything about your newspaper? M: Well, the only thing I can think of is all the ads nowadays. But it's even worse online, so I guess the answer is no! What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: Excuse me, sir. I notice you're reading a newspaper. Can I ask you some questions for a market research project?
Q: W: Bob, it has been a long time, hasn't it? It must be at least a year. M: No. We talked at the Johnson's Christmas party last December. Don't you remember? W: That's right. Well, how are you? Still working for the Germen company? M: No. I changed my job about 4 months ago. I'm with the World Bank now. How about you? W: I'm still working at the University, but I transferred from the German Department to the Spanish Department. M: Don't you tell me you speak Spanish, too? W: Sure. I grew up in Spain, you know. German was what I studied in college. M: All I have ever managed to learn is a little Italian. W: Oh. excuse me, someone is knocking at the door. I'll talk to you again later, Bob. M: It was nice talking to you, Ann. What was said before this conversation?
A: M: Why, Ann, I haven't seen you for ages. How have you been?
Question: M: I can't go right now. I have an appointment with my doctor. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: W: let's go playing ping-pong ball.
[Q]: W: We'll have to leave that decision up to him. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: Do you think we should urge Bob to study English?
input: Please answer the following: M: Oh, I planned to take the 8:50 train. But the manager phoned me at about 8:15 and asked me to deal with something urgent. When I finished it, it was already 9:50. W: So you had to take the 10:30 train. Right? M: Yes. But when I hurried to the railway station, I was told the train would be delayed for fifteen minutes. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++
output: W: When did you leave for Beijing last Sunday?
W: Not really...I'm sorry our holiday is over. We had a great time, didn't we? M: Mmm...it was OK. The weather wasn't as good as I'd hoped. It started to get cloudy in the last two days. I remember the forecast was for bright sunshine the whole week! W: Well,most of the week was like that. We only had a little rain,right? M: Yeah...The food in the hotel was delicious,but it was priced too high. Next time,we should stay at a cheap hotel. W: Yeah,but the waiters were very helpful,I must say. When I asked for black tea,they sent some up to our room in a while. M: Mmm...that's true. W: But I don't know why the air conditioner didn't work. It was so hot! M: It didn't help when we opened the windows,either. It didn't cool the room down at all. W: Well,that was the only thing that didn't work properly. M: Right,well,it happens sometimes. W: So...what should we do for our next holiday then? We can go somewhere else - Asia or Europe? M: Well,I would rather we go to Africa again. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer:
M: Phew! Home at last! I'm glad to be back, aren't you?