TASK DEFINITION: In this task, you will be shown a conversation and a question. You need to answer the question and choose the correct option based on the conversation. "W" and "M" in the conversations stand for "woman" and "man".
PROBLEM: W: What a great day! Hey, Tom, do you want to go to the beach this weekend? M: Yeah, that is a great idea. Maybe Sara would like to come along with us. W: I doubt it. M: Why? You are kidding! You know, she loves watching the sea. W: But yesterday afternoon she told me that she would go home this Saturday. M: What happened? W: She said that her mother was ill and stayed in the hospital, and therefore she wanted to go home to see her. M: I am sorry to hear that. Well, What do you think? Should we take some food? W: That sounds great. Maybe we could have a picnic on the beach. Then let's take some sandwiches, chips, and uh...some salad as well. M: We should also take some drinks like Coke and beer. W: Good. In addition, we had better pack beach towels and sun cream. M: OK. Please don't forget to give me a call and let's go down together., Question: What does the man ask the woman to do at the end of the conversation? (A) Make a phone call to him. (B) Pack towels and sun cream. (C) Take some sandwiches.

SOLUTION: (A) Make a phone call to him.

PROBLEM: Car Salesman: Oh. Hi there. A beauty, isn't she? Woman: Well ... Car Salesman: Do you want to take her a test ride? Woman: Well ... Um. How old is it? Car Salesman: Well, it's only three years old? Woman: And what's the mileage? Car Salesman: Uh, let me check. Oh yes. 75,000 miles. Woman: 75,000 miles? That's quite a bit for a car that's only three years old. Car Salesman: Well, once you're in the driver's seat, you'll fall in love with her. Get in. Woman: Ugh ... Uh, I can't seem to get the door open. [Ah, it's okay.] It could be broken. Car Salesman: Ah, just give her a little tap. Ugh. Now she's opened. Woman: Great. A door I have to beat up to open. Car Salesman: Hey. Get in and start her up. [Woman tries to start the car ...] Car Salesman: [Um] Well, it's probably the battery. I know she has enough gas in her, and I had our mechanic check her out just yesterday. Try it again. Woman: Uh. It sounds a little rough to me. [Well ...] How much is this minivan anyway? Car Salesman: Oh. It's a real bargain today and tomorrow only at $15,775, plus you get the extended warranty covering defects, wear, and tear beyond the normal maintenance on the vehicle for an extra $500 for the next 30,000 miles. [Oh ...] with a few minor exclusions. Woman: Like ...? Car Salesman: Well, I mean, it covers everything except for the battery, and light bulbs, and brake drums, exhaust system, trim and moldings, upholstery and carpet, paint, tires ... Well, a short list, you know. Woman: Uh. Well, almost $16,000 is a little out of my price range, plus the seats covers are torn a little. Car Salesman: Well, hey, I might be able to talk the manager into lowering the price another two hundred dollars, but that's about all. Woman: No thanks. I think I'll just keep looking., Question: What is the problem with the minivan's door? (A) It has several scratches in it. (B) It will not open properly. (C) It is missing the door handle.

SOLUTION: (B) It will not open properly.

PROBLEM: M: Hello. W: Hi, Tom. This is Diana from the creative writing class. M: Oh, hi, Diana. What's up? W: Well, I have a new project which I thought you might be interested in. I'm setting up a writer's group, you know, a support group for people who are trying to get published. M: Well, how would it work? W: We get together once a week. I've already arranged for a meeting room in the library, and then we share what we were working on and offer each other some advice. M: I could use some advice. I'm working on a short story that I'd like to get published in the Campus Literature Review. You've done that, haven't you? Didn't I see a poem of yours in the last issue? W: Yes, I was so excited to finally see my work in print. It was presented three times. You just have to keep trying if they turn you down. M: Well, I'm sure the group could help me, but I don't know how much I can contribute. I'm just starting out. W: That's OK. I know from your comments in class that you will be a valuable member. We will get someone more experienced to help us, too. M: Sounds great. You can definitely count me in., Question: Why does Tom agree to join the group? (A) He can get his poems published. (B) He can contribute essays to the group. (C) He can get some advice from other members.

SOLUTION:
(C) He can get some advice from other members.