Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
In 2002 , the West Nile virus infected 4,000 people and took 284 lives in the United States .
In contrast , he said , West Nile virus made 4,156 people ill and killed 284 in the United States and Canada last year .
A:
no

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
In the first hour of trading , the Dow Jones industrial average was up 34 points to 9,107 , while the Nasdaq composite index rose 2 points to 1,612 .
The Dow Jones industrial average was up 17 points to 9,090 , while the Nasdaq composite index fell 10 points to 1,601 .
A:
no

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
" The United States welcomes a greater NATO role in Iraq 's stabilization , " Mr. Powell told his colleagues in a speech today .
" The United States welcomes a greater NATO role in Iraq 's stabilization , " Mr. Powell said in a speech to fellow NATO ministers .
A:
yes

Q:
Do these sentences have the same meaning?
" I 'm pleased by the fact that we are bringing this to a conclusion , " he said .
" I 'm pleased we are bringing it to a conclusion , " Garton said .
A:
yes