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: You know I've often wondered why people laugh at the picture of a big belly businessman slipping on a banana skin and falling on his bottom. We are to feel sorry for them. M: Actually, Laura, I think we laugh because we are glad it didn't happen to us. But of course there is also a kind of humorous satisfaction in seeing somebody self-important making a fool of themselves. W: Yes, and there are a lot of jokes about people who are too fat or physically handicapped, you know, deaf, or short-sighted things like that. After all, it's not really funny to be like that. M: Oh, I think that's because we're embarrassed. We don't know how to cope with the situation. Perhaps we are even a bit frightened we may get like that, so we laugh. M: What about the custard pie routine? W: What do you mean 'custard pie routine'? M: You know, all those old films where someone gets so outraged with his boss, He picks up a custard pie and plasters it all over the other person's face. W: That never makes me laugh much, because you can guess what's going to happen. But a lot of people still find it laughable. It must because of the sort of the thing we'd all love to do once in a while and never quiet have the courage to. M: I had an old aunt who used to throw cups of tea at people when she was particularly irritated. She said it relieved her feelings. W: It must have come a bit expensive. M: Not really. She took care never to throw her best china., Question: Why do many people find it funny to see someone throwing a custard pie on their boss's face? (A) They themselves would like to do it but don't dare to. (B) It's an opportunity for relieving their tension. (C) It's a rare chance for them to see the boss lose face.

SOLUTION: (A) They themselves would like to do it but don't dare to.

PROBLEM: M: Hello, and welcome to our program "Working Abroad". Our guest this evening is a Londoner, who lives and works in Italy. Her name's Susan Hill. Susan, welcome to the program. You live in Florence, how long have you been living there? W: Since 1982. But when I went there in 1982, I planned to stay for only 6 months. M: Why did you change your mind? W: Well, I'm a designer. I design leather goods, mainly shoes, and handbags. Soon after I arrived in Florence, I got a job with one of Italy's top fashion houses, Ferregamo. So, I decided to stay. M: How lucky! Do you still work for Ferregamo? W: No, I've been a freelance designer for quite a long time now. Since 1988, in fact. M: So, does that mean you design for several different companies now? W: Yes, that's right. I've designed many fashion items for a number of Italian companies, and during the last four years, I've also been designing for the British company, Burberry's. M: What have you been designing for them? W: Mostly handbags, and small leather goods. M: Has the fashion industry in Italy changed since 1982? W: Oh, yes. It has become a lot more competitive. Because of quality of products from other countries has improved a lot. But the Italian quality and design is still world-famous. M: And do you ever think of returning to live in England? W: No, not really. Working in Italy is more interesting. I also love the Mediterranean sun and the Italian life style. M: Well, thank you for talking to us, Susan. W: It was a pleasure., Question: What has the woman been doing for a living since 1988? (A) Designing fashion items for several companies. (B) Modeling for a world-famous Italian company. (C) Working as an employee for Ferragamo.

SOLUTION: (A) Designing fashion items for several companies.

PROBLEM: W: 911. M: Help. I need some help! W: Yes sir. Can you tell me what is happening? M: I'm at the university and a student of mine suddenly fell down, knocked her head on the step, and fainted right at this very moment. W: Yes sir. Can you tell me exactly where you are? M: On the...on the ...I'm sorry, I'm too nervous right now. We're on the second floor of Cutler Hall, Room 211. W: I understand, sir. May I have your name and the student's name? M: Her name is...uh...Anita Rivera. And my name's Lawrence Clark. I'm a professor here at the university. W: Okay, who is there with you? M: Um, Anita and two other students. They're watching her while I call. Do you think we should drive her to the hospital? W: No, an ambulance is already on its way. It should be there very soon. M: Uh, what should we do while we wait for it to come? W: Just keep her calm and warm. M: Okay, well do that. Thank you., Question: What is the man advised to do with Anita before help arrives? (A) Inform her family of the situation. (B) Keep her calm and warm. (C) Drive her to hospital.

SOLUTION:
(B) Keep her calm and warm.