Problem: Given the question: W: That's right. Well, the report basically look into the various beliefs that people hold about old age and tries to prove them. M: And what do you think your report can achieve? W: We hope that it will somehow help people to change their feelings about old age. The problem is that far too many of us believe that most old people are poor, lonely, and unhappy. As a result, we tend to find old people, as a group, unattractive. And this is very dangerous for our society. M: But surely we cannot escape the fact that many old people are lonely and many are sick. W: No, we can't. But we must also remember that the proportion of such people is no greater among the 60-70 age group than among the 50-60 age group. M: In other words, there is no more mental illness, for example, among the 60s-70s than among the 50s-60s. W: Right! M: Are people's mental abilities affected by old age? W: Certain changes do take place as we grow older, but this happens throughout life. These changes are very gradual and happen at different times with different people, but, in general, if you know a person well in his middle age and have seen how he deals with events and problems, you will easily recognize him in an old age. M: So that someone who enjoys new experiences, travel, education, and so on in his middle years will usually continue to do so into old age? W: Exactly. What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
M: Today, we have Professor McKay on our morning talk show. Good morning, Professor McKay. I've heard that you and your team have just completed a report on old age.

Problem: Given the question: W: No, I missed it. What did you learn about them? M: That they glue themselves to rocks in the ocean, shortly after birth. They also stay in the same place forever. W: Right, have you ever tried removing one of those things? It would be easier to chip the rock away than to get the barnacles off. M: Exactly, and that's why scientists are trying to figure out what the barnacles glue is made of. It's considered one of the strongest adhesives in nature. W: And it would have the advantage of being able to work on wet surfaces too. M: Precisely, and because it's natural protein, it probably wouldn't be harmful to people like so many synthetic glues in use today. W: Think of all the ways doctors and dentists could use such a glue, mending broken bones, fasting false teeth. M: There could be countless uses. Scientists hope to learn soon exactly how the glue is made, so that people can make use of it. What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
M: Did you watch the TV special about barnacles last night?

Problem: Given the question: W: We have some nice socks that match. What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
M: I'll take this suit. It fits me really well. And I like the shirt and the tie, too.