input question: M: That's true. It is such an interesting novel. I've read it twice. What was said before this conversation????
output answer: W: It is said that this novel has been translated into several languages.
M: Well, yeah. There are a few here that might interest us. Here's one for just four hundred dollars. It only has one bedroom, but it sounds nice, near Lake Street. W: Yeah. Let me see what the cheapest two-bedroom apartment is. Oh, here's one on Market Street. It's a real bargain. Only three hundred and fifty dollars. But it doesn't have any furniture. M: Well, it costs a lot to buy all the furniture. W: Oh, here's another one for just over four hundred dollars. This sounds very interesting! It's on South Street. That's a nice area. M: Yes, it's quiet. Did you say two bedrooms? W: Yes, at four hundred and fifteen dollars. M: Why don't we go and have a look? W: Okay, I'll give them a call. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: Anything interesting in the paper today, dear?
Q: M: Well, I should be. I've lived here all my life. What are you looking for? W: The Post Office. M: Well, the nearest one is about a mile away. W: Oh. Well, I guess I could send a letter. M: There's a mail box up the street. Have you already got a stamp on that letter? W: Yes, I have to register it. How do I walk to the post office from here? M: Go up this street until you get to the main street. Then turn right and walk about four blocks or so. W: Thank you for your help. M: The post office entrance is inside a building complex with some other offices. W: I'm sure I'll find it. If I get lost, I'll ask again. M: There's an American flag out front, and a sign: The U.S. Post Office. W: Thanks again. Bye. What was said before this conversation?
A: W: Pardon me. Are you familiar with this neighborhood?
Question: Phil: Yes, and what an experience. Nate: What do you mean? Phil: Well, it's nothing like visiting a swimming pool in the States. Nate: Well, what do you do when you go to a public bath? Phil: First, you take off your shoes before you enter. Nate: Okay. Phil: Then, you pay an entrance fee to the man or woman at the front counter. [Um-huh]. Next, you get undressed in the dressing room. And I was very surprised ... and a little embarrassed to see that the woman who took my money was sitting on a platform where she had a clear view of the men's side of the dressing room. [Really?] This allows the workers to keep an eye on the patrons' belongings while they are in the bath. Nate: Wow. And do you wear a bathing suit or something? Phil: Oh no! You don't wear anything. Then you go into the main bathing area and wash your body while sitting on a small stool about 40 centimeters high. Nate: On a stool!? Phil: Yeah. It was really hard getting used to bathing in that position. Sometimes, even, people wash each other's backs. Nate: Oh really. So, what do you do after that? Phil: Well, after you've rinsed off all the soap, they usually have two or three large baths where you can soak for a while. Nate: Do you actually share the bath with other people? Phil: Yeah. Traditionally, the bath played an important role in the community. It gave neighbors an opportunity to socialize while bathing. Nate: Huh. Interesting. Phil: When you're all done bathing, people relax in the dressing room by watching TV, drinking tea or juice, or talking to friends. It's quite an experience. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: Nate: Hey Phil: Have you ever been to a Japanese public bath? I hear it's quite an experience.
[Q]: Man: Please Kathy, can I borrow ten dollars? I'll buy him a new one and I will clean up your room. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: Woman: Oh, it's broken! Jacky is not going to be happy when he sees this. It's his favorite CD! He'll tell mum.
Problem: Given the question: Car Owner: Uh, hi. Yes, I'm having a problem with my car, and it doesn't seem to run right. I mean every time I start it up, the engine runs for a minute or so, sputters like it isn't getting enough gas, and then dies. Mechanic: Hmmm. Okay. Let's open the hood, and let's take a look... Okay, start her up. [Engine starting...] Okay, Okay. Shut her off. Hmmm. [So...] Let me look at the book here... [It] sounds like a possible fuel line, a dirty carburetor, bad alternator, or even a weak battery. Car Owner: So, which one is it? Mechanic: Uhh. Difficult to say. Let me try this... Uh, alright... You need to talk to the mechanic. Car Owner: The mechanic! So, who are you? Mechanic: Well, I'm the assistant, and I've only been here on the job for two days. Car Owner: So, why didn't you tell me that in the first place? I mean, I wouldn't have wasted all this time! Mechanic: You didn't ask. Car Owner: Okay, so how much is it going to cost? Mechanic: Ah. Difficult to say. [That's what you said about the last thing!] Are you a local or from out of town? Car Owner: I'm just passing through, and this is the only place for miles. [Yeah, that's right.] Man, can't you see my license plate? [Sure did!] Mechanic: Okay. The out-of-town rate. Let's see. Okay, here we go. If it's a fuel line, that'll be $100... No, no, That's the local rate. Here, $200 for the pre-screening check, $150 for parts, plus or minus $100, and $75 an hour for labor. Oh, oh yeah. Today's a holiday, so labor is actually $50 more per hour. Car Owner: Huh? Those prices are outrageous, and what holiday is it today? Mechanic: Oh, it's the local pumpkin festival. Car Owner: Ah, come on. I can't believe this. Of all my luck, my car breaks down in an out-of-the-way town [That's right.], and it'll cost an arm and a leg to get my car fixed. Mechanic: Ah, we'll take care of you. Just bring the car back on Tuesday so Mike, our mechanic, can take a look at it. Car Owner: Why not today? It's only 11:00 a.m.! Mechanic: Ahh, we close at 11:30 a.m. on... What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
Mechanic: What can we do for you today?