Problem: W: I contacted his office, but his secretary said he would be out for lunch until two. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: By the way, Jane, did you talk to the consultant about our health program?

Problem: W: Really? What was it? M: I was studying in the classroom when Tom came rushing in. W: Yes? M: He told me there was a telegram for me at the gate house! Someone was ill in my family. W: Goodness me! I hate telegrams. They seldom bring any good news. M: Yes, that's just how I felt. My legs turned to water, so I asked Tom to accompany me to the school gate. W: I can imagine how you felt. M: On my way to the school gate I was thinking terrible things. What could have happened at home, you know, and all that. W: Yes, of course. I understand. M: So when I tore the telegram open, my fingers were trembling. W: Dear me! M: But when I read the telegram, I just couldn't make heads or tails out of it. W: How strange! What did it say? M: It said: Return immediately. Uncle seriously ill. W: Oh, I am sorry to hear that. M: But the surprising part about it is that I have no uncle. W: Indeed! M: I could hardly believe my own eyes. But it was written there in black and white. Then I happened to glance at the address to a "Carl", not "Carol". W: Well, I never! M: You can never imagine how relieved I was. W: Yes. What a relief! But what did Tom have to say? M: Tom was so embarrassed. He kept apologizing all the way back. W: He has always been quite careless. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: Something very unusual happened to me this morning.

Problem: W: Yes, speaking? M: Hello, it is Eric from London. W: Hello, Eric. How can I help you? M: I'm fixing up on next project team meeting, and I just want to check some possible dates with you. W: Fine, let me just get my diary. Ok, which dates are you looking at? M: I've spoken to the others, and they prefer either the third week of May or the second week of June. W: Yeah, both of the weeks are pretty clear at the moment except for the 11th of June. M: Right, I've got that. W: So where is the meeting taking place this time? M: It was going to be in London. But I spoke to Carlos in Mexico City and he suggested Chicago. He thinks it will be more convenient for most of the team. W: He's probably right. It'll certainly be much easier for me as well. Because I can fly from Toronto, and I'm sure you can find a meeting room somewhere near the airport. M: That's a good idea. I'll check up some hotels in that area and get back to you towards the end of the week. W: Fine, but I'm not in the office on Friday. M: Ok, I'll call you later in the afternoon on Thursday. W: No problem. Bye. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: Is that Anne Shaw?

Problem: W: Yes, I am. So are all these people in front of me. M: Have you been here long? W: About 45 minutes. I've moved forward a total about 3 feet. M: Oh... W: Not at all. A young couple who have been waited for one hour ahead of me finally gave up and left. M: Does anyone know what caused the delay? W: There are just not enough people selling tickets this afternoon. M: I guess I should have come before lunch. W: Maybe you would meet the same thing because many people have been looking forward to it for a long time. M: Maybe it's true. What was said before this conversation?

A:
M: Excuse me. Are you waiting to buy today's film tickets?