[Q]: M: It did, but not as much as experts have predicted. It seems to have had a beneficial effect as well. W: Really? But were crop losses great? M: Yes, However, since the weather following the eruption was unexpectedly good, some crop yields remained steady or even increased beyond normal expectancy levels. W: I'm glad to hear that. But what was the beneficial effect you mentioned? M: A mass destruction of various insect populations. W: How could the ash kill insects without effecting people too? M: It's highly abrasive and quickly wears away the outer wax layer, protecting insects bodies. Removal of that layer causes the insects to lose body moisture by evaporation, the result is usually lethal. W: How about that? Sounds like an effective yet natural insecticide. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: W: The volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Saint Helens certainly caused a lot of damage, didn't it?
input: Please answer the following: W: Come on, George. Isn't that color too bright for me? M: Then how about this one? W: Oh, I'm afraid this color is too light. It easily gets dirty. M: Well, well, Zhu, you're being a bit difficult. W: What would you say if I buy this one? M: It's nice. Try it on. Now you look quite smart, but doesn't it feel a bit tight at the shoulders? W: Yeah. Let's see if there's a larger size. Well, they don't seem to have anything larger. M: Why don't we go and ask that salesgirl over there? I think she can help us. What was said before this conversation?
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output: M: Zhu, how do you like this coat?
Please answer this: M: It was hit by a car yesterday. W: Good God! Were you hurt? M: I'm all right. I was not riding it then. W: Oh, good for you! But what happened? M: I was in a hurry yesterday and I put the bike at the back of a car. W: The driver didn't see it and... M: And the bike was run over by the car. Both its wheels were damaged. They are being repaired now. W: It was lucky that you didn't get hurt. M: Yeah. But it's a pity I can't ride my bike this weekend. W: Oh. Did you have a weekend plan? M: Yeah. I planned to go sightseeing with friends by bike. W: Well, you can use mine if you'd like to. M: Thank you very much. What was said before this conversation?
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Answer: W: What's the matter? Your bike is in bad shape.
Problem: Woman: Wow! Do we really need all this stuff? Let me see that receipt. Man: Hey, I only bought the essentials. Woman: Okay. Let's see. Dog food. Twenty-four dollars and seventy cents ($24.70)? We don't even have a dog! Man: Well, it WAS going to be a surprise, but look in the back of the truck. Woman: What? Man: Ah, ha, hah. Speechless. I knew you'd love him. Woman: That thing? That dog's as big as a horse. He probably eats like one, too. Man: Ah, but he's sure friendly. And someone was giving him away at the supermarket, and I... I... I couldn't let that poor thing pass another day without a loving home. Woman: Whatever. Where was I? Eighteen dollars and nineteen cents ($18.19) for twenty-four cans of tomato juice? You don't even like that stuff! Man: Ahhhh. Not yet. I've decided to change my eating habits. Woman: Right. Man: You'll see, you'll see. Woman: Okay. Let's see. Three eighty-four ($3.84) for a box of chocolate cookies and twelve fifty-six ($12.56) for a case of soft drinks. [Yeah!] Changing your eating habits, huh? Do you really think that cookies are some type of diet food? Man: Hey, I'll just eat a cookie or two every other hour. In fact, they're a great source of carbohydrates for energy. And, you see, the tomato juice and cookies kind of, you know, cancel each other out. Woman: Oh brother. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Let's see. Where was I? A carton of eggs, two fifty ($2.50) for a gallon of milk, three cans of tuna. Okay. [Yeah.] And finally two steaks for eight fourteen ($8.14). Now, something worth enjoying. I'll get the grill started. Man: Oh, we... w... well. The steaks are for Herbert. Woman: Herbert. Who's Herbert? Man: Uh, he's the dog. [No!] You see, the previous owner said that he's kind of... he's somewhat picky about what he eats, [No!], and the steaks might help him adjust [Absolutely not!].... no, no, no, and the steaks might help him adjust to his new home. Hey, what are you doing? Oh, no. Why did you throw the steaks out on the ground outside? Woman:... What was said before this conversation?

A: Man: Hey. Can you give me a hand with the groceries? And I told you I could do the shopping.
Problem: Given the question: M: No, thank you. But we have a small problem. Can you help us? W: Sure. What can I do for you? M: We are looking for a hotel. Are there any hotels near here? W: Yes, there are some hotels in the street. The nearest one is next to the bank. It's quite modern. M: Do you think there're any inexpensive ones nearby? We're leaving tomorrow morning. W: Yes. Drive west for about two minutes and you will find a grey building on the right side. It's a traditional family style hotel, very comfortable, and the price is quite reasonable. M: It sounds nice. Thank you very much for your help. W: That's all right. What was said before this conversation?
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The answer is:
W: Good evening, sir, madam. A table for two?
Problem: M: I'm sorry you feel that way. But my mother insists that he come. What was said before this conversation?

A:
W: I really can't stand the way David controls the conversation all the time. If he's going to be at the Christmas party, I just won't come.