Problem: M: Certainly, here you are. What was said before this conversation?

A: W: Excuse me. May I have a piece of paper, please?

Problem: M: It's nice to sit down. We've been walking for hours. W: Did you like the White House? M: Oh, yes. I thought it was beautiful. I wanted to stay longer. W: I did, too. But we've got a lot of things to see. M: The line wasn't long this morning, was it? W: No, it wasn't. We were lucky. M: I wonder if the president and his family use the rooms we saw. They look more like a museum than somebody's house. W: Yes. They are the public rooms. The President's family lives upstairs. M: What do they use the public rooms for? W: For important affairs. The President usually entertains members of the government and visitors from other countries. M: I hope I could get a reception at the White House some time. W: Well, if you do something important when you grow up, maybe you will. Who knows? What was said before this conversation?

A: W: Your father and Sally have gone to get the car. Let's wait for them here on the bench.

Problem: W: Yeah! It wouldn't have been the same watching this movie at home on TV. The huge screen and sound system in this theater really made a difference. M: And when the aliens started shooting lasers at the ship, I was like, whoa! I jumped back in my seat. They were so scary, with those big eyes and long, weird fingers. W: I hope I don't have nightmares tonight about being taken prisoner by aliens. M: Just remember - the astronauts won the battle. They defeated the aliens and saved the planet earth, so you don't have to worry. W: That's right! Hey, do you have any more popcorn left? M: I can't believe you're still hungry! We ate almost an entire large popcorn, plus candy and soda. W: I didn't eat lunch! Let's get some ice cream and see another movie. I want to watch the comedy about the talking cats. It's starting in 20 minutes! M: Or we could see the one about the prisoners breaking out of jail! W: No, I'd rather see something funny. M: OK, that sounds good. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: The special effects in that movie were so realistic! I felt like I was in outer space a few times.

Problem: M: Not too good. W: Well, the term exam is always more difficult. Work harder, and you'll certainly do better next time. M: I've worked hard enough, I think, but unluckily, I have never done well in the exam. W: Well, it's no use worrying about the exam now. Let's talk about the football game tonight. It's much more interesting. M: Is there a football game on TV tonight? W: Yes it's between the Chinese team and the Japanese team. M: ... Er I'd rather watch some other programmes. W: Why? You're so interested in football. M: The Chinese team has always played badly in the important match, just as I have done in the important exam. What was said before this conversation?

A:
W: Hello, John. How was your French exam yesterday?