Q: M: By how much? W: It looks to me as if it's getting on for almost 400 pounds. M: Oh, does that mean we won't be able to get our holiday? W: I honestly don't think that we could afford to go really. M: But we haven't had a holiday for three years! Just because we can't afford it. W: That's true. M: I was really looking forward to this holiday... three weeks in Barbados at Christmas-warmth, sea, sunshine. W: I know. So was I. M: Can't we ask your mother for the money? Can't we borrow the money from somewhere for the holiday? W: Well, You know we're still in debt over the car. And we've always said we wouldn't borrow money for things that weren't absolutely essential. A holiday isn't essential. M: I really feel it is this time. W: Well, let's look at cheaper holidays then. Let's look at somewhere closer to home, right. Let's look at Europe. M: Well, there's no point in going to Europe at Christmas, is there? W: Well, you said you wanted to get away from the cold here. Well, you only want to go where it's hot and sunny? M: Yes, I want some warmth. W: Oh, I think we ought to borrow the money from your mother. M: I don't want to talk about it anymore. Let's discuss it some other time. What was said before this conversation?
A: W: We've overspent dreadfully this month.
Question: M: Fine, thanks, Mrs Downs. How is your boy, Mike? W: He is a bit tired. You know, he goes to school at eight o'clock every morning. He doesn't get home until after four. Then he does his homework after tea. It often takes him a couple of hours to finish it. M: Poor boy. They work hard at school nowadays, don't they? Does he like it? W: You mean the school? Yes, he does. He likes his teachers and classmates. M: Does he go to school by bus? W: No, he walks. He likes walking. He meets some of his friends at the corner and they go together. M: What does he do when it rains? W: My husband takes him in the car. He passes the school on the way to the office. What was said before this conversation?
Answer: W: Hello, Mr Brown. How are you?
[Q]: Mum: I'm getting something ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow is Tre e-planting Day. Li Ming: Tree-planting Day? What do people do on this day, Mum? Mum: Many, many people will go and plant trees. Li Ming: Why do they do tha t? Mum: To make the earth more beautiful. And to make our life better. Li Ming: But I often see people on TV cut down many big trees. Why do they do that, Mum? Mum: Hm, to make paper, houses, and to make our life better. Li Ming: To make our life better, too? I just don't understand. Mum, why do many people go and plant trees on the same day? Mum: Oh, my dear son. It's hard to explain to you. When you grow up, you will understand. Just remember trees are very important to us. What was said before this conversation?
****
[A]: Li Ming: What are you doing, Mum?
input: Please answer the following: W: It sure is. But you'll have to put in a lot of hours. So you must leave some room in scheduling your time. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++
output: M: I'd like to sign up for some voluntary work with the environment council. I hear it is a great way to connect with the community.
Please answer this: M: Yes, but you know what the traffic is like this time of the evening. W: He said he is trying not to be late. Why does he always do this? I've had enough this time. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++
Answer: W: Look, it's already 8. Jim said he'd be here by 7.
Question: Woman: Yeah. We met on campus last week, [Yeah!] and you asked me the same question. Man: Oh, oh really? I'm really sorry, but I'm terrible with names. But, but, but... Let me guess. It's Sherry, right? Woman: No, but you got the first letter right. Man: I know, I know. It's on the tip of my tongue. Wait. Uh, Sandy, Susan. [Nope. So, was I that memorable?] Wait, wait. It's Sharon. Woman: You got it... and only on the fourth try. Man: So, well, Sh..., I mean Sharon. How are you? Woman: Not bad. And what was your name? Man: It's Ben, but everyone calls me B.J. And, uh, what do you do, Sh... Sharon? Woman: I'm a graduate student majoring in TESL. Man: Uh, TESL... What's that? Woman: It stands for teaching English as a second language. I want to teach English to non-native speakers overseas. Man: Oh, yeah. I'm pretty good at that English grammar. You know, verbs and adjectives, and uh... Hey, that's sound really exciting. And do you need some type of specific degree or experience to do that? I mean could I do something like that? Woman: Well, most employers overseas are looking for someone who has at least a Bachelor's degree and one or two years of experience. [Oh!] And what do you do? Are you a student on campus? Man: Yeah, but, uh... I guess I'm mulling over the idea of going into accounting or international business, but I guess I'm leaning now towards a degree in marketing. Woman: Oh, uh,... Well, I have to run. I have a class in ten minutes. Man: Oh, okay. And, uh, by the way, there's this, uh, dance on campus at the student center tonight, and I was wondering if you'd... you know... like to come along. Woman: Oh really? Well, perhaps... Man: Okay, well, bye. What was said before this conversation?
Answer:
Man: Hi. Uh, haven't we met before? You look so familiar.