Problem: W: It's great. I really like it. M: How big is it? W: It's one big room, but it has a bathroom and a small kitchen, too. M: How far is it from the office. W: It's only about 10 minutes. M: 10 minutes by bus or by car? W: On foot. I walked to work this morning. I was 10 minutes early. M: You are lucky. I was 10 minutes late. W: What happened M: All the buses came late. W: What did Susan say? M: She was late too. W: What happened to her? M: She took the train, and it was late too. W: Well then you're really lucky after all. But what are you going to do tomorrow. M: I'll start 15 minutes earlier. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: Hi, Lily, how's your new flat?
Problem: Given the question: M: I am afraid I can't. I have to visit my friend in hospital tomorrow. What was said before this conversation?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The answer is:
W: We are going fishing tomorrow. Would you like to go with us?
input question: M: I'm sorry, Mary. But I came home quite late yesterday about half past nine in the evening. Jim and Betty invited me to go for a picnic. W: Oh, how lovely, Tom! And did you like the picnic? M: Yes, I liked it very much. W: When did you leave, Tom? M: Jim and Betty came in their car about ten o'clock in the morning, and we left soon afterwards. W: And where did you go for the picnic? M: We went to National Park. W: Oh, it's lovely in National Park at this time of the year. M: Yes, and the sun shone all day. W: There's a river in National Park; did you have your lunch near the river? M: Yes, we had lunch near the river. Then, after lunch, we went for a walk along the river. Then we climbed up to the top of a hill, and looked at the beautiful view. W: What did you do then, Tom? M: Well, we went back to the car, and we drove to another part of National Park, and we had afternoon tea there. Then we started to drive home. W: Oh, you left early! M: Yes, Mary. But it took a long time to reach home because there was a lot of traffic on the road. W: Well, that was a lovely day's outing. M: Yes, I had a very good time. What was said before this conversation????
output answer: W: Tom, I rang you yesterday, but you were out.
W: Hi, David. Not so well as I expected. I've left my position. I can't bear the rudeness of my boss any longer. M: What are you going to do then? W: No idea. Anyway, I have to think about it seriously. And you, David? M: I've been very successful as a dancer. I like this kind of life. It is so exciting. W: You can't do it forever. M: No, but I've decided to open a dance school once I'm over the top. Our younger dancers need better training. W: That's a wonderful idea! What was said before this conversation?
----
Answer: M: Hi, Susan. Haven't seen you for ages. How are you getting along with your work?
Q: Customer: Uh, I'm just looking. Merchant: Well, how about a ring for someone special? Customer: There IS no one special. Merchant: Well, take a look at this CD player. A great bargain today only. Customer: Nah. I already have one, plus the handle is cracked. Merchant: Okay. Well what about this genuine leather jacket? It would look great on you. Customer: Hum. Let me take a look at it. Merchant: Sure. Customer: Umm. There are stains on the sleeves. I'll pass. Merchant: Well okay. Well, wouldn't you like to walk home with some of these great records? Some of the best hits from the 1960's. Customer: Yeah, let's see. [Yeah] Now here's something I'd ... Ah, these records are scratched. Merchant: [Laughter] Just in a couple places. Listen. I'll sell you these ten records for fifty dollars. A steal! Customer: Whoa! They're way too expensive. I'll give you twenty-five bucks for them. Merchant: Ah, come on. I can't charge you less than thirty dollars and break even. Customer: Well, that guy over there is selling similar records for a much better price [Ah!], so thanks anyway. Merchant: Wait, wait, wait, wait. You drive a hard bargain. Twenty-eight dollars, and that's my final offer. Customer: Huh ... I'll think about it. Merchant: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Listen. I'll even throw in this vase. Customer: Now what am I going to do with a vase? Merchant: Well, you can give it to that someone special when you find her... and this ring would look great with it. Customer: Oh, I'll stick with the records. What was said before this conversation?
A: Merchant: Well hi there. What are you looking for today?
[Q]: W: Where would you like to go? M: Well, maybe somewhere warm and sunny. W: How about a tour to Southeast Asia? What was said before this conversation?
****
[A]:
M: Hi, I'm thinking of taking a trip during the Christmas holidays.