Problem: Read the below conversation. M: I think that intermarriage is a good idea. After all, we are living in a cosmopolitan country. We have so many different races living together peacefully, don't we? It is nothing new to us, and I feel that inter- marriage will work out W: Personally, I feel that it is not a very sound idea. It is difficult for two people of entirely different religions to live and share life together. They will face so many problems that it would be better if they don't get married in the first place. M: Of course there will be problems. Even two people of the same religion have problems. It is the same in this case. except that it will be slightly more difficult, I guess. W: I agree with you, Henry. Naturally, there will be arguments and personal differences. Marriage thrives on a give-and-take policy, so a couple will have to learn to adapt to each other's customs and traditions. M: That's right. Married people should be more tolerant towards each other and be willing to learn about each other's religion. Only then can understanding and acceptance be achieved ultimately. W: You talk as if it were very simple. It isn't, you know. I should know. as I am a child of a mixed marriage. M: All right, you tell us why is is not such a good idea. W: You see, Henry, it depends on the individuals concerned. If two people of different religions marry, they should be prepared for the consequences. It is only after marriage that the vast differences in the cultures begin to show. Little things, from food and clothes to bigger aspects like religious beliefs, tend to clash, leading eventually to a rift. Besides. there will be either personal pride or the reluctance to accept the other's views. It may lead to a big gap between the parents, and their children may suffer a lot in between. M: You have a point there. but I can also tell you of several such couples who are living happily together. What would the listener say?

A: W: I suppose that you are right. Intermarriage can lead to happiness or sorrow, depending on how it is handled.

Problem: Read the below conversation. M: Wow, I had no idea it was going to be so sunny here! I thought Alaska was supposed to be cold. W: Well, it is pretty cold for much of the year. But during the summer, it's just as warm as it is in states like Washington and Oregon. M: Interesting. The days are really long right now. I don't think the sun has been down for more than a few hours the whole time I've been here. W: Yeah, that's another interesting thing about the summers here. We're so far north that we're exposed to the sun for almost the entire day. In winter, the opposite is true. M: You mean it's dark the whole time? W: Well, not the whole time... but maybe for two-thirds of every day from December to February. M: Whoa! How do you make it through every year? As a California native, I wouldn't be able to handle that for more than one season! What would the listener say?

A: W: I guess I'm used to it. When I was a kid, it was pretty fun to play with flashlights and have campfires outside in the afternoon. I never noticed that life was worse because it was always dark.

Problem: Read the below conversation. W: If the weather is this hot tomorrow, we may as well give up the idea of playing tennis in the afternoon. What would the listener say?

A: M: Oh, I don't think it'll last long. The weather forecast says it will cloud over by mid-afternoon

Problem: Read the below conversation. M: Hi, Susan. How are you? I've been wondering when I'd run into you. What are you busy with? W: Nice to meet you here, Tim. I'm buying some Christmas gifts for those who work with me, but it's really a headache. M: Maybe I could give you some advice. Firstly, you'd better divide them into different groups-who were the people that are your friends as well as your workmates and who are the people you do not know well but you see pretty much daily. W: OK, then what should I do? M: For the friends, you want to get them personal gift. Do they like chocolate? W: This is what I always give, but I know Mary is on a diet. M: Does she like fruit or coffee? Anyway, think of the gift that you know your friend likes. W: Well, I think fruit is helpful to keep fit. What about the rest of them? M: Leave cards in their mailboxes or on their desks. W: Christmas cards? M: Yes, you can afford that. More importantly, it's true of them that you're thinking of them. What would the listener say?

A:
W: Thank you for your suggestion, Tim. You really have saved me and my money as well.