[Q]: M: Well, I've always tried to employ local people to help the local industry. But because we are not province of Spain with little unemployment, I have to use people from outside the area, too. W: What about management style? Are you a hard manager, John? M: No, I don't think so. I've got strong character and as a manager, I am strong, but when I need to fire people, I give them five or... ten more chances. W: And what's the future for you? What will keep you going? M: For business, well, a new vice president joined the company two weeks ago, so I can devote more time to customers and new products. And privately, I have decided to improve my quality of life. I am thinking of taking every Wednesday afternoon off. This means I can do some training courses, more relaxing activities. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: W: John, just a few questions on your motivation. I know you developed your business with local people. What made you do that?

[Q]: M: Hello, Kate. Where's Jane? I want her to type this letter for me. W: I'm afraid she can't, Tom. She isn't working today. M: Oh, why? Is she ill? W: No. She's studying for an exam. M: An exam. Is she going to school? W: Yes, she is. She's learning Japanese in night school. M: I see. Are you going to night school, too? W: No, I'm not, not this year. But I'm thinking about taking a course next year. M: That's a good idea. Is it expensive? W: No, not very. Anyway, it's worth the money. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: W: [A knock at the door.] Come in, please.

[Q]: W: Sure. I need to return some books. They are due today. Besides, I can also read some weekly publications, magazines and newspapers. M: Great. We can go to the swimming pool in the gymnasium after that. W: Sounds a good idea. Summer is approaching. Today's temperature has reached 35 degree Centigrade. Are you good at swimming? M: Well, that's a good question. I haven't swum for almost two years. I think I need more practice. W: Oh, it's almost 9. I need to hurry. I am running late now. See you after class at the gate of the library then. Bye! M: See you then. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]: M: Hi, Jenny. We will have our midterm exams next month. I plan to look for some important books and study at the library. Do you want to join me?

[Q]: W: No, I never am, but... M: Wow! Your coat's very dirty! Did you fall? W: Yes, I had a terrible experience on the underground train. Listen to this! A man came up to me and pulled out a knife. He pointed it right at me! M: Oh, no! Are you all right? Did he hurt you? W: No, he didn't hurt me, but he took my handbag. M: Then what happened? What did you do? W: I caught hold of his knife, and he pushed me to the floor. M: Oh, no! Why did you catch hold of his knife? That's dangerous. W: I don't know. I didn't think. M: And what did the other passengers do? Did they help you? W: Yes, they did. Two men ran after the robber and held him. M: Did the police come? W: Yeah. The conductor called a policeman, and he took the robber to the police station. M: What a story! Thank God you're all right. What was said before this conversation?
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[A]:
M: Hello, Joan. Why are you late today? You are never late for work.