instruction:
In this task, you will be shown a conversation and a question. You need to answer the question and choose the correct option based on the conversation. "W" and "M" in the conversations stand for "woman" and "man".
question:
W: You know I've often wondered why people laugh at the picture of a big belly businessman slipping on a banana skin and falling on his bottom. We are to feel sorry for them. M: Actually, Laura, I think we laugh because we are glad it didn't happen to us. But of course there is also a kind of humorous satisfaction in seeing somebody self-important making a fool of themselves. W: Yes, and there are a lot of jokes about people who are too fat or physically handicapped, you know, deaf, or short-sighted things like that. After all, it's not really funny to be like that. M: Oh, I think that's because we're embarrassed. We don't know how to cope with the situation. Perhaps we are even a bit frightened we may get like that, so we laugh. M: What about the custard pie routine? W: What do you mean 'custard pie routine'? M: You know, all those old films where someone gets so outraged with his boss, He picks up a custard pie and plasters it all over the other person's face. W: That never makes me laugh much, because you can guess what's going to happen. But a lot of people still find it laughable. It must because of the sort of the thing we'd all love to do once in a while and never quiet have the courage to. M: I had an old aunt who used to throw cups of tea at people when she was particularly irritated. She said it relieved her feelings. W: It must have come a bit expensive. M: Not really. She took care never to throw her best china., Question: Why do many people find it funny to see someone throwing a custard pie on their boss's face? (A) They themselves would like to do it but don't dare to. (B) It's an opportunity for relieving their tension. (C) It's a rare chance for them to see the boss lose face.
answer:
(A) They themselves would like to do it but don't dare to.

question:
W: Sam, I think it's time for you to get a summer job. When I was your age, I started working at the pool. M: Mom, I really don't have time to work this summer. I am going to go to summer school and I need to practice skateboarding. Also, I want to go to the lake with Jeremy. W: Well, how are you going to pay to go to the lake? You are getting too old for us to give you money. You're not a young kid anymore! Also, college is very expensive these days. You should start saving money now - college is only three years away! M: OK, I'll apply for some jobs this weekend. Can you help me fill out job applications? W: Yes, I will help you. You should get an application from the supermarket on Walnut Street. Ms. Jacobs told me they are hiring students this summer., Question: What does Sam plan to do this summer? (A) Work at the pool. (B) Learn to skateboard. (C) Go to the lake with his mother.
answer:
(B) Learn to skateboard.

question:
W: Adam. I can see that you simply couldn't give up smoking. M: Nonsense. Smoking is the easiest thing in the world to give up. I've done it a hundred times., Question: What can we learn from the conversation? (A) The man found it easy to give up smoking. (B) The woman believed that the man could give up smoking. (C) The man couldn't give up smoking.
answer:
(C) The man couldn't give up smoking.